Does Your Fireplace Have A Knob? Here's How To Use It

Few things in life are as relaxing as sitting in front of a roaring fire. But in between gazing at the flickering flames and enjoying the crackling sound, it's easy to become distracted by that round silver metal thing near the mantle. Why does your fireplace have a knob next to it? What does it do? It turns out that little fireplace knob is actually a key valve, and unless your gas fireplace turns on with a remote or at the flip of a switch, it won't work without it.

Gas fireplaces are great because they eliminate the hassle, mess, and smell of burning wood. Available in several styles, including both built-in and freestanding models, gas fireplaces mimic the look and feel of a traditional wood fireplace. Outfitted with ceramic logs that have outlet holes drilled into the bottom, gas fireplaces can also be an effective secondary heating system depending on whether you choose a vented or ventless model. Because they burn fuel instead of wood, caring for your gas fireplace is less involved than constantly emptying ashes out of a wood-burning one. Although you'll need to occasionally clean the logs and glass windows or doors, a gas fireplace knob performs a critically important job while requiring very little maintenance. It is responsible for turning the gas on and off, adjusting the flame height, and preventing children from accidentally lighting fires without adult supervision. Read on to learn more about how a fireplace gas valve knob works.

Located on the wall or floor next to your fireplace, a valve knob connects your home's main gas source to the fireplace itself. When the valve is closed, no gas flows in. To light a fire, you'll need to open it. Because it regulates the flow of gas to the burner, partially opening or closing the valve is how you can adjust the height of your flames. The more gas you allow in, the higher your flames will be.

You'll use a fireplace key to open and close the valve. If yours has gone missing, you can buy a replacement like the Stanbroil Universal 3-Inch Antique Copper Gas Valve Key from Amazon for under $10. Before lighting a fire, remember to check for any toys or other items that have mistakenly worked their way into the fireplace. If your gas fireplace has a chimney, you must also open the flue to allow carbon monoxide and other dangerous gases to escape. (If you have a ventless gas fireplace, you can skip this safety step.) 

Using a fireplace key is simple. First, insert it into the valve. Do not turn the key until you are ready to light a fire to avoid releasing too much gas into the room. Next, place an igniting tool like Mango Kingdom's Multi Utility Lighter next to the burner inside your fireplace. Then, trigger the flame while slowly turning the valve key. The pilot should light as soon as gas is released into the fireplace. Finally, turn the key to adjust the flames as desired.