One of the most convenient types of fireplaces today is a gas fireplace. With a gas fireplace homeowners need not be burdened with buying wood, splitting and stacking it, and cleaning up the ashes after use not to mention the constant dusting. In addition there is no foul smelling smoke to deal with. First time homeowners often do not know how to start a gas fireplace simply because they do not have the experience.

A gas fireplace is simple and easy and requires very little maintenance. It is one way to enjoy the warmth and beauty of a great fire that can be compared to a traditional wood burning fireplace. The flame of a gas fireplace is usually a yellow-orange flame but you can choose a unit that creates a blue and hotter flame. However, knowing how to start a gas fireplace the first time or when the gas has been turned off can be a little tricky.

There are two options available if you choose to have a gas fireplace. There are vented gas fireplaces or the unvented. For each of these fireplaces there are many designs to choose from such as a stove type, gas logs, or a unit that can be mounted on the wall.

The gas logs fireplaces are normally vented to allow any harmful gases produced during the burning process to be vented out of the house. These are ideal for fireplaces with chimneys although they can still be used in homes without a usable chimney. Gas log fireplaces should not be used in an old fireplace that was originally meant for a wood burning fireplace or wood burning stove because of the hazards involved.

Venting is still possible for homes without a chimney by installing a special pipe. Another option is direct venting which entails the use of a double layered pipe. The pipe runs through a hole in the wall just behind the fireplace or slightly above the unit.

Vent free gas log fireplaces are capable of producing a very hot flame but with low levels of carbon emissions and soot. They have an oxygen depletion sensor that turns off the gas before the carbon monoxide in the room reaches a hazardous level. These fixtures should be housed in a masonry structure or in a special firebox that is similar to a hearth.

Care should be taken when using vent free gas log fireplaces as they create a great deal of heat in a confined space. Fireplace doors should remain open during use and combustible materials should be kept away from the area.

How to start a gas fireplace:

· The most common gas fireplace has a wall switch to turn the fireplace on and off after it has been lit the first time.

· On the regulator there is a manual on/off selector knob that has three positions; an off position, a pilot position, and an on position. There are detailed instructions placarded next to the regulator for lighting the unit.

· Insure that the wall on/off switch is in the off position and the gas is turned on before starting. There usually is a shut off valve in the gas supply line a few inches before the line connects to the regulator.

· Turn the on/off valve on the regulator to the pilot position and hold it depressed while you push the ignition switch. This may take a few attempts before the pilot lights.

· After the pilot lights you will have to hold the pilot valve depressed until the thermocouple becomes warm enough to keep the gas flowing to the pilot, usually about one minute.

· After the pilot light is warm release the spring loaded valve and the pilot should stay lit.

· After the pilot valve is lit turn the on/off valve on the regulator to the on position. Turn the wall on/off switch to on and the log should light, usually with a whoosh.

· Once the fireplace is lit for the first time you can turn it on or off from the wall switch.

That is all there is to staring a gas fireplace. I recommend that you turn of the gas to the fireplace during the summer season as the pilot light will consume a considerable amount of gas.

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