Gas fireplace: pilot light on or off in summer?

Around The House

Homeowners often wonder about turning off the pilot light in their gas fireplace during the summer months when it is not in use. The final decision usually comes down to gas usage, residual heat and the possibility of attracting spiders.

Wasting Gas

Since there is a constant stream of gas required to keep the pilot light lit—turning it off will save gas. It’s not enough that you’ll notice any kind of significant drop in your monthly energy bills, but many people prefer to not waste any resources.

Residual Heat

The pilot light can produce enough heat to warm up the glass. While it’s unlikely to make a difference in your overall comfort—it’s a bit counterproductive to have the pilot light on while also running the air conditioner.

Nesting Spiders

There’s a possibility if you turn the gas pilot light off, you could attract spiders as spiders are attracted to the smell of gas. Some homeowners report that spider webs have prevented them from being able to restart their fireplaces in the fall.

In general, it’s recommended that homeowners turn the gas pilot light off for the spring and summer months, but if you prefer to keep it on, you likely won’t notice any significant changes in your monthly energy bills or home comfort.