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How much does it cost for a pilot light to stay on in gas fireplace?

Published in Gas Fireplace Costs 3 mins read

How much does it cost for a pilot light to stay on in a gas fireplace?

Keeping a gas fireplace pilot light continuously lit can cost approximately $7 per month, totaling around $84 per year, based on an average natural gas price of $1 per therm.

The Cost of a Gas Fireplace Pilot Light

A pilot light in a gas fireplace is a small, continuous flame designed to quickly ignite the main burner when you want to use the fireplace. While convenient, this constant flame consumes a small amount of natural gas, which contributes to your utility bill.

Understanding the Energy Consumption

The energy consumed by a pilot light is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs) and typically billed in therms. One therm is equivalent to 100,000 BTUs.

  • Daily Consumption: A pilot light might consume around 24,000 BTU per day.
  • Monthly Consumption: This daily consumption adds up to approximately 720,000 BTU per month.
  • Monthly Therms: Converted to therms, this amounts to about 7.2 therms per month.

Estimated Monthly and Annual Costs

The actual monetary cost depends on your local natural gas rates, which vary by utility provider and region. Based on an example gas price of $1 per therm, the costs are as follows:

Metric Consumption Estimated Cost (at $1/therm)
Monthly Therms 7.2 therms ~$7
Annual Therms 86.4 therms ~$84

Therefore, leaving the pilot light on for an entire month could cost you around $7, and over a full year, this expense could reach approximately $84.

Factors Influencing the Cost

The primary variable in the cost of keeping a pilot light on is the price of natural gas itself. Gas prices can fluctuate due to:

  • Market conditions: Supply and demand dynamics.
  • Seasonal changes: Higher demand in winter often leads to higher prices.
  • Geographic location: Prices vary significantly across different states and regions.
  • Utility provider rates: Different companies have different pricing structures.

To determine your precise cost, check your natural gas bill for your current rate per therm.

Is it Worth Turning Off Your Pilot Light?

The decision to turn off your gas fireplace pilot light typically involves weighing convenience against potential savings.

  • Convenience: A constantly lit pilot light means instant access to your fireplace whenever you want to use it, without the need for manual relighting.
  • Energy Savings: If you seldom use your fireplace, especially during warmer months (e.g., spring and summer), turning off the pilot light can save you gas and reduce your utility bills. Over five to six months of non-use, you could save approximately $35 to $42.
  • Relighting Process: If you turn it off, you will need to follow your fireplace's instructions to relight it when you wish to use it again. This process can vary by model but typically involves holding down a button and lighting the pilot with an igniter or match.

Many homeowners choose to turn off their pilot light during the off-season to conserve energy and reduce costs, and then relight it when the colder months arrive.