If you have a gas fireplace, make sure to turn off the pilot light in the warmer months when the fireplace is not in use. It’s one of those things that could easily go unnoticed, but we figure we are saving about $8-$10 a month by turning off the pilot light for our gas fireplace during the warmer months. True, not a huge savings, but still, if we don’t use the fireplace for 6 months out of the year that’s an annual savings of $60! And, when it comes to saving money, it’s not just one little thing–it’s all the little things that start to add up over time.
Do any of YOU already do this?
~Mavis
P.S. The same goes for pilot lights on your furnace. If you don’t plan on firing that baby up, you might as well shut ‘er down. Just make sure to consult your manual to make sure that you have a type that can be easily turned off and re-lit.
Kellianne says
Also, that little flame produces quite a bit of heat. If you’re using air conditioning, it has to work harder to keep the room cool. Yes, we absolutely turn off the pilot light on the fireplace! We have a new furnace and I believe the pilot light is electronic, like the stove.
Wendi says
This post really caught my eye so I wanted to offer a bit of caution. When installing a hot water heater to replace my oil heated water my plumber told me to flip the switch and turn off my oil furnace for the summer. Big, HUGE mistake! Those systems need use to keep the parts working. Water sat in my system and rusted out internal parts and caused others to seize. I’d suggest checking with your furnace guy before shutting off any system for the season. I’m sure there are many systems that shut down effectively but not mine.
Also, when shutting off the pilot for propane appliances, please be super cautious about spiders and their webs. They love to get into those lines and have their little ones. If they get in there and block the line, relighting the pilot without cleaning the line could cause an explosion.
I hate the cost of keeping the pilot and oil furnace burning…but I hate the cost of cleaning, repairing and replacing more.
Michelle says
Its a great idea in theory, but I’ve also heard that it can do more harm than good. One thing I was told was that condensation can occur and cause damage to the lighting mechanism. I go so far as to turn my propane fireplace on for just a few minutes a month to make sure everything is working so we don’t have any surprises when we actually need it!