Will My Gas Fireplace Work During a Power Outage in Bandon?

October is a good time to verify that your home’s backup heating option is ready before the coastal storm season arrives. Depending on whether your gas fireplace has a battery backup, it may or may not be able to operate during an outage. You can check your owner’s manual or reach out to Alpha Heating & Air to see if your gas fireplace can operate during an outage.

Will a gas fireplace work during a power outage? How can you prepare for winter? To learn more about what to expect and how to prepare, read on.

The Answer Depends on Your Fireplace’s Ignition and Venting

So, will a gas fireplace work during a power outage? It depends on what type of ignition and venting your fireplace has.

Standing-Pilot Systems May Operate Without Household Power

A standing pilot light is designed to burn continuously and does not require household electricity to remain lit. Thanks to this pilot light, the burner can still function without electricity. However, this also depends on the configuration of the appliance and controls.

You can’t confirm whether a fireplace will function in an outage by just seeing a wall switch or a visible pilot light. Instead, you should always check your model’s manual to determine if your fireplace will work during an outage or not.

Electronic Ignition May Need an Approved Battery Backup

The answer to “Does a gas fireplace need electricity?” is also going to depend on whether your ignition has an approved battery backup. Some systems have a manufacturer-designed battery backup.

However, it should be noted that a gas fireplace battery backup and batteries in a handheld remote aren’t the same thing. You should check your manual to determine if there are batteries installed that power the fireplace’s ignition or controls. If you are uncertain about how your gas fireplace is set up, one of our technicians can evaluate your setup to see if your fireplace will work during an outage.

Power-Vented Models Can Have Additional Electricity Requirements

Your venting setup will also determine if it is safe to use your fireplace during an outage. Some fireplaces use a powered exhaust system, which means that they can’t operate on ignition batteries alone. You should never try bypassing the interlock or running the burner if your venting equipment isn’t running because of the health and safety hazards involved.

Why the Flame May Work While the Fan Does Not

A standing pilot for a fireplace without power may work fine, but the actual fireplace may not function the same as normal. When the gas fireplace’s fan is not working during a power outage, your heat distribution and comfort can be affected. Many systems are designed with electricity-based components, like accent lights and circulation blowers, that will not work during an outage.

In this instance, the fireplace may be designed to operate without power, but some of its features won’t work. While it might affect your comfort level, this isn’t an issue as long as it is how the manufacturer designed your fireplace to function.

However, it should be noted that optional room-air fans are not the same as required exhaust fans. If the exhaust fan isn’t working, you should immediately stop using the fireplace until the power comes on and it is safe to use it again.

What to Check Before the Next Coastal Storm

October is an ideal time for preparing your home for Oregon’s coastal storms and colder weather. Before storm season arrives, remember to perform the following checklist.

• Check the Model Number: While your unit is cool and off, locate the model number on the unit. Alternatively, you can find this model number in your owner’s manual.
• Confirm Outage Operation: Once you know the model number and have found the appropriate set of manufacturer’s instructions, you can determine whether the installed ignition, controls, and venting are able to safely function during a power outage.
• Determine the Correct Backup Arrangement: If your system has a battery backup, determine how it should be set up and the batteries required before an outage occurs.
• Read the Manufacturer’s Instructions: Many manufacturers have special rules about how the batteries should be used, stored, and removed. For example, you may not be able to keep the batteries installed all year.
• Verify That It Works: Before storm season arrives, you should test out the fireplace to see if it is fully functional. If not, you should schedule fireplace service.
• Check Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms: To ensure your family’s safety, it’s essential to test your alarms regularly. You should change the batteries as specified by the manufacturer.
• Talk to Your Fuel Provider: During a power outage, your gas supply may be affected. It’s a good idea to talk to your provider ahead of time to verify that fuel service will continue during an outage.

After an outage occurs, you should turn on your appliances again gradually. Additionally, you should check your main HVAC system after power returns to make sure it hasn’t been affected by the storm.

What If the Fireplace Will Not Start During an Outage?

Each gas fireplace is different. If your gas fireplace won’t start during an outage, you should start by checking your manual to see if it is able to work in an outage. For example, here’s an owner’s manual from a common gas fireplace. With this setup, you have to locate and turn on the battery pack during outages. If your fireplace has this option, it may seem unable to start if you follow the normal procedure instead of the backup procedure.

You should also verify the approved battery instructions in your manual. If your fireplace still won’t start, do not keep trying to start it. Because there are other reasons a gas fireplace may not start, you should always reach out for professional help if you can’t get your fireplace to start using basic troubleshooting steps. You should never attempt pilot assembly cleaning, wiring adjustments, or gas-valve adjustments on your own. Additionally, never use improvised power sources.

When Should You Avoid Using the Fireplace?

While gas fireplaces can be a source of warmth during an outage, there are potential safety risks if they aren’t used properly. As a homeowner, you should never try using an appliance that is visibly damaged. If it has been exposed to flooding, it is not safe to use.

Gas fireplaces rely on venting because of the danger that exhaust fumes pose. If you suspect venting problems, you should stop using the fireplace until a qualified professional has had a chance to look at it.

Additionally, you should immediately evacuate your home if you notice a gas odor or the CO alarm goes off. Once everyone is in a safe location, you should call your gas supplier or emergency services for help. Never continue attempting ignition if you smell gas or hear the CO alarm going off.

Confirm Your Fireplace’s Outage Capability Before You Need It

Will your gas fireplace work during a power outage? It depends on the fireplace’s design. As a Bandon homeowner, you should confirm your gas fireplace’s operation before storm season is here in full force. October is a good time to diagnose and resolve fireplace issues. By reaching out to Alpha Heating & Air, you can get help determining whether your fireplace works during an outage and get common issues repaired.

Call Alpha Heating and Air today at 541-238-2973 for gas services in Bandon.