Few things can make you appreciate the convenience of modern living like losing power. With severe weather a common occurrence in many areas of the country, losing power—and subsequently, heat—can be a very real concern.
If you or a loved one is dealing with heat loss, know that you’re likely in good shape to generate heat during a power outage if you have a wood-burning fireplace or stove and plenty of cord wood on hand.
If you have a gas fireplace or stove with a standing pilot, it will light during a power outage since it doesn’t require electricity to activate the pilot flame. If your gas fireplace was manufactured in recent years, it may have an energy-saving intermittent pilot ignition system, which requires electricity to spark the pilot flame each time the fireplace is used.
IntelliFire Ignition System with Battery Backup
Many models, such as Heat & Glo gas fireplaces and gas inserts are outfitted with IntelliFire or IntelliFire Plus ignition systems, which have battery backup systems that can be used to light the pilot during a power outage.
Generally, IntelliFire systems require two D-cell batteries, and IntelliFire Plus systems require four AA batteries. If you have a wireless remote control, or a wall switch with a display, find the control box in the lower controls of the fireplace or behind the stove.
You will find a switch that slides between ON, OFF and REMOTE; slide this to ON for the appliance to operate with the power off. If you have questions, consult your owner’s manual or contact your local dealer.
When power is back, remove the batteries for next time. Batteries should be used as a power source only in the event of a power outage, as battery longevity can be affected by the temperatures of the appliance.
Remember that fireplaces and stoves produce heat, so be sure no flammable objects are near them, and please keep children a safe distance away.
If you have a Kozy Heat gas fireplace with an IPI Valve system installed in your home, your fireplace should also operate during a power loss.
IPI Valve System with Battery Backup
A gas fireplace with an intermittent pilot ignition (IPI) valve system will remain operational during a power outage. An IPI valve system is an energy-saving electronic system that utilizes an electrode to ignite your pilot gas. After being sparked by electricity, the pilot flame then lights your main burner gas. The pilot flame is present only when your main burner is in operation. Thus, when the burner is not on, neither is the pilot. The IPI system makes sure that your pilot flame extends over your burner so that the gas is immediately ignited, and it ensures that energy is being conserved when you are not using the appliance.
If you choose a fireplace with an IPI valve system, note that you’ll need batteries in the system’s battery backup in order for your fireplace to work when your home suddenly loses power. Also, if your fireplace comes with a fan kit or lights, these items won’t work when you lose power.
Sources:
www.heatnglo.com/ideas/using-your-fireplace-or-stove-during-a-power-outage
www.kozyheat.com/will-my-gas-fireplace-operate-if-i-lose-power/
