Losing power has a way of making us appreciate the conveniences of modern living within a few hours, or a few minutes. As the weather turns colder, loss of heat can make it uncomfortable, or sometimes even impossible, to stay in our homes. At times like these, we appreciate our fireplaces and stoves more than ever.
Using Your Fireplace or Stove During a Power OutageIf you have a wood-burning fireplace or stove and lots of cord wood on hand, you are likely in good shape to generate heat during a power outage.
If you have a gas fireplace 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. Many models, such as
gas fireplaces and
inserts available from Heat & Glo, Heatilator and Quadra-Fire, 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. There will be 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 local hearth dealer.
Heat & Glo 8000 ModernPellet stoves and inserts require electricity to light the flame, and many models are available with battery backup systems. Examples are Quadra-Fire units outfitted with
Advanced Technology and the
Harman XXV. Consult the owner’s manual to determine battery requirements. Also, keep in mind that power outages can cause power surges that can damage circuit boards and motors. For this reason, it’s a good idea to unplug your pellet stove during a storm when it’s not in use, or plug it into a surge protector. Another option for lighting your stove is to plug it into a generator, if one is available.
Harman XXVBatteries 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. So, when your power is restored, remove the batteries and keep them handy for the next time you may need them.
Remember that fireplaces and stoves make fire heat, so be sure no flammable objects are near them, and please keep children a safe distance away.
If your hearth appliance has been exposed to water in any level, contact your local dealer.
If your hearth appliance has been exposed to water in any level, contact your local dealer.