Battery Backup Systems for Gas Fireplaces

It’s National Preparedness Month – be ready for a power outage!

Every year at this time, we’re reminded to be prepared. Sponsored by FEMA, National Preparedness Month is about preparing for emergencies and keeping our families and communities safe.

You’ve been there: it’s winter, the power went out, and you have no way of knowing how long it will be before it’s restored. It’s an inconvenience for sure, but after a few hours it can also become a serious situation.

Be Ready to Use Your Fireplaces!

Many times, no power means no heat – and it can get cold in a hurry. With a little preparation, you can be ready this year. How you prepare will depend on what kind of hearth product you have.

Gas fireplaces with intermittent pilot ignition: If it was manufactured recently, it likely has an intermittent pilot ignition system, which requires electricity to spark the pilot flame each time it’s used. Many Heatilator models are outfitted with IntelliFire or IntelliFire Plus, which have battery backup systems for lighting the pilot during a power outage. You just need to make sure to have the right size batteries on hand. Generally, IntelliFire systems require two D cell batteries, and IntelliFire Plus systems require four AA batteries. Consult your owner’s manual to make sure you get the right size batteries, and also for step-by-step instructions

Gas fireplaces with standing pilot: If your fireplace has a standing pilot, it should light itself fine during a power outage since it doesn’t require electricity to activate the pilot flame. If you need to light it manually, consult your owner’s manual.

Keep in mind that batteries should be used only in the event of a power outage, as battery longevity can be affected by the temperature of the appliance. So, remove the batteries from your hearth product when you’re not using them during a power outage.

When it’s cold outside and there’s a power outage, we love and appreciate our hearth products more than ever. Be prepared and stay warm this winter!