Should I Switch My Fireplace's Pilot Mode?

Let's talk about your gas fireplace. There are two types of ignition systems, standing pilot or millivolt and electronic ignition. In the millivolt systems, the pilot can be on 24/7; if that's what you have, you're all set! However, most new gas fireplaces, stoves, and inserts have electronic ignition systems with multiple pilot modes.

These systems have two modes for your pilot light: Intermittent Pilot Ignition (IPI) and Continuous Pilot Ignition (CPI). For those of you who have an electronic ignition system, it's time to put your fireplace in continuous pilot mode. Not only does CPI make your appliance easier to start in the cold, there are other benefits:

Benefits of Continuous Pilot Mode

A fire burns in a FireplaceX 6015 gas fireplace with glass burner media and driftwood logs. Installed in Hiwan in Evergreen, CO.

Continuous Pilot Maintains Draft in Your Chimney

Keeping your pilot mode set to continuous during the colder months helps maintain a draft in your direct-vent gas system. Direct vent gas units are sealed systems and do not mix air with your living environment. This means that when it's cold outside, the firebox of your fireplace is colder than the interior of your home. A hot flue is a happy flue. It is easier for a fireplace to ignite and better for the components when the pilot warms the firebox and creates draft.

Choosing the Right Pilot Mode Reduces Moisture in Your Fireplace

Additionally, when it is cold outside and your pilot is off, moisture collects in your fireplace and venting. This is evident on a cold start when you can see condensation on the glass front. Water vapor is a normal byproduct of combustion. When your fireplace doesn't exhaust the water vapor using a continuous pilot, droplets collect in your fireplace and venting. The internal electrical components in the fireplace can become rusted and damaged due to this condensation.

Continuous Pilot Keeps Your Chimney Cap Clear of Snow

If it is snowing and your pilot light is on, the warmth from the pilot will melt the snow off your termination so it is not covered in snow.

CPI Increases Fireplace Reliability

Finally, in CPI, your fireplace can start during a power outage. Electronic ignition systems require electricity to light the pilot. If the pilot is already lit during a power outage, your fireplace burner can start right up and heat your home! Although newer units often have a battery backup that can light the pilot during a power outage, keeping your fireplace in CPI mode is the most reliable way to keep your unit up and running in a pinch.

A fire burns brightly in a Kozy Heat Chaska Gas insert that we installed in Evergreen, CO.

Keeping your pilot on during the winter is the best way to ensure your fireplace will start right when you want it to and to reduce wear and tear on the unit. If you need assistance changing your fireplace from IPI to CPI, check your owners manual, watch this helpful video, or give us a call at (303) 679-1601. If you're looking for a new fireplace, stove, or insert, visit our retail showroom, Mountain Hearth & Patio, at 7001 Highway 73 or visit the Mountain Hearth & Patio website at MtnHP.com.

Evaporative Cooler Winterization

Evaporative Cooler Winterization - Littleton CO - Mountian Man Fireplace

An evaporative cooler is a system that uses evaporated water to cool down the air around you, lowering your need for regular air conditioning. It also allows more moisture into the air which can be a real benefit in dryer climates. All in all, it’s a very effective and cost-efficient cooling process that many homeowners are taking advantage of. That being said, your evaporative cooler needs maintenance and regular care to operate efficiently with every season.Now, come wintertime, there’s little need for an evaporative cooler (or any type of air conditioning system), especially here in Colorado. Since it won’t be put to use, it’s important to ensure it’s protected from the elements and properly winterized, so that you start it up again easily when temperatures rise in the spring and summer.Well, here at Mountain Man Fireplace & Chimney, we’re now trained and qualified to help you out with this! Learn more about the process below, then contact us with any questions. Cold winds and snowfall will be here before we know it, so now is the time to call.

Why Winterization Is Important

So, how necessary is this service? Winterization is something that will keep your cooler lasting longer and working more efficiently year after year, making it well worth the investment. One reason it’s important is so that the water lines don’t get frozen. This could lead to struggles come summer, and the last thing we want to see is a homeowner with an evaporative cooler that doesn’t work on those first warm days.This process will also keep the unit from rusting, and it allows our professionals the chance to clean out the interior of the system, as well, guaranteeing fewer problems when the seasons change. All in all, it prolongs the life on the appliance significantly and makes the transition to hot weather a lot easier. It’s a smart investment to make and will leave you lower energy bills this summer. Make the right choice and count on us!

Why Trusting A Professional Is Key

If you’ve already started winterizing your home for the cold months ahead, you may be asking yourself is evaporative cooler winterization is something you could handle yourself. This is not something we recommend, even for the most knowledgeable do-it-yourselfer. This process includes turning off the water, removing certain parts of the appliance, disconnecting various electrical components, properly covering the cooler, and a whole lot more.One slip-up could lead to bigger issues down the line and, come summertime, you may find yourself with a unit that doesn’t work. This is obviously less than ideal and will only lead to more bills and stressful repair work. It’s always better to invest in affordable care earlier on than expensive and avoidable repairs down the line. Talk with our team to today, and we’ll get an appointment for you on the books. Thanks for depending on Mountain Man Chimney for it all!