Will a Gas Fireplace Operate During a Power Failure?

It is a scenario every homeowner in Southwestern Ontario knows too well. You are sitting in your living room in the middle of February. Outside, the wind is howling, and the snow is piling up against the door. Suddenly, the lights flicker and die. The hum of the refrigerator stops. The furnace goes silent.

In minutes, the temperature in your home starts to drop.

If you have a gas fireplace, you might be wondering: "Can I turn this on to stay warm?"

The short answer is YES. Unlike your modern furnace, which requires electricity to run its blower motor and control board, your gas fireplace is one of the few appliances designed to work when the grid goes down. However, how you get it started depends entirely on the age and model of your unit.

At My Fireplace, we want to ensure our customers in London, St. Thomas, and surrounding areas stay safe and warm this winter. Here is your complete guide to operating your gas fireplace during a power failure.

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Key Points Summary:

• Yes, most work: The vast majority of gas fireplaces (both natural gas and propane) will operate during a power outage because they do not rely on electricity for the flame itself.
• Know your ignition: Older "millivolt" systems work automatically. Newer "IPI" (electronic) systems require a battery backup to ignite.
• No fans: Your blower fan will not work without electricity, but the unit will still provide radiant heat to keep your room warm.
• Safety First: Always check your outdoor vents for snow and ice buildup after a storm to prevent Carbon Monoxide issues.
• Be Prepared: We recommend keeping fresh AA or D batteries on hand for your fireplace receiver before winter storm season hits London and St. Thomas.

The Two Types of Ignition Systems

To start your fireplace during a blackout, you first need to identify which type of ignition system you have.

Millivolt Systems (Standing Pilot)

If your fireplace is more than 10-15 years old, it likely uses a Millivolt ignition system. This is the simplest and most reliable system for power outages.

• How it works: These units have a "standing pilot" light—a small blue flame that burns 24/7. This flame generates a tiny amount of electricity (millivolts) that holds the gas valve open.
• During an outage: Since the pilot is already generating its own power, your wall switch or remote should work exactly as normal. You don't need to do anything special. Just turn it on and enjoy the heat.

Intermittent Pilot Ignition (IPI)

Most modern fireplaces installed in the last decade (like our popular Valor or Kozy Heat models) use an electronic ignition system to save energy. These do not have a standing pilot light; instead, they spark to light the flame only when you call for heat.

• How it works: The unit requires electricity to create that initial spark.
• During an outage: You will need to use the Battery Backup feature.

How to Find and Use Your Battery Backup

If you have an electronic (IPI) fireplace, finding the battery backup is your priority before the lights go out.

Locate the Receiver: Usually, there is a small black box (the receiver) located behind the bottom louvres of your fireplace or mounted in a wall box.

Check for a Switch: Look for a slider switch on the receiver. It usually has three positions: ON / REMOTE / OFF.

• ‍REMOTE: This is the normal operating position.
• ON: This manually overrides the remote and forces the fireplace to turn on. If your remote isn't working during an outage, try sliding this switch to "ON."

Install Batteries: Most modern receivers have a battery compartment that takes 4 AA batteries. When the house power fails, the system automatically draws from these batteries to spark the pilot.

Pro Tip: Batteries can corrode over time due to the heat of the fireplace. We recommend checking these batteries every fall during your annual service maintenance.

👉 Need help locating your battery backup? If you bought your unit from us, our service team can walk you through it. Contact us today.

Radiant Heat vs. Convection Heat

One important caveat: Your blower fan will not work.

Most gas fireplaces have an electric fan that pushes warm air into the room (convection heat). Without electricity, this fan will be silent. However, the flame itself produces radiant heat—the same kind of heat you feel from the sun.

While it might not circulate air as aggressively as usual, a gas fireplace can easily heat a large living room to a comfortable temperature, keeping your family safe and preventing pipes from freezing in that zone of the house.

Critical Safety Checks During a Storm

Power outages in London are often caused by ice storms or heavy snowfall. While staying warm is a priority, safety must come first.

Check Your Outdoor Venting

Before you fire up the unit, put on your boots and check the exterior vent.

• Direct Vent Fireplaces: These vent horizontally through the wall. If snow has drifted against the side of your house, it could block the exhaust.
• Blocked Vents = CO Danger: A blocked vent can cause exhaust gases, including deadly Carbon Monoxide (CO), to back up into your home or cause the fireplace to shut down automatically.
• Roof Vents: If your fireplace vents vertically through the roof, it is generally less prone to snow blockage, but ice damming can still occur. If you suspect damage to your chimney or roof flashing after a storm, we recommend contacting a trusted local expert like Elgin Roofing to inspect the area safely.

Don't Run It 24/7 Unattended

Without the blower fan moving air, the firebox can get extremely hot. While modern units are designed to handle this, we recommend running the fireplace for shorter intervals to maintain a comfortable temperature rather than blasting it on "High" for 24 hours straight.

Planning a Renovation? Think About "Emergency Heat"

If you are currently building a new home or planning a basement renovation, choosing the right fireplace is about more than just aesthetics—it's about resilience.

We work with many top local builders, such as Collier Homes, who understand the value of installing reliable "zone heating" solutions in their custom builds. A gas fireplace acts as a self-sufficient backup plan for your home's heating grid.

If you are upgrading your basement or living room, ensure your contractor accounts for the gas line installation early in the process. For complex gas piping needs during a remodel, partnering with certified professionals like Your Plumber ensures your gas supply is sized correctly to run both your furnace and your new high-efficiency fireplace simultaneously.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use my gas fireplace indefinitely during a power outage? A: Yes, as long as you have a fuel supply (natural gas or propane). However, without the blower fan to circulate air, the unit will rely on radiant heat. We recommend monitoring the room temperature and turning the unit off if the room becomes uncomfortably hot.

Q: Why is my remote control not working during the blackout? A: If your remote isn't working, the batteries in the receiver (the box under the fireplace) may be dead. Try replacing the batteries in the receiver tray. If that doesn't work, look for the manual "ON/OFF" switch on the receiver box to bypass the remote.

Q: Will my electronic ignition (IPI) fireplace use up my batteries quickly? A: The batteries are only used for the moment of ignition (sparking). Once the flame is lit, the batteries are not being drained significantly. A fresh set of AA batteries can last for weeks of operation during an outage.

Q: Is it safe to sleep with the gas fireplace on during a power outage? A: While gas fireplaces are sealed and safe, we generally recommend turning them off or turning the thermostat down significantly before sleeping. This conserves fuel and prevents the room from overheating without the fan to distribute the warmth.

Q: My fireplace is beeping. What does that mean? A: A beeping sound usually indicates that the backup batteries in your receiver are running low. Replace them immediately to ensure your fireplace is ready for the next emergency.

Conclusion: Be Storm Ready

We can't predict when the next ice storm will hit London, but we can help you prepare for it. A gas fireplace is one of the best investments you can make for peace of mind. It turns a scary power outage into a cozy, memorable evening by the fire.

If you are unsure if your fireplace has a battery backup, or if it has been years since your last inspection, don't wait until the lights go out.

👉 Book your service appointment with My Fireplace today.