How much gas does a standing pilot light use?
Out on Leicester's rural properties, many homes are on propane, and there a standing pilot is a more noticeable trickle than on a gas main — propane costs more per unit. But here's the local twist: on remote lots with limited electrical capacity, a millivolt standing pilot is often the deliberate choice, because it heats with no electricity at all.
On propane, the pilot draws a bit more
Leicester is mixed-fuel, and out on the large rural properties propane is common. Because propane runs pricier per unit of energy than natural gas, a standing pilot that never goes out is a slightly more visible draw on your tank than it would be on a city main. It's still a small flame — the cost is about round-the-clock time, not size — but on propane it adds up a touch faster, which is why some folks out here shut it off over a mild spell to stretch a fill.
Limited power? The pilot is a feature, not a flaw
Here's what sets Leicester apart. Some remote properties out toward Sandy Mush and Turkey Creek have limited electrical capacity, and that changes the calculus. A millivolt fireplace with a standing pilot needs no household electricity to run — the pilot itself generates the millivoltage that opens the gas valve — so it keeps heating through an outage and doesn't lean on a circuit you may not have to spare. On a home like that, the small continuous gas draw is a worthwhile trade for true grid-independence, and often the right call over electronic ignition.
Wood, propane, or gas — your setup
Wood heat is popular out here too, and a wood-burner has no pilot at all. Whatever mix you run, we'll match it to your property, your power, and those cold-drainage valley nights that run 5 to 8 degrees below Asheville. As your licensed gas contractor we handle the propane connection and the Buncombe County permit. We're 15 minutes west. Call (828) 545-0525.
Fireplace help in Leicester
We install and service fireplaces throughout Leicester and the rest of Buncombe County — just 15 minutes west from our Asheville-area showroom.
Related questions
- Should I leave my gas fireplace pilot light on all summer or turn it off?
- Does the pilot light give off enough heat to warm up the room in summer?
- Are there benefits to leaving the pilot lit year-round, like keeping moisture and spiders out?
- How do I shut the pilot light off for the summer?
- Does turning the flame down make my gas fireplace use less gas?