If you turned off the pilot light in your fireplace last spring, now is the time to turn it back on. And it’s an easy process.

First, open the access panel under the fireplace and locate the valve on the gas line (the handle is usually red). Turn the valve handle 90° so it’s parallel to the gas line. (The photo at right shows the “open” position.)

Second, turn the control dial to “Pilot,” then push it in and keep the control dial in the pushed-in
position.

Third, press the red starter button repeatedly until the pilot light starts. Look through the glass in the fireplace to confirm that the pilot light is lit. Then you can release the control dial.

Fourth, let the pilot light burn for about five minutes, then turn the control dial to “On.”

Finally, turn on the fireplace flame to confirm that everything’s working, and then close the access panel.