Brian G Posted September 6, 2004 Report Share Posted September 6, 2004 I'm curious as to whether many of you guys try to light gas logs or not. I know the Standards don't require it, but sometimes I can't help feeling a little lame when telling a client I didn't try to light 'em. I guess they're pretty much all the same, but the details do vary and aren't always there. I like my eyebrows, I want to keep my eyebrows, but I want to go as far as I can for my clients too. Is this something best avoided, or should I dig in and learn all the tricks? Brian G. Allergic to Scorched Flesh (Mine) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hausdok Posted September 6, 2004 Report Share Posted September 6, 2004 Hi Brian, If it is a gas log set with a regulator and peizo ignitor for the pilot, I give my client a lesson in how to lite it and use the various controls. We have gas fireplaces in about half the houses we do here. Lots of times there is one in the living room and another in the family room. Every once in a while they'll have them in the master bedroom as well. If it is an ordinary gas log lighter without a regulator and nothing more than a shut-off valve, I won't attempt to light it, 'cuz I like my eyebrows too. ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!! Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kurt Posted September 6, 2004 Report Share Posted September 6, 2004 I light them on most houses, primarily because I also dislike scorched flesh; mine or my customers. Since I am aware of what can happen, I take the usual precautions such as not having my face in the fireplace, staying to the side of the fireplace & reaching in, paying attention, etc. (One has to work hard to hurt themselves; it is almost always caused by inattentive behavior, not massive explosions.) I actually like it when they ignite w/ a VAROOOOM! The client then understands with minimal explanation. "The fireplace @ the XYZ ignites explosively and could injure occupants of the house; have it reinstalled or repaired as necessary to mfg's. specifications so that this doesn't occur." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Kibbel Posted September 6, 2004 Report Share Posted September 6, 2004 Brian, After a visual inspection & testing for leaks, I fire up anything. I wouldn't want my client to be the first to try it after settlement. I want to go as far as I can for my clients too.That's what sets us apart from our competitors. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chad Fabry Posted September 6, 2004 Report Share Posted September 6, 2004 I've lit or tried to light every one I've come across. I couldn't get one to work and neither could the seller of the house. I'm still not sure if we were doing something wrong or if it didn't work. I write up all the vent free units even if they do work and give the long list of "cons" to owning and using them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scottpat Posted September 6, 2004 Report Share Posted September 6, 2004 Nope, I do not light anything if it is off other than a gas cooktop or stove. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce Thomas Posted September 6, 2004 Report Share Posted September 6, 2004 I have lost my eye brows but they grew back. I carry one of those long grill lighters they ony cost about 2 bucks. I also explain about the ventless logs, like you shold have a window open when lite. A CO detector in the room is also a must. If they are in good shape and I don't have trouble lighting them they make a good presentation. But Scott is right we don't have to light them and they can cause problems if you aren't careful. Your judgment I guess. Bruce [:-eyebrow Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonTx Posted September 6, 2004 Report Share Posted September 6, 2004 I light 'em and like Bruce, carry a long grill lighter. I tell clients if they will be using the fireplace, to get them one or the long fireplace matches. I've only burnt the hair off my arms once. It was an older home and I barely cracked the valve open and this baby was a friggin blow torch!![:-jump] I then started turning it all the way up to show my clients how dangerous this particular unit was. Half way open and the flames were just inside the opening. They got the picture. Sometimes when I expect wasp or other critters in the flue, I'll turn on the burner for about a minute and slowly open the flue. I've torched a few lively wasp this way. It kinda takes the fight out of 'em. Donald Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian G Posted September 7, 2004 Author Report Share Posted September 7, 2004 Originally posted by Donald Lawson Sometimes when I expect wasp or other critters in the flue, I'll turn on the burner for about a minute and slowly open the flue. I've torched a few lively wasp this way. It kinda takes the fight out of 'em. The American Wasp Huggers Society will be on your doorstep tomorrow, you heartless fiend! Brian G. Vice-President The American Wasp Haters Society Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Morrison Posted September 7, 2004 Report Share Posted September 7, 2004 I usually light them and if I thought I could roast a wasp nest in the process, I definitely would. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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