We all have that one pair of socks we only wear because they are comfy, even though they have a hole. That is a dirty pilot light. It works, but it's working harder than it should. A dirty pilot light can cause the thermocouple to malfunction.
The thermocouple is the safety device that shuts off the gas if the flame goes out. If it's covered in soot, it might trick the fireplace into thinking the flame is out when it isn't. Or worse, it might not shut off the gas when the flame actually dies. That is a safety risk nobody should take.
How To Clean A Gas Pilot Light at Darla Adkins blog
Honestly, keeping it clean is cheaper than buying a carbon monoxide detector battery. And it gives you that same peace of mind, knowing your family is safe while you watch a movie.
The Tools You Already Have
You do not need a fancy toolkit for this. You probably have everything in your kitchen junk drawer. Grab a stiff wire brush (like a bottle brush you use for straws), a can of compressed air (the same stuff you use on your keyboard), and an old toothbrush.
First, turn off the gas to the fireplace. There is usually a little red valve near the unit. Then, wait five minutes so any lingering gas clears out. Never skip the waiting part.
Next, gently brush away the visible dust and soot around the pilot assembly. Use the compressed air to blow out the tiny hole where the gas comes out. You will see a little pile of black dust fall away. That is success. That is your $150 saved.
