How Much Gas Does a Pilot Light Use?: 1 Minute to Understand Your Pilot Light's Gas Consumption

A pilot light is a small, continuously burning flame found in many older gas appliances like water heaters, furnaces, and fireplaces. Its primary purpose is to ignite the main burner whenever the appliance needs to operate. When thinking about efficiency and ongoing costs, many homeowners wonder: how much gas does a pilot light actually use?

On average, a standard pilot light consumes about 500 to 1,000 BTUs (British Thermal Units) per hour. This translates to about 4–10 therms (a therm is 100,000 BTUs) per month, depending on the size and efficiency of the pilot. In practical terms:

1. Daily Use: A typical pilot light will use approximately 0.24 cubic feet of natural gas per hour, or about 5.8 cubic feet per day.
2. Monthly Use: This amounts to roughly 175 cubic feet of gas per month.
3. Annual Cost: At average U.S. natural gas prices, this can cost between $10 and $20 per year, per appliance, just to keep the pilot light burning.

While these amounts may seem modest, they do add up—especially if you have several gas appliances that rely on standing pilot lights. With energy efficiency in mind, many modern appliances now use electronic ignition systems, eliminating the need for a continuously burning pilot light.

As a designer, I always weigh the subtle but ongoing energy costs when specifying appliances in a home. There’s a growing demand for both AI-driven interior design solutions and energy-efficient home planning, ensuring clients maximize efficiency and style together.

Tips 1:

If you’re considering upgrading or renovating, look for gas appliances with automatic or electronic ignition. Not only do they save on gas usage, but they also offer added convenience and sometimes enhanced safety.

FAQ

Q: How can I tell if my appliance uses a pilot light?

A: Check the owner's manual or look for a continuously burning small flame near the gas burner assembly.

Q: Is it safe to leave a pilot light on all the time?

A: Generally, yes. However, if you smell gas when the appliance is off, you should turn the appliance off and consult a technician.

Q: Does turning off the pilot light save a lot of money?

A: It saves a small amount for each appliance. Collectively, it can add up, especially if you have several devices.

Q: Can a pilot light go out on its own?

A: Yes, drafts or a faulty thermocouple can cause it to go out. If it happens regularly, have a professional inspect it.

Q: Are there modern alternatives to pilot lights?

A: Yes, electronic ignition systems are now common in new appliances and help reduce unnecessary gas consumption.