09 Oct How Gas Fireplaces Work with an IPI vs. Milivolt Ignition System
Posted at 18:38h
in Uncategorized
Gas fireplaces are an energy efficient means to heat your home and are considered a clean, eco-friendly energy source. Depending on the type of gas fireplace, homeowners have some added benefits and features to choose from depending on their heating needs.
There are two different types of gas electronic ignition switches used on fireplaces manufactured in the U.S, both of which Kozy Heat supplies. These are the IPI and Milivolt ignition systems.
Flip of a Switch
The Milivolt and the IPI systems can both turn the pilot flame on and off with the flip of a wall switch or a remote. The difference between the IPI compared to the Milivolt system is that a Milivolt has a pilot light that stays on 24/7. The IPI system does not use a pilot light and instead relies on an electronic ignition switch to light the pilot after flipping on the wall switch or using the remote.
On or Off
Each gas pilot ignition system has slightly different advantages and it really comes down to customers’ individual preferences. Anytime you utilize a remote or wall switch, it requires an electrical current to light the gas stove. If your power goes out, the Milivolt system could be manually turned on to heat your home.
The IPI system would not be able to ignite the pilot light manually based on an electronic ignition switch during a power outage. But the IPI switch would not consume gas unless you flipped on the wall switch or used the remote. The Milivolt system would use approximately 600 – 800 BTUS of fuel an hour, with 24/7 usage, you can expect to pay approximately $14.00 per month with propane and $5.00 per month using natural gas.
IPI vs. Milivolt
In colder months, manufacturers encourage owners to keep the pilot light running so that the fireplace system and flue stay warm. The good news is that you can have the electronic ignition systems wired with a battery back-up should the power go out.
Kozy Heat has been building quality gas fireplaces for more than 35 years. We provide a full line of IPI and Milivolt ignition systems. It really comes down to individual preference as to which ignition system to purchase. We distribute our gas fireplaces from the factory to our dealers across the U.S. Stay warm with a cost efficient gas fireplace
