Gas Lanterns 101
For a stylish, stately, old-world look, you might want to consider using gas lanterns for your outdoor lighting. While the idea of using gas instead of electricity might sound like something out of Dickensian England, people use gas lanterns today because the method has so many perks.
First of all, let's make this clear: gas lanterns are just as safe as conventional lighting. They are as safe to use as a gas stove. In fact, Disneyland still uses gas lanterns in Main Street USA, so if it's safe enough for the Mouse, it's safe enough for your house. (Now, there are a few safety tips you need to remember when you use a gas lantern, but there are safety tips associated with electric lighting, too!)
Gas lanterns have a structured, traditional look that recalls the classical elegance of New Orleans or New England. With modern gas lanterns, you can easily adjust the height of the flame, use timers or switches inside the house to control the lanterns and feel comfortable knowing that there are safety features like automatic shut-off in case the flame goes out. For those who live in areas where insects are attracted to outdoor lights, here's a great benefit of gas lanterns: they do NOT attract those bugs. That makes gas lighting a great idea if you spend a lot of time outside.
If you're looking to add some intriguing style to your outdoor living areas, why not consider gas lanterns from our Elk Lighting selection?
The cost to run a gas lantern depends on your local utility's charges per cubic foot of gas. Let's say your utility charges just one cent per cubic foot of gas. If you were to burn a gas lantern with a straight flame for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (please do not do this—please turn the lantern off when not in use), then that would use about 2,016 cubic feet of gas per month. Multiply that by the cost of gas per cubic foot, 1 cent. Therefore, it would cost $20.16 to operate a gas lantern for a month.
Gas has other advantages. For example, it emits 45 percent less carbon dioxide than electricity and, since there are no light bulbs to replace, you save that effort and waste.
Let's talk about safety and other important things you need to know if you are thinking of gas lanterns.
- You need to call a plumber, not an electrician, to install a gas lantern. You may be able to find some recommended installers from your natural gas provider by calling them or visiting their website. For example, here's the recommended list from Atlanta Gas Light in Georgia.
- Never store or use gasoline, or any other flammable vapor or liquid, near the gas lantern.
- Never use an open flame to check for leaks in your gas lantern.
- Don't set your gas lantern flame too high because that can cause soot to form. 1.5 to 2 inches is a good flame height.
- Gas lanterns get warm while in operation. Be careful when touching one that is lit.
- Turn off the safety valve before you strike a match or light the lighter to start your flame.
- As with other gas-powered appliances, if you smell gas: immediately turn off the main gas flow to the lantern, open windows, extinguish open flames, refrain from touching electrical switches and call your natural gas provider's emergency line.
Here is the method for lighting a gas lantern. Again, remember to have the gas turned off before you strike a match or light the lighter!
1. Open the lamp door.
2. Light your match or lighter and hold the flame over the tip of the gas lantern's burner.
3. While holding that flame over tip of burner, turn the gas valve counter-clockwise.
4. Adjust the flame height by turning the valve to the desired position. Remember that 1.5 to 2 inches is ideal.
If you're ready to shop, check out our Elk Lighting gas lanterns now! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us, talk to us on social media or call us at 1-866-688-3562. Sign up for our email newsletter today and score an additional discount!
Emma Harger-Young - Lights Online