The only reason for a millivolt valve is to use a wall switch or remote, or to utilize additional safety features in pre built insert type units.

haus_proud, Yes. My door set is leaky. I took them off and noticed no insulation on the sides and top. Hopefully it is safe to add some. The tops of the bifold doors are a bit leaky too. I wonder it there is some thing I can put there to seal them better that is NOT flamible. Otherwise I think a better door set would solve my problem with the vented log set. You are right. I ran out at lunch to HD and Lowes and they have sets for $250 or less BUT the local fireplace store has them starting at $675.....thats out of our range! I am guessing there is a huge difference. Out set looks nice though my wife wishes it were black instead of bronze. In fact I was going to repaint them with high heat paint. Maybe I'll just try s set from Lowes....likely not as good as $&700 set but hopefully better than the 20 year old set on there now that needs to be insulated and painted! Again, if I use the unvented set with the damper OPEN, I'd think I'd be eliminating the pollution issue but maybe not. If I knew it would eliminate that then I'd think they would be the way to go.

I believe that there are some people who pop in here who know the precise details of these controls, but until they come; as I recall, when on, a demand is made for gas to a secondary larger flame that is supposed to heat a thermo-couple to let the gas control 'know' that this flame is solidly on and that allows the main gas to flow to the big burners. I gather that you don't even see the little jet of extra flame. If you do, perhaps the thermocouple has been knocked out of the hot part of this flame. I have never had an external switch control for gas logs that would likely be in a new home. Perhaps you haven't turned the switch or dial on your wall that likely controls the call for the secondary flame. Otherwise, perhaps the wiring at the gas controller was never completed.

Something doesn’t work in our “new to us” 1958 home with NG vented fireplace, it shuts down after about an hour. We had the thermocouple replaced, but that didn’t fix it. It’s been suggested that the valve is bad. A friend suggested we look into a match lit logs. I kind of like the idea, because I have to remove several logs to relight the pilot each time needed. Since we have to reach in to turn the flames on, is reaching in to light the fireplace much different? Any additional safety issues? Pros and cons? Your thoughts?