Fireplace FAQ’s

A: There are 2 types of gas logs; vented and vent free. With a vented gas log you will get a little heat but because your flue has to be completely open you are actually losing more heat than you will receive. Vent free logs on the other hand give you the ability to close your flue and use the fireplace as a heat source.

A: Yes, and they have been used for many years now. Vent free fireplaces come equipped with an oxygen depletion sensor, which will detect any unsafe levels of carbon monoxide and shut the system down. These types of gas logs are also approached by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

A: A vent free fireplace is approved to be placed anywhere in the home that is not a “confined space”. They cannot be installed in a bedroom because of the depletion of air and oxygen. You cannot have anything in a bedroom that produces more than 10,000 BTU.

A: Depending on the BTU output, a vented logset can run you around $0.60 to $0.80 an hour. Cent free will cost you in the range of $0.20 to $0.30 per hour.

A: This type of fireplace is distinguished by its sealed glass front. This design prevents any heat from escaping the home through the flue, and radiates heat from the glass into the room. The vent pipe handles the exchange of fresh air and exhaust.

A: You can virtually put this type of fireplace anywhere. There are many applications for installation because this fireplace can be vented vertically or horizontally.

A: Yes. They come in a special order and pre-fab style. You would need to measure the tile surround along with any openings.

A: Vent-free fireplaces are the easiest and most economical to install. As far as both cost of installation and operational cost.

A: This is a manufactured fireplace out of metal with air circulation installed in most new homes today.

A: A single wall black or close clearance double wall black to the point you would break the surface of a wall or ceiling. Then you must continue with a 2100 degree chimney pipe to the point where you would be 2-foot above the peak or ten feet away from the roof line.

A: Direct vent fireplaces are the only fireplaces that most building inspectors will approve. Electric is also permissible, but not very efficient.

A: This depends on the type of fireplace you own, masonry, exact fireplace opening size (the height and width), as well as the type of facing, pre-fab or zero clearance. We would also need to know the manufacturer and model number.

A: Depending on how old it is, the thermal couple may need to be replaced. If the knob is getting stuck, there is a good chance the safety pilot may need to be replaced.

A: On a vented log you need to keep your damper open full while the fire is in use. On a non-vented log you can close your damper because it has an O.D.S. (Oxygen Depletion Sensor). The O.D.S. regulates how much Oxygen the unit is using from your room & will shut off if it is using too much. Because you close your damper you are retaining the heat & not loosing any existing heat!

A: No. Whether you are burning wood, gas logs, or non-vented gas logs, your doors must remain open.