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The Peterson Real Fyre 24 Inch Post Oak Log Set with Vented Natural Gas G4 Burner is a gas operated fire place, designed for indoor use. The Peterson Real Fyre is a gas fireplace with artificial logs and a real fire. The log set can be lit indoors with the use of a match and runs on the gas emitted from the main valve. Designed with refractory ceramics, the product claims a long life span and comes with a life time warranty.

Since this set uses cosmetic logs instead of real ones, it serves as an alternate to wood. Designed like real logs, these have a crusted bark, exposed sapwood and simulated knots that give this cosmetic wood a real look. The set weighs approximately 96 pounds and fits most standard fireplaces. The Peterson Real Fyre comes with a G4 burner that has a single pipe within the burner pan and gas ports within the entire length of the burner, help in creating more flames that appear realistic. The set also comes with silica sand spread over the burner and embers that gives the flames more color and realism.

Pros of the Peterson Real Fyre 24 Inch Post Oak Log Set

The Peterson Real Fyre definitely has people talking. The biggest advantage this log set provides is that it is easy to install and does not come with a huge book full of instructions. Unlike a traditional fireplace, that constantly needs wood and other material to be lit, the Peterson is not messy and does not require a lot of work, all it needs is a functional gas line tube and matches. Another plus for the Peterson is that it is durable and comes with a life time warranty. This is not a fragile set and withstands quite a lot of moving and handling. The logs are very realistic and burn very well, all the time looking pretty amazing. When lit, the Peterson looks just like a real fire place and gets many compliments. Best of all, it is attractive, safe and easy to turn off and actually gives off good heat, even when set to low, which makes it a great money saving gas fireplace.

Cons of the Peterson Real Fyre 24 Inch Post Oak Log Set

On the downside, many people find the Peterson a tad bit too expensive, especially compared to the cost of maintaining and keeping a real fireplace. In order to keep this gas fireplace safe, a safety valve has to be installed.  That also costs around $150, making the set much more expensive. Even though the logs are quite realistic, the burner and connections have to be covered, as they give an unrealistic appearance to the Peterson and cannot be left around especially in a house with children or pets. The instructions regarding the inlet is difficult, and the set comes with an inlet on the right, making it a hassle for those who have a gas inlet on the left in their fireplace. Although this can be fixed by switching your gas inlet to the other side, it is an additional hassle, especially if you do not know how to switch the inlet, which requires calling in a professional.

Peterson Real Fyre 24 Inch Post Oak Log Set With Vented Natural Gas G4 Burner - Match Light
List Price: $338.00
Price: $281.35
Read Reviews

Overall this product is a good buy if you really are the kind of person who spends a lot of time in their living room and live in a place that is cold more often than not. The Peterson gets quite a lot of compliments and has an aesthetic appeal, so it is definitely a good buy for people who entertain guests at home often. For all the above it is definitely a great investment and pretty hassle free.

The Monessen 36″ Rear Direct Vent Natural Gas Fireplace (CDVR36NV) is a fireplace model which combines elegance with practicality and durability. It is American made and comes with a number of features that make it appealing. The product is burned and leak tested at the factory to insure quality in performance and safety before it goes retail. With the included gas log system it eliminates the soot and ash associated with wood burning units. The manufacturer adheres to strict environmental guidelines for cleanliness and waste management, and they also strive to make their products energy efficient. So with this gas fireplace you can be pleased to know that it has been made as energy efficient as possible, thus helping the planet and saving you money too. It is also a beautiful unit, so it will be a focal point for any room in the house as you relax with family or entertain friends.

Monessen CDVR36NV 36" Rear Direct Vent Natural Gas Fireplace
List Price:
Price: $864.90
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The Monessen 36″ Rear Direct Vent Natural Gas Fireplace has several notable features. It uses 20,000 BTU’s of power and has a removable unitized black louver system for ease of installation. Glowing ceramic fiber logs feature a patented Natural Flame aluminized pan burner with random dancing flames and a large ember bed. The logs are realistically hand-painted to create life-like details. There’s also a variable Hi/Lo flame control, 15 feet of pre-installed Millivolt wire with wall switch and cover, and 18 inches of Flex line with an On/Off shut-off valve included. This Monessen Gas Fireplace is CSA design certified. It’s approved for installation with Simpson Dura Vent, Selkirk Metalbestos or Metal Fab Direct Vent chimneys. An electrical junction box is included for hook up. The valve is remote ready, but the remote is not included. Optional brick liners and BLOT variable thermostat forced air blowers are available. For the original owner with proof of purchase, there’s a lifetime warranty on firebox, combustion chamber, heat exchanger, grate, and stainless steel burners and a five year warranty on the ceramic fiber logs. It comes with a basic warranty on components and materials in the gas appliance to be free of manufacturing or material defects for two years from installation date. Again this is with proof of purchase.

Customer reviews for the Monessen 36″ Rear Direct Vent Natural Gas Fireplace are limited. A couple of reviews, one with a rating of 5 out of 5 stars and the other with no rating at all, praised the fireplace for its attractive design and material durability. Affordability was also noted as a positive as well as the practicality in features. One customer listed an investment in the optional remote control as a plus while the other raved about the realistic detail of the logs and flame.

There were no noted negative customer reviews of the Monessen 36″ Rear Direct Vent Natural Gas Fireplace. The company has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and claims to be committed to providing customers with unparalleled customer service and outstanding product quality.

The Monessen 36″ Rear Direct Vent Natural Gas Fireplace is a product which is aesthetic in appearance, manufacture tested for performance, and built with plenty of convenient features. Monessen Hearth Systems Company, the manufacturer of the product is in Paris, Kentucky, so it’s a plus that it’s made in the USA. If you are green oriented, Monessen is an environmentally conscious company as far as waste management and energy efficiency. The smart consumer can rest assured that the fireplace is durable and well made, and there’s the added protection of the included warranties to back this quality product.

The ProCom Model QD250T Dual Fuel Stove is a versatile, lightweight gas fireplace that provides an attractive alternative to old-style cast iron wood stoves or traditional baseboard heat. Its 13 x 33 x 26 size makes it adaptable to most rooms and it provides a traditional look with its black, powder coated finish, cast iron legs, and hand painted logs. The versatility of fuel options, either natural gas or liquid propane, along with the benefit of vent-free 99% efficiency make ProCom’s 25,000 btu offering an attractive alternative to traditional heat sources.

The ProCom QD250T gas fireplace is recommended for spaces up to 1,000 square feet. Product weight is only 56.5 pounds, it comes complete with a battery assisted Piezo ignition (AAA batteries included), oxygen depletion sensor and 5 hand painted ceramic logs that have been enhanced for realistic look and longevity. Optional equipment includes the model QEB100 blower that enhances heat delivery and the 2″ tall hearth pad with cherry wood finish.

ProCom Dual Fuel Stove - 25,000 BTU, Model# QD250T
List Price:
Price: $299.99
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Consumers are generally very satisfied with the QD250T gas fireplace, drawing a four star rating on Amazon.com. Most rave about the effectiveness, convenience of installation, and aesthetics. It provides an excellent supplemental heat source and, in some cases, has been known to exceed the 1,000 square foot performance range, depending on conditions. It is less expensive to operate in comparison to most electric baseboard heating systems and provides a clean and hassle free alternative to wood burning stoves. The black, powder-coated finish mates nicely with the optional cherry wood hearth pad giving the ProCom gas fireplace a traditional look and consumers appreciate the limited clearance requirements, 12″ to any side wall and 6″ to rear wall, that allow for convenient location in most rooms.

While customer reviews have been largely positive, ProCom’s duel fuel gas fireplace does come with some minor drawbacks. For propane use it requires a 100 pound tank that is not mentioned in sales literature. The tank adds to installation expense. With natural gas installations the cost of hiring a plumber to run a gas line may prove prohibitive if there is not one near the desired location. Additionally, the 250T comes with only a one-year warranty and does not include a remote control. That QD250RT model includes a remote and three-year warranty.

ProCom’s Model QD250T Dual Fuel Stove does a nice job of combining old school looks with 21st century performance. When replacing electric, wood burning, or vented gas heating units most agree that the ProCom gas fireplace greatly reduces heating costs. It is an effective unit with well thought out design. Improvements in RT unit in warranty in remote accessibility outdistance it from the 250t, but overall the ProCom Model QD250T Dual Fuel Stove is a favorable option for consumers looking to replacing aging heat units.

Here at Gas Fireplace Headquarters we get a lot of email with questions people have about their gas fireplaces. We thought we’d answer some of the more common questions in one post. Here are our answers to three common questions about gas fireplace ownership:

• Why is my Gas Fireplace cutting off?
• How many BTUs does a gas fireplace produce?
• Can I burn wood in my gas log fireplace?

Why is my Gas Fireplace cutting off?

by takomabibelot under CC BY  with wpseopix.com

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A common problem among gas fireplace owners is that the fireplace will turn itself off in the middle of use.  When this happens the pilot light will also go out.  This is understandably frustrating for many because one must first light the pilot light before they can turn on the fireplace.

The fact that the pilot light goes out is a good thing.  This means that your gas fireplace’s safety mechanism is working, which is designed to turn off the gas flow if your fireplace stops burning while the gas is still flowing.

Normally your gas fireplace will turn off like this because of an obstruction along the burners.  An obstruction can be anything from dust to cobwebs.  You can safely clear any obstructions by getting a can of compressed air and spraying around the burners.  You may need to remove the safety glass and ceramic logs  to gain access to the burners, so be sure to refer to your fireplace manual on the proper procedure.  You may need to do this every year before you start using your fireplace.

If the gas fireplace continues to shut off, consult a certified expert to come inspect your gas line and set up.

How many Btu does a gas fireplace produce?

Btu stands for British Thermal Unit.  It is a system of measuring heat, or energy, output.  When used to measure heat output, it is calculated as Btu per hour in order to give an estimation as to the amount of heat that is output in that time frame.

Depending on the size and type of your natural gas fireplace, they can use anywhere from 8,500 Btu per hour to 100,000 Btu per hour. By comparison, the average conventional stove burner uses 9500 Btu of heat on its highest setting.  This is why you normally only want to run your gas fireplace while you’re in the room, otherwise you’re wasting a lot of energy.

Can I burn wood in my gas log fireplace?

This is a surprisingly common question.  If it’s not surprising to you, then you’ve come to the right place.

The answer to this is without a doubt no!

First of all, the purpose of a gas fireplace is to avoid burning wood in  the first place.  If you absolutely need to burn wood, then don’t use a gas fireplace.  The reasons are too numerous to go into here, but the most important reasons are:

1. You don’t want an uncontrolled open flame near a gas line.
2. Wood ash will clog your gas burners, rendering your gas fireplace inoperable.

The bottom line is gas fireplaces are made to replace wood burning fireplaces and are specially designed not to need wood.  Burning wood in your gas fireplace will not only break it, but it is a major safety hazard.

If a natural wood burning look is what you’re after, we’ve got you covered.  Gas fireplace technology has reached the point where ceramic log inserts capture the realism of burning wood better than ever before.  From a distance you can’t tell the difference.

Here are some of our favorite gas fireplace ceramic logs:

Peterson Real Fyre 18 Inch Post Oak Gas Logs Only No Burner
List Price: $136.00
Price: $115.60
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Copperfield 48142 18 Inch Hargrove Fire Oak, Vented, Gas Logs Only, Radco Approved
List Price:
Price: $134.50
Read Reviews

Peterson Real Fyre 24 Inch Split Oak Designer Plus Log Set With Vented Natural Gas G4 Burner - Match Light
List Price: $507.00
Price: $430.95
Read Reviews

Fire pits have always been the fixture of many enjoyable and memorable outdoor gatherings. Whether it’s an outdoor camping trip in the mountains, a countryside excursion, vacation getaway, or just a get-together with family and friends, nothing brings people closer together like gathering around a fire on a cool evening.

The Gas Fireplace Alternative

People who want to cherish the atmosphere of fun and camaraderie of the outdoors are recreating this atmosphere right in their backyards. With conventional fireplaces, there are obviously issues, such as:

• Safety and environmental hazards
• Property restrictions
• Convenience and cost

This is where an outdoor gas fireplace comes in extremely handy. Many cities don’t permit open burning within certain city limits, particularly with some of the current EPA restrictions. Gas fireplaces are always allowed, and because they come in an assortment of customized colors and styles, they serve as an exterior design addition to any patio, yard or garden area.

They allow the look, the thrill and comfort that fireplaces offer, without most of the costs, hassles and worries that come with it. Safety and environmental issues can be significantly reduced compared to a conventional fireplace.

Safety and Environmental Hazards

A gas fireplace replaces traditional wood and uses either natural gas or propane, which produces far less amounts of carbon monoxide, pollutants and particles that can be harmful to the environment and your health. Enjoy the outdoor get-together without having to be concerned about elements that might have harmful affects or even potential fire hazards, such as burning embers blown around by the wind, or clouds of choking smoke that can annoy your outdoor activities and even your surrounding neighbors.

Most units come with adjustable valves that make it easy to monitor and control the amount of gas entering through the chamber of a gas fireplace. Safety valve control can be an important feature that insures against accidents, especially with children, in and around your home. Gas fireplaces also provide easy clean-up, durability and convenience for those meticulous and busy homeowners.  Be sure to read up on gas fireplace safety before operating your unit.

Convenience and Cost

Gas fireplaces can be hooked up anywhere there is a gas line or portable gas tank that can be purchased, which allows for some extremely flexible choices. Not only do most units come with gas control valves, but offer push-button ignitions and fans for more convenience and ease of use. Pest infestation, sparse wood supplies and cost that typically come with conventional fire pits are eliminated. The convenience and cost of natural gas is a far more suitable alternative, and a sound investment that will pay for itself in both cost and enjoyment in just the first few months of use.

Enjoy your outdoor gatherings with family and friends without fuss and hassles of maintaining a conventional fire pit while it’s in use. Roast marshmallows, cook hot dogs or just gather around a gas fireplace in your own backyard like you would any outdoor camping trip, and cherish memories that will last for years in a much cleaner and safer environment.

Gas Fireplace Headquarters Recommends:

Camp Chef FP29LG Propane Del Rio 'Matchless ignition' Gas Firepit
List Price: $333.99
Price: $172.99
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Blue Rhino 41.25" Square Lp Gas Fireplace W/ Tile Mantel
List Price: $1,166.99
Price: $544.99
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Uniflame GAD1200B LP Gas Outdoor Firebowl with Granite Mantel with removable side panels
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There’s nothing quite like a fire blazing in the fireplace to warm a home on a cold winter day. Even if a home wasn’t built with a traditional wood-burning fireplace, people can still get the same ambiance with a gas or electric model.  But there are some differences between an electric and gas fireplace that one should be aware of before choosing which type to bring into their home.

Both types of fireplace, gas an electric, are an ideal choice for people who want the look and feel of a fireplace but can’t actually build one in their home. For example, people who live in apartments, rental homes, or houses in which a brick fireplace and chimney is not feasible.

The advantages of an electric fireplace are that it’s portable and can be used in any room with an electrical outlet.  Also, they can be used in places that do not have access to natural gas.

One of the downsides to an electric model are the ongoing expenses. Electricity costs more than gas, and people who have been dealing with the high cost of cooling their homes in the summer often count on saving money during the fall and winter months. Since electric fireplaces don’t produce a large amount of heat, it may be hard to justify the extra cost. Also, many people believe that an electric flame lacks the visual appeal of an actual fire and therefore, appears to be fake.

A natural gas fireplace, on the other hand, is a realistic alternative to a wood-burning fireplace. The ceramic logs used in gas models look like actual wood, and there are many different styles to choose from. For example, some logs are piled high like a bonfire, while others are arranged to look like a stack of driftwood. For a more contemporary look, there are even geometric shapes or stones to choose from instead of logs. Additionally, a gas flame is easy to control and can be turned high for a roaring blaze, or low for a soft, warm glow.

Another nice advantage of a gas fireplace is that it costs much less to run than an electric one, and the heat output is better as well. Also, a gas fireplace with a blower will actually force warm air into the living area, allowing for better heat circulation in the home. If there is an electrical power outage, a gas fireplace can be used as an alternate source of heat.

For people who desire a warm and cozy home at a reasonable cost, a natural gas fireplace may be the perfect solution.

Gas fireplaces are popular for the warmth and beauty they provide without the mess and bother of traditional wood burning fireplaces. Unlike wood burning fireplaces, gas fireplaces can be lit with the flick of a switch. There is a wide selection of gas fireplaces on the market to suit any home and decorating scheme. They all vent combustion gases in order to run safely and efficiently. The three types of gas systems differ in the way in which they deal with these combustion gases. Natural vent, direct vent and vent-free fireplaces all have advantages and disadvantages, so the prospective buyer should do some homework before making a decision on the best gas system.

Natural Vent Gas Fireplace

A natural vent fireplace combines the appearance of a wood fireplace with the efficiency of a gas fireplace. The chimney is combined with a double wall pipe, known as a B-vent flu, which runs from the fireplace through the roof. Air needed for combustion is drawn from the room. An advantage of a natural vent fireplace is the ability to burn wood. A disadvantage is that new installations require the expensive construction of a chimney, through which considerable heat is lost. Heat loss can be lessened with purchase of a model containing a fire box inside another box. In this model, air circulates around the fire box and back into the room instead of up the chimney.

Direct Vent Gas Fireplace

Direct vent fireplaces draw air from outside and return exhaust outdoors via a flu system. The flu pipe lies at the back or top of the fireplace and vents through an outside wall. An advantage to this type of fireplace is the elimination of the chimney requirement, meaning the fireplace can be positioned on any outside wall. The tightly sealed nature of the system ensures that inside air is not used, making this type of fireplace highly efficient. The airtight design also works to prevent harmful emissions from entering the room. A disadvantage of direct vent fireplaces is the inability to burn wood. The closed construction of the fireplace prohibits access to the fire itself.

Vent-Free Gas Fireplace

Vent-free Gas Fireplace

Vent-free fireplaces do not use a chimney at all; instead, they vent exhaust right into the room. The primary disadvantage of this type of fireplace is the danger of carbon monoxide buildup. Vent-free systems employ an oxygen-detection feature that shuts the vent off when the room’s oxygen level falls below 18 percent; however, people suffering from respiratory problems may opt for a different system. Advantages of vent-free fireplaces are the ease of location and efficiency of operation.

The benefits of gas fireplaces are numerous, including health benefits over their wood burning counterparts as well as convenient operation. With no need to store wood in the home, the risk of mold spore growth is eliminated. Gas fireplaces produce less air pollution than wood burning fireplaces since the flames they produce are much cleaner. With the wide choice offered in natural vent, direct vent and vent-free models, consumers will have no trouble finding the perfect choice for their home and lifestyle.

There are many benefits to using a gas fireplace: they’re cleaner, easier to use, and safer than traditional wood burning fireplaces.  However, it’s important to know the proper way of lighting a gas fireplace and maintaining it in order to avoid any potential issues or dangers that can cause harm or damage.

The first important thing to learn is how your natural gas fireplace works. Your gas fireplace consists of a brick or metal firebox and a chimney flue to vent the exhaust, but instead of a wooden log you have an artificial log that is constructed of cement, lava rocks and even other types of stones that can give the appearance of a natural fireplace. With the exception of the wood and smoke, these fireplaces look and act just like a regular fireplace. The big difference is that gas fireplaces require professional installation by an authorized plumber, but they require very low maintenance and are easily operated. Simply put; just turn the fireplace on and you’ll have a nice cozy, warm fire, just minus the mess.

Although natural gas fireplaces are great, it’s important to take the proper safety steps to make sure that you can enjoy your fireplace without incident. The most obvious step is to make sure that you keep your fireplace clean and free of debris. While the gas fireplace is much less messy it’s still important to annually clean the fireplace and chimney flue to eliminate any residue that may build up.

When your fireplace is not in use you should turn the gas to the fireplace off, this also helps to save on the fuel costs as well as avoiding the potential of gas leaks. Keep in mind that it would be a good idea to also clean out the fans when you turn the gas off to your fireplace. This helps make certain that the air is clean and that helps to ensure your family’s health and safety.

If you have a natural gas fireplace you should also invest in monoxide detector as well. While the amount of carbon monoxide that is emitted from a gas fireplace is small, it’s a good idea to make sure that it’s kept in check as much as possible. Be sure to set a regular schedule of checking and replacing the batteries in your detector.

Finally, is you should have any type of issues with your fireplace be sure to call a certified technician as opposed to attempting the repairs yourself. Although they are fairly low maintenance if you should have an issue with your fireplace you want someone who knows what to look for and can easily fix it. After all, your family’s safety has no price.

Increasingly popular with homeowners and a fuel saver in general, a natural gas fireplace effectively creates the same effect of warmth and coziness as a traditional wood burning unit. Eliminating the hassles of gathering and cutting firewood, cleaning out the soot that accumulates and the natural hazards of an open flame fireplace, a natural gas unit is safe to use, easy to maintain and can literally heat your living room for just pennies a day. The operation of a natural gas fireplace is relatively simple.

Setting Up A Gas Fireplace

Many of the units available can be installed in an existing firepit that is built into the wall, although complete freestanding units are also quite popular. What is required of course is a source of fuel, namely the natural gas itself. A gas line must be run from the main pipe entrance of the home to the location of the fireplace, connected to the gas log and a control switch, and the gas log unit must be securely fastened to the base of the hearth area.  This is usually performed by an accredited plumber with natural gas experience.

What Causes The Wood Burning Effect?

Gas logs mimic the appearance of the real thing, but instead of wood they are manufactured out of a specialized type of fired ceramic clay or cement. Concealed within the log is the actual burner unit, including the standing pilot light. This light is always on by default when the unit is not in use. If for some reason the pilot light goes out, most units have a safety feature that automatically shuts off the supply of natural gas. Also part of the log construction are the accent embers, which are made of a type of rockwool. They have organic components that are mineralized, giving off a glow that resembles actual burning wood coals. They and the rest of the log component are completely fireproof.

Using The Fireplace

When the unit is switched on the gas is sent to the pilot light, which is itself using a small amount of the gas to stay lit. Much like a gas-operated stovetop or water heater the unit now produces heat. Absorbed by the surrounding cement logs, this heat either escapes up the chimney or can be convected via a fan into the surrounding room air. Ventless gas fireplace units produce the most heat and lose very little of this hot air through the chimney flue. The control switch not only increases or decreases the amount of natural gas used, but in most units can be considered the switch that operates the level of glow by the accent embers. Heat sensitive, these embers may change their color or brilliance depending on the temperature of the gas logs.

Custom Designed Units

Most manufacturers and distributors of gas log fireplaces have various designs from which to choose, available for viewing online or in a showroom. Many of the styles are designed to bring out a certain lighting effect and work well with a particular shape and size hearth area. In most cases professional installation is recommended because of the specialized connections made between the log unit and the gas line. Gas log burners must meet ANSI standards and pass fire safety codes before being made legal for sale.

Natural gas fireplaces provide a cozy, comfortable living room atmosphere and are easy to use and maintain. They also can save tremendously on winter heating costs for the home and carry a warranty for the owner’s peace of mind.