Online Gas Fireplace Resources and Information

Gas fireplaces are perfect if you have a busy lifestyle. You will no longer have to bring in logs, scoop ashes, or clean your chimney. A gas fireplace will not add pollutants to the air and can be turned on and off instantly. It also adds much more heat to a room than a wood burning fireplace. Converting a wood burning fireplace to a gas fireplace is not as difficult as you might imagine and will add to the value of your home.

A very easy and economical way to convert a wood burning fireplace to a gas fireplace is to install gas logs. These units have logs made out of ceramic with burners underneath them. They are made to look like real logs that are burning. Installation is simple as all you need are holes for the gas supply line and electricity for the ignition. Gas logs will not add a lot of heat to a room and are usually purchased to replicate the look of a wood burning fireplace.

The other option is to buy and install a gas fireplace insert. This is the more energy efficient option as more energy will be sent into the room as heat. An insert consists of a metal box, called a firebox, with a log set and gas burners inside it. This metal box is enclosed in a second box with only a layer of air between them. This is the air that will be heated and sent into the room. The insert will be designed to fit perfectly into your existing fireplace. It has leveling legs to make sure the insert is centered in the fireplace. As with gas logs, holes will need to be drilled for the gas and electricity.

The other part of the installation of an insert or gas logs will be venting. If venting is needed, it can be accomplished two ways. One is to use the chimney and run a vent pipe inside it. The other is to vent through an exterior wall, in case the chimney cannot be used for some reason. With vented systems, there will need to be fresh air for combustion and there are two options here as well. Air can be brought in from the room or it can be brought in through a second vent pipe, installed in the chimney or the wall.

Gas logs and inserts come in ventless models. If you purchase one of these, you will need to close off the fireplace to avoid drafts. You also need to be aware that some states do not allow ventless gas logs.

Many newer models of gas fireplace inserts come with a remote control. If you have one, it will need to be installed outside of the firebox before installing the outer shell, glass front, and screen.

There are many benefits to using a gas fireplace so why not convert your existing fireplace to experience the warmth, cleanliness, and cost savings of a natural gas fireplace.

For the more visually inclined, here’s a great overview the whole process:

These days, saving money is critical. Surprisingly, you can save even more money with your gas fireplace than you already thought you could by doing a few simple things. The benefits of a gas fireplace are many, but don’t just settle for the default efficiency; get the most out of it and save money in the process!

Turn off the pilot light in the summer. Although many people feel uncomfortable adjusting or turning the pilot off, leaving it on all year long is a guaranteed way to burn more energy than necessary. Just by taking the few minutes to turn the pilot light off, you can save on something you didn’t know you were spending money on before.

To turn the pilot off, simply look for the valve handle in the gas line to turn it off. If you’re not comfortable with re-lighting the pilot once the season calls for it, many gas companies will send a professional out to do so, free of charge.

Use a dimmer to adjust the intensity of the flame. Dimmers are nice tools that can help you save money by controlling the amount of energy is used for the intensity of the flames in the fireplace. Sometimes, dimmers are not even considered by gas fireplace owners because they don’t know that they exist or they just aren’t interested in using them. However, they can really make a difference in the amount of money you spend monthly on the energy.

Install a fan to blow the hot air into the house. You’d be amazed by how much warmer your home could be just by using the right equipment to route the heat in the places that you want it to go. By doing this, you can save on your heating bill from then fan installed on your gas fireplace moving the heat throughout your home.

Install an electric starter — called an intermittent pilot ignition — to negate the need to keep the pilot light on all the time. This is a nice tool that will ignite the gas fireplace by reading the thermostat. When the thermostat’s temperature falls below a certain point, the electric starter will start the gas fireplace to begin heating the home. This is a nice tool that can be used for those that don’t want to mess with starting or stopping the fireplace, and it can mean that your gas fireplace only gets used when it’s absolutely necessary. This can help you save on your monthly bill!

As you can see, there are a few simple things you can do to help your gas fireplace run more efficiently and save you more money in the long run. Don’t just let your fireplace secretly dig more into your wallet than you’d like. Try some of these tips out on your own to make your type of gas fireplace work more efficiently for you!

Recommended money-saving accessories:

Programmable Fireplace Thermostat/Remote
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Wireless Fireplace Thermostat / Remote
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Fireplace Blower for Heat N Glow GFK-160A, 7002-1241, Royal GFK-160 Rotom Replacement # R7-RB168
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Thermal Switch Can be used with Fireplace Blowers for automatic blower operation # 19-SF2-115
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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.

A natural gas fireplace is the perfect centerpiece for any home.  With a fireplace that is powered by natural gas, you can experience the warmth and romanticism of a traditional fireplace, without all the mess, smoke, and potential danger that comes form burning wood.

There’s nothing quite like a gently crackling fire on a cool evening to warm a room. There’s something about a fireplace that resonates deeply with humans.  Perhaps it’s some fragment of ancestral memory that tugs at the subconscious mind, whispering of long winter evening spent warm and safe with loved ones at the dawn of time. Perhaps it’s no more than memories of winter holidays spent celebrating in front of the fireplace at Grandma’s house, or warming frozen toes after a morning spent racing on waxed sled runners down frosty white hills. Whatever the roots of the human love affair with fireplaces, it’s a love that was built to last. Fireplaces are still immensely popular and for good reason; fireplaces provide beauty and value as well as heat.

Still, in spite our attachment to them, traditional fireplaces have fallen out of regular use and been largely demoted to the realm of mood lighting. That’s because wood burning fireplaces have numerous drawbacks. They are dirty and release smoke. They require regular maintenance. You have to buy wood, chop it, stack it, store it and carry it inside before you can arrange it in the fireplace, get it lit and adjust the damper to prevent your house from filling with toxic smoke. Once lit, a traditional fireplace represents a significant risk of causing a house fire and may even raise your homeowner’s insurance premiums.

Natural gas fireplaces, on the other hand, are clean, smokeless, highly efficient heat sources that can be turned on or off with the flick of a switch or a press of a remote control button. These are not your parent’s gas “fireplaces.” Modern natural gas fireplaces are beautiful, with realistic-looking logs, glowing “embers” and naturally colored and shaped flames. Specially designed burners closely mimic natural burn patterns and logs are available to look exactly like many different types of natural wood. Gas fireplaces are efficient sources of heat, and can even save energy by allowing you to turn down the thermostat but continue to heat living areas.

Gas fireplaces typically do not increase your homeowner’s insurance payments because, although modern gas fireplaces look like traditional wood burning fireplaces, in reality they are high-efficiency natural gas furnaces. Heat is dispersed by a powerful but gentle fan that can be safely turned off so you can enjoy a romantic interlude by the fire even if the temperature outside is unseasonably warm. Today’s gas fireplaces are an efficient, beautiful and convenient addition to your home.

Note: If you have the documentation that came with your fireplace, it is best to review it before you begin to be sure that you understand any specific controls or safety procedures. If any part of your fireplace has been submerged due to flood, contact a qualified technician before attempting to light the pilot.

Lighting your gas fireplace is essential in order to experience the warmth and beauty that they can provide.   Unlike a traditional wood burning fireplace, a gas fireplace is normally self-starting.  Unlike an electric fireplace, a gas fireplace requires use of a pilot light in order to ignite, similar to a gas stove or water heater.

Look in your fireplace to see if you notice a small flame, which is called the pilot light.  If you do not see this flame, then you must first light the pilot before you can start your gas fireplace.

Lighting the pilot light:

Pilot Light

1. If you have a decorative front panel or grill on your gas fire place, always remove it before lighting your pilot.
2. Your valves may be located behind a panel. If so, locate this panel and open it to access your valves and controls.
3. Make sure all of your controls are off and that the pilot really is off.
4. Double check to be sure that the main gas valve and control valve are turned off. If the main gas valve or control valve is on, turn it off and wait no less than five minutes to allow any gas to clear before you continue. These critical steps will help you avoid accidents with your gas fire place.
5. Remove any inner glass doors if you have not already done so.
6. Smell all around the fireplace to be certain that there is no gas present that may ignite as you turn on the pilot. Be sure to smell near the floor because the gas is heavier than the surrounding air. If there is, allow the fireplace to air out at least five minutes before you proceed. If the gas smell does not clear and you have checked again to make sure that all valves are off, you will want to contact a technician to find out if there are any leaks.
7. If there is no gas smell present, turn the main valve on and the control valve to pilot. Push the control valve in about a quarter of an inch as you are turning. If you can’t press the control valve inward using only your hand, contact a qualified technician. Do not use any tools to attempt to press the control valve. Forcing the valve is not only a fire hazard, but may also cause explosion.
8. Press the pilot valve in at least 15 seconds but up to 30 seconds and hit the piezoelectric spark igniter several times at an interval of once per second to turn the pilot light on. When the pilot light is on, a small flame should appear. If the pilot light will not stay on after repeated attempts, call a qualified technician.
9. Hold the pilot valve in for a a minute or so to heat up your thermopile.

Igniting Your Gas Fireplace

Once the thermopile has been heated up, your burner will activate. Once burner is activated, turn the control valve to on and adjust the thermostat to your preferred settings. The thermostat control may be a switch in the bottom panel, a standard light switch, dimmer, or it may be activated using a remote control.

Replace the inner glass door, any bottom access panel, decorative glass panel or grill and make sure it is securely clamped to the front of your fireplace.

Enjoy your fireplace!

Here’s a great video on the subject if you are more of a visual learner:

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6yMv60Zl90

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.