QA

What Kind Of Gas Fireplace Do I Have

Each fireplace and insert has a rating plate which contains your model number and serial number. Gas and wood burning fireplaces have a rating plate in the control compartment area, under the smoke shield or on the firebox side column.

How do I identify my fireplace?

To know for sure, you will have to look for the nameplate that lists the manufacturer, model, and serial number. This nameplate is usually located on the right hand facing of the fireplace just behind the screen. It could also be underneath the firebox if there is a grill at the bottom that flips down.

How do I know if I have a vented or ventless gas fireplace?

Turn on the fireplace. If the flames reach above the gas logs and the look like a wood burning fireplace, then the logs must be vented. If the flames are small, an have a blue cast, the fireplace is vent-free.

What are the different types of gas fireplace?

There are three main types of gas fireplaces to consider, Direct Vent gas fireplaces, Vent-Free gas fireplaces and B-Vent gas fireplaces, that differ in their installation flexibility, features and efficiencies. Another option to consider is an open-hearth Wood-Burning fireplace combined with a vented gas log set.

What is the difference between a vented and unvented gas fireplace?

Vented and Ventless Gas Logs are a little different. Vented gas logs burn like a real wood fire with a yellow flame that produces smoke. Ventless (vent-free) gas logs burn cleanly with a lower flame that does not smoke. You can burn them with the damper closed to heat your room.

What type of gas does gas fireplace use?

Should you use natural gas or propane? Gas fireplaces can burn either type. Natural gas is less expensive and produces about 5 percent more heat. Choose propane where natural gas isn’t available.

What is B vent gas fireplace?

B vent: This approach, also called natural vent, pulls air from indoors for combustion and vents it outside. It features a chimney with a double wall pipe which runs from the fireplace to outside of the home. Homeowners can purchase fire boxes inside another box.

How do I tell if I have a gas fireplace?

Gas Fires. If your fireplace has ceramic logs in the firebox, it burns gas! There should be valves, a gas connection, an ignitor, a control knob, and maybe even a remote control. It’s important to figure out quickly whether your gas fireplace is vented or vent-free.

What does ventless fireplace mean?

Natural Vent gas fireplaces (B-Vent) use air from within the home for combustion and release emissions outside the home. Ventless fireplaces use air from within the home and release emissions within the home – resulting in poor air quality and potential health risks.

Which is safer vented or ventless gas logs?

In general, vented fireplaces are better in terms of safety and function. However, most of the heat is lost through chimneys, so consider using a direct vent. Ventless fireplaces are still a great option and are safe when used properly. Check with your local laws first as some areas don’t allow ventless fireplaces.

How do I know if my gas fireplace is safe to use?

A properly operating gas fireplace will have a safe and secure glass enclosure, will ignite without delay, have a clean blueish color flame and will vent properly out through a termination cap that is clear from debris or obstruction.

What is the difference between a gas fireplace and gas insert?

A gas insert is installed within an existing masonry, wood burning fireplace. A gas insert is smaller than a gas fireplace to allow it to fit inside of the opening of an existing wood burning fireplace. A gas insert can get much hotter on the outside (no, not that hot) than a gas fireplace.

What is the difference between a gas fireplace and a gas fireplace insert?

Gas fireplaces are very similar to gas inserts. However, the difference between gas fireplaces vs. gas inserts is that a built-in gas fireplace doesn’t require an existing fireplace or chimney. So, if you don’t have an existing wood-burning fireplace, this is your only option.

What are the different kinds of fireplaces?

Design Guide: The Different Types of Fireplaces Electric Fireplaces. An electric fireplace is simply an electric heater that mimics a fireplace burning coal or wood. Gas Fireplaces. Gas Log Fireplaces. Gas Fireplace Inserts. Wood Fireplace. Fireplace Mantels. Fireplace Surrounds. Outdoor Fireplaces.

Do you have to open the damper on a gas fireplace?

One caution, though: Fireplaces with installed gas logs are required to have the damper open at all times. That’s either because a pilot light is constantly burning under the logs or because the homeowner might forget to open the damper when he or she turns on the fire. Those gases contain carbon monoxide.

Do I have to open the flue for my gas fireplace?

Our research shows that the flue on a gas fireplace should remain open during use or when the pilot light is lit. If the flue is closed in either instance, you risk a greater chance of carbon monoxide poisoning or a spark induced structure fire due to a buildup of toxins emitted by propane or natural gas burners.

Do gas fireplaces cause carbon monoxide poisoning?

Yes, gas fireplaces are one potential cause of carbon monoxide poisoning. An improperly maintained or ventilated gas fireplace can create incomplete combustion, creating carbon monoxide, and causing this toxic gas to linger—putting those inside at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

How do I know what BTU my fireplace is?

Go over your monthly gas bill, looking for gas usage in cubic feet per hour. Divide total cubic feet of gas by the number of hours of fireplace operation during that month – some find that tracking fireplace usage helps here. Multiply the figure you get by 1,000, and you have your BTU rating.

How do I know if my fireplace is natural gas or propane?

Sometimes, your fireplace may have been a wood burning fireplace that has been converted to gas by adding a gas log insert to it. In this case you may not have a rating plate, or the rating plate will tell you that it is a wood burning fireplace. All gas log inserts are considered Natural Vented appliances.