Frequently Asked Questions |
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Below are some of the most frequently asked questions on the following topics:
About Gas Fireplaces
About Wood-Burning Fireplaces
About Pellet-Burning Stoves
About Gas Fireplaces
Can I convert my wood-burning fireplace to a gas fireplace?
Yes. We have gas inserts designed for both masonry and
factory-built wood-burning fireplaces.
How do I know if I need an insert or a fireplace?
If you already have a brick or stone fireplace, or a factory-built
fireplace, and you want to convert it to gas, then the most cost
effective solution is an insert. If you are remodeling a part of
your home that never had any kind of built-in structure, then
you need a direct vent fireplace that does not require an
existing opening or chimney.
What is the difference between a B Vent and Direct Vent
fireplace/insert?
These terms refer to how a gas appliance takes in the air it
needs to burn gas. A B Vent unit draws air from inside the
home, through ports in the firebox itself. A Direct Vent unit
draws air through a pipe from outside the home into a sealed
firebox. Direct Vent models are usually more efficient and
safer for today’s airtight homes since they do not use inside
air to cause a conflict with range hoods and bathroom fans
circulating the same air. B Vent units are generally less
expensive to install, but are more sensitive to airflow inside
the home.
What is a BTU?
A BTU (British Thermal Unit) refers to the heating power of
a gas appliance as measured by the amount of energy it
produces in one hour. Technically, it is the amount of heat
required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by
one degree Fahrenheit. On average, a 10,000 BTU
component can heat up approximately 500 square feet,
depending on floor plan, windows, the room’s ceiling
height, etc.
Can I burn wood in my gas fireplace or stove?
No. Gas models are specifically engineered to burn gas
and cannot be used to burn wood.
I don’t want to see too much stove pipe inside my home.
What options do I have?
First, you could install a rear vent direct vent stove, which
vents directly out the back of stove. You will not see vertical
pipe at all with this type of installation. If you are unable to
vent out the rear of the unit you can minimize the amount of
visible pipe with a 2' or 4' Snorkel Cap horizontal termination
kit for direct vent stoves. These kits use the minimum required
height for the stoves, then turn 90° to go out your wall instead
of up through the ceiling.
What is the difference between “steady state” efficiency
and AFUE?
Steady state efficiency means only the efficiency of the
fireplace when its burning is tested. AFUE (Annual Fuel
Utilization Efficiency) means that both the on cycle and
off cycle are calculated in the efficiency rating. By including
the off cycle (when the fireplace is turned off), a more
accurate yearly operational cost can be estimated.
How often should I have my fireplace serviced?
Your fireplace should be serviced yearly by a professional
service technician.
Should I leave my pilot light on in the summer when I am
not using it?
It’s up to you. However, running the pilot light year-round
will extend the lifespan of the generator by not allowing
condensation and corrosion to build up inside.
How do I re-light my pilot?
Open the lower grill and locate the black on/off pilot knob.
Turn the knob to the pilot position, push in the black knob
all the way and hold it in. Then, press the red button that is
to the right-hand side; the pilot will light after you push this
button on two times. Continue to hold the black knob in for
at least 20 seconds after the pilot has been lighted. Release
the black knob and the pilot will remain lit. Turn the black
knob all the way counter-clockwise to the on position.
Do gas fireplaces or stoves need electricity?
No, the fireplaces and stoves we carry have a standing
pilot ignition system—much like a gas water heater. This
system operates with a pilot light so there is always a flame
to ignite the gas. The pilot light also generates the power
needed to operate the valve. If the pilot light gets blown
out accidentally, the valve shuts off and the gas flow stops.
The pilot light feature makes operation both easy and safe.
(Note: Models require AC power for the blower to work,
but do not need AC power for the fire.)
About Wood-burning Fireplaces
What does “EPA certified” mean?
An EPA certified appliance complies with strict emissions
and efficiency regulations designed to reduce pollution and
control energy costs. In an increasing number of jurisdictions,
only EPA certified units are allowed to be installed. The EPA
certification is your guarantee that the stove you are buying
will burn cleanly and efficiently, reducing your heating costs
and protecting the air we breathe. Non-cerfitied units are less
efficient and more expensive to operate in the long run.
What is the difference between catalytic converters and
secondary combustion?
A catalytic converter is a device through which wood
smoke is channeled. It lowers the combustion temperature
of the gases, allowing them to be consumed at lower
firing. Secondary combustion mixes air with the exhaust
gases, causing them to reignite and burn before going up
the chimney.
Will the glass door of my fireplace/insert stay clean?
Most models are designed with a unique airwash system
that forces air if front of the glass to keep the flames and
exhaust away. This keeps the door looking clean a lot
longer. Over a period of time, or if you underfire your
appliance, you might need to clean the glass. You can
use a fireplace cleaner available in our stores.
Do I need a blower?
A blower is a great way to spread the heat throughout your
house more quickly. It does not affect the combustion rate
of the fire, since they move air around the outside of the
firebox. We highly recommend a blower if you are trying to
heat a large room or several rooms.
Can I convert my wood stove to gas?
No, wood stoves are set specifically to burn wood.
About Pellet-burning Stoves
Where should I position my pellet stove?
Your family room, great room or living room—wherever
your family spends the most time—is an ideal place for your
stove. A room which provides heat flow to other areas is also
a good place for your stove. Venting requirements may hinder
your options. Additionally, outside air for combustion has to
be drawn from an approved location. Remember, too, that
your stove should be near a properly wired outlet and must
meet minimum clearance between stove and combustibles.
These things must all be considered in order to locate a
place that provides optimal operation and service.
What are my choices for floor protection?
The floor must be protected according to the manufacturer’s
instructions. The minimum size of the non-combustible floor
protector is clearly specified in installation instructions. The
choice of suitable material usually requires professional
assistance, unless a suitable hearth is already available
in the home. Built-in appliances my require additional
layers of protection, such as an air space between
appliance and the floor protector.
What are the routine maintenance tasks I need to
perform to keep the stove working properly?
Check the burn pot daily and clean it periodically to keep
air inlets open. Frequency of cleaning depends on fuel
type, grade, and content. Emptying the ash drawer is
recommended before starting new fires. Frequency
depends on fuel and stove design. Typically once or twice
a week is suggested, but monthly may be all that’s needed
in some new designs. Cleaning the heat exchanger is
simply a matter of moving a rod that scrapes the tubes
inside the stove. You may require professional service on
other models. Ash traps are easily accessed for the
removal of ashes in some designs; on others, professional
service is required. Clean the glass with glass cleaner
when the glass is completely cool. Some stoves have
effective air wash systems which keep the glass clean.
Other stoves may require more vigorous cleaning methods.
Check the hopper periodically for accumulated sawdust
materials (fines). Fuel in the hopper and auger tube should
be emptied occasionally to prevent auger blockage by fines.
What professional maintenance and repair services
will I need?
We annually perform these cleaning and maintenance
services:
- Empty ash traps and clean exhaust passages behind the fire chamber.
- Clean and lubricate fans and motors.
- Clean the hopper and fuel feed system.
- Clean the heat exchanger system.
- Clean exhaust pipes and reseal the venting system if needed.
- Verify and adjust the stove settings with proper gauges and meters.
- Repair and replace mechanical and electric components if needed.