Gas Log FAQ'S

What Is the Difference Between Vented Gas Logs and Ventless Gas Logs?
The primary difference between vented gas logs and ventless gas logs is that ventless gas logs can be operated with the chimney damper closed, which keeps significantly more heat in your home. Ventless gas logs provide warmth before ambiance.

Vented gas logs provide a flame that looks more similar to a wood fire flame, but the chimney damper must be opened during operation. Vented gas logs provide a more appealing flame and stronger ambient firelight.

Why Buy a Gas Log?
Gas logs deliver the warm and cozy ambiance of real fire in the fireplace without all the preparation, maintenance, and cleanup that real wood fires demand. Many people would love to have a real wood fire in the hearth after a long day, but time constraints make all the necessary work quite an ordeal. Gas logs eliminate the hassle.

Gas logs provide stunning realism, warmth, ambiance and safety features that will put your mind at ease. Gas logs are also affordable to add to an existing fireplace or to install in ventless versions. You can also use a gas log as a back-up heating source during power failures because they require no electricity.

What Type of Fuel Do I Use with Gas Logs?
Gas logs are available for use with natural gas or with liquid propane. Natural gas logs are the most popular option and they typically generate more heat than liquid propane gas logs. Propane gas logs are generally used only in places where natural gas is not available.

How Do I Get the Right Size Gas Log?
You will need to measure your fireplace to get the right size gas log. Check the size of your fireplace, which you can determine by measuring the width, depth, and height. Gas logs should not fit too tightly along the side and back walls.

How Much Do Gas Logs Cost to Install?
There is no standard cost for installing gas logs. The cost of installing gas logs depends on the market, and varies with the particular job and installer. The degree of difficulty and the amount of time it takes to install the gas line and the gas log are the primary determinants of installation cost. It is highly recommended that you use only professionals who are certified to install gas logs.

How Much Do Gas Logs Cost to Operate?
The cost of operating gas logs again varies from market to market, depending on the cost of the gas itself. The BTU (British Thermal Unit) output of any given gas log determines how much fuel it will use. Contact your local gas company if you want specific information regarding current gas costs. If you provide them with the BTU information from your gas log, they should be able to calculate the cost of operation.

Are the Flames on Gas Logs Adjustable?
Whether or not a gas log has adjustable flame depends on the model. Typically, gas logs do not have adjustable flames. Look for rotary control valve options if you want a gas log with adjustable flames.

What Are ANSI Standards, and How Do I Know If My Gas Log Meets Them?
The ANSI is the American National Standards Institute, and they maintain strict standards for ventless gas logs and many other products. All the products we sell comply with the ANSI Standards for gas logs, standard Z 21.11.2.

Can I Burn Wood Along with My Gas Log?
No. Never attempt to supplement a gas log fire by adding anything, including wood, to a gas log. This creates additional heat that can damage gas logs and invalidate your warranty.

Do I Need a Carbon Monoxide Detector with Gas Logs?
Whether you have gas logs in your home or not, you should still have a Carbon Monoxide Detector. All energy sources can produce Carbon Monoxide, which is why a detector is recommended.

What Are Some Control and Safety Options for My Gas Log?
Control and safety options vary on gas logs. Base models include controls inside the fireplace. These are typically knobs that are turned to ignite the gas logs. Some gas logs can be controlled by remote control or wall switch for convenient operation. Others can be controlled by thermostat or timer to enhance efficiency. Check the details of the gas logs you are interested in to help you decide on the right controls.

What Is the Difference Between Standard and See-Through Gas Logs?
Standard gas logs are for standard, front-view fireplaces. See-through style gas logs are specifically designed for multi-sided fireplaces. These gas logs have a special burner system that directs the fire in such a way that it looks appealing and natural from various angles.

What Are Gas Logs Made of?
Gas logs are typically constructed of two basic components: the burner and the logs. The gas burner is concealed by the "logs," which are usually some kind of molded refractory cement, fired ceramic clay, or molded ceramic fibers, all of which are, of course, fireproof.

Can I Install My Gas Log Myself?
We strongly recommend that all gas logs be installed by certified professionals. Check with your fuel provider to see who in your area qualifies to perform such installations, as this can vary by locality.

What Are the BTUs on Various Gas Logs?
BTU (British Thermal Unit) specifications signify the amount of heating power of the gas log. A single BTU is the amount of energy required to raise a pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. What about how many BTUs are required to heat your living space? About 10,000 BTUs will heat an area of 500 square feet, if insulation is good. If you have windows, a higher ceiling, or an irregular floor plan, you will need more BTUs to heat the area.

What Is ODS?
ODS stands for Oxygen Depletion Sensor. This technology is incorporated into the design of all ventless gas products. ODS pilots have been in use for over half a century and have a proven safety record. It cuts off the flow of gas when necessary, just as a circuit breaker does with electricity.

What Maintenance Do Gas Logs Require?
Gas logs require no particular ongoing maintenance. However, you should have your gas lines, valves, connections, and pilot periodically inspected by a professional. Ventless gas logs should be inspected annually by a professional.

How Do I Clean Gas Logs?
If you desire, a good way to do some light cleaning on gas logs is to brush them with a soft-bristled brush or duster. You should not remove gas logs from the burner or from the fireplace. Scrubbing or using water or other solvents is not advisable, as these can remove the paint and bark texture. If you do brush your gas logs, be sure that they are at room temperature.

Which Gas Logs Produce More Heat?
Ventless gas logs not only use less energy, but also generate more heat in the home. Most of the heat generated by vented gas logs is lost through the chimney. If you want a gas log for heating purposes, a ventless gas log is the right choice.

What Is a Safety Pilot on a Gas Log?
A Gas Log safety pilot is an automatic shut-off valve, which stops the flow of gas in the event that the pilot goes out or the normal flow of gas is irregular. This prevents the buildup of gas in the home. Some safety pilots also stop the flow of gas to the gas log if the fire becomes too hot.

Do I Need a Safety Pilot for My Gas Log?
It is not necessary to have a safety pilot for your gas log, because the standard "standing pilot" has a built-in safety feature. Standing pilots stay lit (like those gas water heaters) and the pilot itself generates the necessary power for the valve to operate. Thus, if the standing pilot is extinguished, the valve shuts off automatically, cutting off the flow of gas.

Can I Add a Remote Control After My Gas Log Has Been Installed?
If your gas log is equipped with a millivolt valve, then adding a remote control or a wall switch is relatively easy to do. If you do not have a millivolt valve on your gas log, there are other remote-capable valves that can be added on as well.

Do the Embers with My Gas Log Burn and Need to Be Replaced?
The glowing accent embers that complete many gas logs do not actually burn and need not be replaced. This mineral, called rockwool, is organic and fireproof. To keep your rockwool embers looking their best, you may want to clean them annually or have them refurbished.

Can I Use a Ventless Gas Log in My Wood Fireplace?
Yes, as long as the firebox is large enough to accommodate the gas log.

How Do Ventless Gas Logs Affect Indoor Air Quality?
Ventless gas logs meet or exceed the nationally recognized guidelines for indoor air quality. The American National Standards Institute maintains strict standards for ventless gas logs in standard Z 21.11.2. Our ventless gas logs comply with these standards.

Do I Need to Use a Hood with My Ventless Gas Log?
Using a hood with ventless gas logs is necessary only in situations where the mantle is too close to the fire. To be safe, use a hood if the mantel is closer than 28 inches to the firebox opening.

Are Ventless Gas Logs Legal in All States?
No. Ventless gas logs are not legal in all states. Restrictions differ by state. The State of California does not allow ventless gas logs in any building or vehicle. Check with your local officials or gas company for more information on any legal issues that may affect your area.

Can I Remove My Gas Log and Burn Wood?
No, you cannot remove gas logs and burn wood. Gas logs and gas log fireplaces are designed to work with only the appropriate logs.

Can I Shut Off the Pilot on My Gas Log During the Summer?
It is not necessary to shut off your gas log pilot during the warmer summer months, though it will not hurt to do so either. It will save money on fuel costs, so this may be in your best interests if you don't plan to use your gas log for some time.