1. Does my chimney
need to be cleaned?
Before installing any gas appliance in a previously used
fireplace, thoroughly clean the interior, including the smoke shelf,
damper area, and the chimney itself. Cleaning is especially important
before installing a vent-free log set as residual soot and creosote
can produce odors when burned.
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2. Will there
be a smell?
During their initial curing process, usually 4 to 6 hours, most
gas appliances will emit some smoke and odor. If your fireplace is
vented these odors will escape up the chimney. Vent-free logs should
also be vented during their initial break-in period. A heat smell may
be noticeable during normal operation of a vent-free appliance; also
household cleaning products, painting or staining odors may be
accentuated by vent-free combustion.
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3. Does
my fireplace need a hood?
The heat generated by vent-free appliances tends to travel up the
front of the fireplace and can effect mantles closer than 28"
above the opening. A hood is required to deflect heat away from a
wooden mantle.
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4.
Can I put a vent-free log in a metal pre-fab fireplace?
A vent-free log should only be installed in a factory built
fireplace which has been approved for use with vent-free products.
Otherwise we recommend an 18" log with a maximum of 26,000 BTU's.
This will eliminate excessive heat transfer when the fireplace is used
without the damper open.
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5.
Will my gas log need to be serviced?
Gas logs, especially vent-free models, are subject to clogging
from normal household dust. Airborne particles can restrict air
mixers, burners, and even the ODS pilot assembly, causing changes in
burn patterns. For this reason a "tune-up" before each
burning season is recommended.
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6. I don't
have gas, now what?
Bottled or L.P. gas is widely used to fuel gas burning logs. Tanks
must be located outside, 3 feet from doors and windows and 10 feet
from air conditioners and heat pumps. Service is provided by a local
propane dealer.
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7. Can
I use a glass enclosure on my gas log fireplace?
Glass doors can be used to screen your fireplace, however extreme
care must be taken to burn only with the doors open. Keeping the doors
open is especially important when operating vent-free gas logs.
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