Ask the Experts
BTU’s or British Thermal Units are a standard measurement which represents the heat value of any type of energy used to create heat. BTU values of any type of energy are determined by the actual amount of heat that is required to increase the temperature of one pound of water, by one degree Fahrenheit. In other words, the higher the BTU rating on a fireplace, the more heat you can expect to receive from it. A standard size fireplace is generally rater
Yes, as long as the minimum “clearance to combustibles” as per stated directly in the manufacturers printed manual are met. Even though the TV may be placed outside of the clearances, it is best to make sure it is safe to do so, as electronics can only withstand far lower temperatures than wood for example. Each unit will have a different set of clearances so it is best to check both the manufacturers guide, as well as ask a fireplace professional.
Depending on the type of unit that you choose, new production methods of gas stoves have allowed for the unit to sit anywhere from 6” to 2” from a combustible rear or side wall! Making a gas stove a great option in terms of heating capacity vs. required usable space in the home. It is always best to check with manufacturer guidelines and an installation professional to make sure you have safety located a unit.
No! Direct vent units can be most easily vented on an outside wall, although various other methods are available to suit different settings. It is best to inquire with a professional fireplace dealer or installer to see how a gas unit will best fit into your home.
The tank can be very flexible as to location, but must be a minimum of 3ft from home openings (windows, doors, etc.) and must maintain at least 10ft from any form of mechanical exhausts, intakes, or heat pump systems. As well, the tank cannot be within 10ft of your fireplace’s direct vent terminal which both exhausts and takes fresh air in to the unit from outside.
Fireplace inserts are designed to fit within an existing fire-rated masonry opening which was originally used as an open wood burning application. Zero-clearance options are designed to sit in an area of choice and are meant to be built into the space by a surround, mantle, or other means.
During the fall and winter months when the fireplace is most in demand, even though electronic ignition systems allow for the turn off/on of the pilot with ease, in our climate it can be very risky to let the unit sit stagnant in regards to cold weather and increased moisture which enter through the fresh air portion of the venting at all times. Don't forget, without your pilot light the inside of your unit is the same temperature as the outside! Over exposure to these temperatures can cause the pilot to seize and fail when you really need it the most.
Yes! Your unit will operate and heat sufficiently through radiant means even when the power is out. Certain functions such as optional fans or blower kits and types of electronic ignition systems will rely on the electricity in the home.
With a direct vent, the air required to burn the unit is pulled through a termination located outside the home and into a sealed firebox and sends flue gases back out of the home through the inside portion of the vent. B-vent takes air from within the home and gravity vents the flue product back up and out of the pipe to the outside. B-vent is only available on certain units and is only appropriate in certain settings, be sure to ask your fireplace professional which is right for your home.
No! A majority of the gas fireplaces produced today across various manufacturers can be direct vented easily out through a side wall with a small vent kit, as long as the unit is installed along an outside wall.
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