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February 15, 2010
Many people choose a gas fireplace for the convenience and ease of use, but miss the importance of annual maintenance. A few simple steps will ensure you have a clean, safe and efficiently burning gas fireplace year after year.
1) Check the care guide or owner’s manual for your gas fireplace model. More specific instructions may be found there. It’s also a good idea to have the gas lines, connections and fireplace operation checked every year by a qualified gas fireplace professional.
2) Start with the cleanliness of your gas fireplace. Wipe the glass doors or face with a soft cloth and a specially made fireplace glass cleaner. It isn’t regular glass that you’re working with – more likely tempered glass or transparent ceramic – so don’t opt for household glass cleaners. Use gloves and even a mask for safety. Never attempt to clean your gas fireplace while it is burning or hot.
3) Move then to cleaning your gas log set. Wipe with damp cloth to remove any soot and dust buildup. If you need to replace the gas log set, visit a local fireplace professional to find something that will suit and fit your appliance.
4) Check the vents of your gas fireplace as well. Cobwebs, wasp nests and various other critters can cause a blockage in the vents from the outside. If your fireplace uses a chimney, have that professionally cleaned by a certified chimney sweep before the fire burning season begins. Trim any shrubs, flowers or bushes that have overgrown the vent area and make sure nothing is stored around them.
5) Make sure that your burner or burner pipes are working well, as any buildup there can cause dangerous emissions and reduce efficiency. Clean them as directed in your manual. Some fireplace owners give the interior of the firebox a quick vacuum at this time as well, just to reduce dust. An accumulation of dust poses a fire hazard and will decrease the efficiency of your gas fireplace.
6) If necessary, relight your pilot light – the tiny flame that constantly burns inside the fireplace. Some people douse that flame for the warm, humid months while others simply switch the fireplace to “Off.” If you’re having trouble with your pilot light, be sure to wait five minutes between lighting attempts, in order to clear the area of dangerous gas.
7) Lastly, test your carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are in good working order. Homes that are equipped with gas burning appliances should have carbon monoxide detectors for safety and protection. Test them annually and replace them when necessary
Completing these gas fireplace annual maintenance steps will provide a season of warmth and comfort for your family. Enjoy the convenience of gas fireplaces while maintaining optimum efficiency and safety through these annual tasks.
February 9, 2010
As your gas fireplace ages or technology and styles change, you may find yourself upgrading your gas log set. An annual inspection of your gas logs may also present the necessity of an upgrade. There are many on the market today and the cost and installation are quite reasonable.
First of all, when changing out your gas log set, be sure to have the chimney (if applicable) cleaned by a professional. Also be wary of used gas log sets as they are often dirty and worn.
A gas log set is the optimum in convenience, offering you consistent heat output without the hassle of ash and fuel collection. You simply flip a switch and the flames come alive. When you find that your gas fireplace is not producing the desired amount of heat or the log set is not as attractive as it used to be, upgrade to a new, larger set.
Gas log sets are made of a dense refractory material (fibers that can withstand high temperatures), so they actually collect and radiate heat themselves. Never mix wooden logs with a gas log set as the heat and flames will be dangerous and damage your entire fireplace.
Choose between vented and vent free gas log sets. If you are placing the gas log set in an existing fireplace, be sure to have a professional inspect and provide the proper type of set for your situation. Vented gas logs produce an attractive, yellow flame. They also produce some smoke and carbon monoxide. Make sure to have the damper fully open whenever burning with vented gas log sets.
Vent free sets produce a blue flame that some find less attractive than the yellow. The flame from vent free gas log sets have a higher BTU though and can heat more efficiently. A blower may be used with this type of set and the damper can be fully closed, allowing all of the heat to circulate in your home. Be sure however, that any vent free gas log set is also installed with an Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS). This sensor will shut the gas off when the oxygen in the room drops below a certain level – keeping the air in your home safe.
When upgrading your gas log set, look for the technology that suits your situation, as well as the safety features required. Pick a set that has the size, shape and appearance you desire. Then have a professional inspect the area, install the new gas log set and get it up and running. You will thoroughly enjoy your renovated and updated gas fireplace.
January 19, 2010
Once you have decided that a gas fueled fireplace is right for your home it is time to choose the gas logs. Gas logs come in a variety of types and styles, and can greatly change the efficiency and look of a fireplace.
The main decision to make when choosing gas logs is vented or vent-free. Vented gas logs are the most realistic looking, and replace the hassles of a wood burning fireplace. Vent-free gas logs provide more radiant heat, and burn much cleaner than vented gas logs. This means that they are much less realistic looking.
Gas logs also come in a variety of looks, including fresh cut, oak, pine and charred. Fireplace Village has a wide variety of gas log sets. Visit one of our New Hampshire locations to see our gas log displays or buy online.
December 18, 2009
Gas log fireplaces are a great solution for anyone who wants the authentic look and feel of a wood burning fireplace without all the hassle. Once you have decided that a gas fireplace is right for your home, it is time to decide what type will work best based on your current set up.
Gas log fireplaces come in two basic types, vented and vent-free. If you currently have a wood burning fireplace which you would like to transform into a gas log fireplace then a vented option is right for you. This means that you have an existing chimney that can be connected to the gas log fireplace. A vent-free gas log fireplace, however, can be used in an existing wood burning fireplace, or in a firebox with no chimney. This means a vent-free gas log fireplace can be installed in a home or apartment that does not currently have a fireplace.
Another big difference in vented or vent-free gas fireplaces is the heat output. Vented gas log fireplaces generally do not give off much heat, although a gas log heater could be installed to change this. Vented gas log fireplaces, however, have a more realistic wood burning look than their vent-less counterparts, but operate without the hassle of cleaning up ash and chopping wood. A vent-free gas log model operates with the damper closed, circulating warm air throughout the room. This makes it a more economical choice as it will cut down on heating bills. Vent-free models have to be used with the gas doors open, in order to circulate the air. All gas fireplaces and gas fireplace inserts can burn either natural gas or propane (LP).
Once you have decided what type of venting system is right for you it is time to pick out the gas logs. There are two main types, ceramic fiber gas logs and concrete refractory gas logs. Ceramic fiber logs are somewhat more realistic looking, although not as durable. They also offer a realistic glow after about 15 minutes of burning. Concrete gas logs are much more durable but will never create a realistic looking glow. Both types of gas logs come in a variety of styles, including oak, cedar and birch. When ordering gas logs you will need to know if you have a vented or vent-less fireplace, the size of your firebox and what type you would prefer. All gas logs and gas log sets can burn either natural gas or propane (LP).
Fireplace Village carries many varieties of ceramic fiber and concrete refractory gas logs, as well as the largest selection of gas fireplaces, which can be purchased in one of our New Hampshire locations, or online at shop.fireplacevillage.net.
December 17, 2009
Gas fireplaces are a great fit for city dwellers, homes with little storage, or for people who want to enjoy the comfort and warmth of a fireplace without the hassle of cutting firewood and starting fires. Gas fireplaces are not only easily adjustable and a good source of heat, but they are also fairly easy to maintain. Follow these steps for yearly maintenance and you will be able to enjoy your gas fireplace with no risk of injury or flare-up.
The embers need to be cleaned out, or simply added to as often as needed, but at least once a year. Generic replacement embers are available, but if you bring in a sample to any one of Fireplace Village’s locations we will be able to match it up as best as possible. The other important part of gas fireplace maintenance is hiring a professional to check the gas lines and connections. Once this is done you can wipe down your gas fireplace logs with a soft cloth, clean off the gas doors and your fireplace is safe to use for another year.
Fireplace Village New Hampshire sells a wide selection of gas logs and also provides gas log installation and annual maintenance service.
December 3, 2009
The ease and simplicity of owning and maintaining a gas fireplace are the main reasons many people prefer them to traditional wood burning fireplaces, but even gas fireplaces need yearly maintenance to keep them safe and in proper working order.
The most important part of gas fireplace safety is making sure the installation is correct. By hiring a certified fireplace professional you can insure that your fireplace will be hooked up securely and safely. Before using your gas fireplace for the first time each season, there are a few routine checkups which should be made to make sure your fireplace is running as cleanly and safely as possible.
First off, make sure all of the vents are working properly. You can reduce drafts and heat loss by installing glass doors in front of the gas fireplace, but the doors must remain open while the fire is burning. This prevents smoke and carbon monoxide from entering your home. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, potentially lethal gas produced as a byproduct when fuels such as natural or propane gas, kerosene, and wood are burned. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions exactly when using any type of fuel-burning appliance. In some areas, local building codes may require the damper in your chimney to be permanently blocked open if you install gas logs. Another key part to the safety of your fireplace is the cleanliness of the chimney. Having a chimney sweep come in once a year assures that no flare-ups start in the chimney.
The burner is another crucial part of a gas burning fireplace that needs to be checked and cleaned annually. A dirty or poor working burner can lead to soot buildup and even carbon monoxide. This is why it is important to have a carbon monoxide detector in the home. Another way to make sure your home is safe is by having the gas lines checked yearly to make sure no leaks have occurred.
Another part of the fireplace to keep clean are the ceramic logs themselves. Using a soft brush to wipe away any soot that has built up will keep your fireplace not only looking clean but also burning clean.
As for glass fireplace doors or covers, it is important to check the seal of your doors to make sure you are not letting cold air in while the fireplace is not in use. Wiping down the glass doors with a soft cloth and water will allow you to enjoy your safely burning gas log fireplace all winter long.
Fireplace Village is the largest gas fireplaces and gas log retailer in New England. We provide complete gas fireplace installation, service and maintenance with our staff of certified professionals. Since 1972, Fireplace Village has been the providing installation and maintenance service.
November 30, 2009
When deciding between a vented or a vent-less gas fireplace there are many things to keep in mind, the most important being, do you want to use this fireplace as a way to heat your home?
While Vented gas fireplaces are more realistic looking, they operate under an open chimney, which means a large portion of the heat created is leaving your house. They also use slightly more gas.
A vent-less fireplace has a smaller flame, but is an excellent source of heat and many can even be set up to a thermostat. Vent less gas fireplaces may take the place of central heating if your electricity goes out, but should be used mainly as a secondary heat source.
Certain states ban the sale of vent-less gas fireplaces due to potential health concerns, including potential accumulation of carbon monoxide and oxygen depletion. Check your local building codes or contact a gas fireplace specialist at Fireplace Village before buying one of these hearth appliances.
Fireplace Village is the largest gas fireplace retailer in New Hampshire and New England, and any one of our amazing sales associates would be happy to help you chose the best gas fireplace for your home. We also sell gas fireplaces online. Free shipping in the continental U.S.
November 24, 2009
The Jotul wood stoves company has been producing high quality, energy efficient wood stoves and gas stoves for over 100 years. Jotul has recently introduced a new line of gas fireplaces. The new product line from Jotul is the Atra Adirondack Gas Fireplace Collection. This gas fireplace collection borrows its design aesthetic from the Adirondack region of New York. The offering is unique because it incorporates materials such as rough hewn gas logs, split rock, tree branches and roots, and the antlers of animals into the design of the gas fireplaces.
The new Jotul collection is available in two different base size models and a number of attractive fireplace door and fireplace surround options. The fireplace liner options are very interesting as well, two traditional brick liners are available along with a fieldstone liner. Our favorite burner gas log option is the Beach Fire. Fireplace Village, Bedford has these exciting new gas fireplaces on display.
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