Gas Fireplaces 101

Choosing a gas fireplace

If you don’t know where to begin your search, you're not alone. If someone were to ask me right now what I would put into my house I would actually have to do the same as everyone else and go shopping! There are so many choices available today that you actually have to self-educate on what your need is before heading out to make a purchase.

Get the right fireplace for the right job

Kozy Heat Gas Fireplace If one were to go to an auto dealership and all they knew was that they needed a vehicle to go to and from work they would find that they need to narrow down their choices to what their actual needs are. For instance you would not want to buy a 5 ton box van to go to work or get a sedan if you’re a contractor that needs to haul plywood. In respect the same thought process needs to happen when narrowing down your gas stove or fireplace needs.

A big part of my job is to listen to what the customers are looking for and get them on the right path of selection. After selling gas fireplaces over the years a few qualifying questions gets most customers thinking about their wants and needs. Customers may not know exactly what their looking for but they will usually describe in detail what they have for a vision in their home. A lot of times this is the very first time that they are actually narrowing their focus.

Gas fireplace technology

The gas fireplace world has vastly improved in the last few years. It used to be that one had to really shop around to get high efficiency and a rated heat source. Many manufacturers have merged operations and streamlined product lines in maintaining a competitive edge. Customers have had a real input into the formation of new products. In reality the manufacturers are listening and making what the customers are looking for!

The mystery of Gas fireplaces is going away as the inner working of 95% of the entire gas valve components come from the same source so keeping repair parts for the dealer is very simple. The major variables are the orifices that regulate gas output and burner styles that make up the unique burning displays that the manufacturer is marketing.

In the olde days of gas fireplace sales the gas logs were made of hard cement and if the gas flame came in contact with the log it would “carbon up” or turn black and make a huge mess. The cement log did not accept the heat very well. The flame had to be exact and not touch the log so the placement of those logs in the fireplace was critical. End result was a weak looking fire that was not realistic at all and customers complained that the overall appearance looked like a fake fire.

Mendota Gas Fireplace Today the logs are mostly made up of compressed glass and painted to look like a real log. The logs do not have to be exact as the flame can hit the log and the log will actually glow like it was on fire. There are still some issues with some fireplaces with what is called “flame impingement” where the log is too aggressively placed over a burner and can cause “Carbon” to form. Dealers and their installers are trained to properly dress up a fireplace to get maximum flame appeal. I cannot reveal the secrets…you have to come into Alaska Fireplace & Accessories Inc. and talk to Dan to find these secrets out for yourself.

We have been in business for quite a while and most manufacturers know who we are and they are always looking to get our business. We have chosen what we feel are some of the top quality brands and have brought them on board in our 3 locations for our customers. Customers have always stressed the need for high efficiency so the manufacturers have all responded to that need and now shopping for an efficient fireplace becomes less critical but it is still a valid question to ask.

The only venting that you should be shopping for in a gas stove or fireplace is called “direct vent”. Direct venting usually consist of the exhaust gasses venting through an inner pipe and the fresh air comes in around that inner pipe in a controlled configuration that is designed for a balanced flow of outgoing and incoming air sometimes called “balanced flue.” Gas Products are tested for different sizes of pipe and the length and configuration is usually in the installation instructions. Following the instructions will keep me very happy.

It's all about heat

Sizing up a gas fireplace is very simple for me. I like HEAT. I like Alaska. Alaska is a cold place. Never make a purchase by the square footage that is on the flier as there are many more unknowns that need to be asked first. Do not buy a Gas Stove or Gas Fireplace for a 1000 sq ft home that is rated for 1000 sq ft. until you look at the whole picture.

Consider the following:

How tall are the ceilings?
Is there a loft or upper structure that the heat will flow to?
How many windows are there?
Are there more windows than wall space?
How thick are the walls? 2X4, 2X6?
How well insulated are the walls?
Do you have a log home?
How thick is the roof?
Insulation factor at the roof level?
Is the Gas Stove or Fireplace a primary heating source?
It makes a big difference where in the home the appliance is placed for maximum heat distribution. Another secret that has to be sought directly from Dan…
Is the heating appliance for decoration or esthetics only?
Supplemental heat source?
Special requirements like having the ability to heat water or cook/warm up food?
Have Dan help you with some of these concerns. You have all the answers I just need to know the questions!

Gas logs are not the only display media, there are decorative glass that come in many colors that the gas can filter through for a delightful burning effect. There are metal sculptures that are surrounded by fire and now manufactures are coming out with fire and water effects fire on ice effects waterfalls…WOW just remember that when you get into fancy or multiple sided fireplaces you tend to stray away from efficiency and heating value.

A variety of finishes is also offered for many base products to add sparkle and eye candy effect. Baked enamel, copper, patina, stainless steel, basic black, titanium, satin finishes and a huge array of options.

Is this for primary heat or is this for decoration?

Bling Bling costs money. The best choice is always sought out by the best minds in the industry. Many folks already come into the shop with the best forgone solution to their needs.

After seeing the industry have its ups and downs like in the stock market from fuel pricing swaying the masses to certain popular products I have come up with my own

Conclusion

When all goes to heck and nothing is able to make it up the river, ocean or roadway then having a basic woodstove that has the capability to heat a good portion of the home is the bottom line choice.
Till that day comes I will have the enjoyment of setting my Gas Fireplace or Gas Stove thermostat at my desired setting and enjoying a comfortable atmosphere in Alaska. Be it in Natural Gas or Liquid Propane.
There is no such thing as “FREE WOOD.” Younger minds have this illusion as you get wiser you realize that nothing is FREE. Best way to cut wood is to have the wife do it. If that doesn’t work then turn up the thermostat!

Best choice in my tiny mind is to have BOTH a Wood and a Gas Stove or Gas Fireplace in the home. Have them placed at the secret locations that give the most natural benefit to household heat distribution (you have to see Dan on that one!). Have at least 10 cords all piled and split and protected from the elements elevated high enough so airflow will not cause the bottom layers to rot.

Come on in and browse!
Dan