Got Gas?!
You have a “gas fireplace”……..but do you really?
What’s the difference between
- A gas starter (log-lighter),
- Gas logs,
- A gas fireplace insert,
- And a true gas fireplace?
And why do you need to know?
Gas starter (log-lighter)
Log Lighters are designed to burn gas in order to start a real wood fire without using kindling. They are not designed to emulate the look of a real wood fire and should not be used with artificial logs. You can find log lighters in both masonry and prefabricated manufactured fireplaces. If one has been installed in a prefab fireplace it is not recommended to remove it as it will be difficult to find a service technician willing to seal the hole left by its removal. We have never found a manufacture who will sign off (in writing) on an approved repair procedure once a hole, to facilitate a gas line, has been punched in a prefab fireplace.
Gas Logs
Technically it’s a gas burner in a fireplace (either masonry or manufactured), made to resemble real logs. These can have either manual or electronic ignition systems. You can find gas log systems in either masonry or prefabricated manufactured fireplaces. If gas logs have been installed in a prefab fireplace it is not recommended to try to return the appliance to wood burning as it will be difficult to find a service technician willing to seal the hole left by the removal of the gas logs. Again, we have never found a manufacture who will sign off (in writing) on an approved repair procedure once a hole, to facilitate a gas line, has been punched in a prefab fireplace. These units can be vented or vent free and some units can be operated either way (dual-listed)
Gas fireplace insert
This appliance is a gas stove that is installed (inserted) into an open fireplace that was originally designed to burn wood. It is most often installed in a masonry structure, but sometimes can be found installed into a manufactured chimney. If installed in a manufactured chimney, approval from the manufacturer of the fireplace must be obtained. These units can be either vented or vent free.
(Dedicated) Gas fireplace
This is a manufactured appliance similar to a prefab wood burning fireplace in that it is a complete system (firebox and chimney) with pieces and parts that are specifically designed to go together in a specific way. The fuel is gas instead of wood and replacement parts are manufacturer specific. No mixing and matching is allowed. These units can be direct vent, b-vent or vent free.
Why is it important to know what you have?
Knowing what you have will
- let you know what your options are if you plan some kind of change (i.e. gas to wood; new gas logs; different gas fireplace).
- let you know how to find out what kind of service you need and how often that service should be done.
- let you know what to tell folks about what is there if you decide to sell your home.
More homeowner information about the use of gas appliances in your home is available from Chimney Safety Institute of America.
Blue Sky Chimneys Sweeps|Bless Your Hearth has technicians trained to service any of these installations. We can help you identify just what you have and keep it in ship shape condition providing hours and hours of enjoyment for you and your family.