Frequently Asked Questions
Click a heading below to view questions and answers.
Can I vent through a wall?No. WOOD FIREPLACES MUST BE VENTED VERTICALLY.
Can I have a gas light on my wood fireplace?Yes, you do this by having a log lighter installed...
What about gas logs?Yes, you do have the option of having gas logs installed. You will not be able to burn wood if you do this. A gas insert would be a more efficient heat output, however they cost more.
As far as clean up goes, how does the wood rate?Wood is the messiest of fireplaces or stoves.
What does an outside air kit do and do I need one?For wood burning fireplaces, you should consider installation of an outside air kit. It provides additional combustion air to the fireplace that feeds the fire with oxygen from outside your home. This will help the performance on any fireplace installed in tightly-constructed or well-insulated homes.
How efficient is a woodburning fireplace?While they produce some radiant heat, most woodburning fireplaces are primarily decorative. Even heat circulating models still pull a tremendous amount of air from the home. There are several woodburning models that are efficient and clean burning. We also have several woodburning stoves and inserts that are very efficient.
Can I get the fireplace in Propane?Yes all of our gas fireplaces have the option to be Natural Gas or Liquid Petroleum (LP or propane).
Can I take the glass off?The glass is removable for cleaning only. (NOTE: DO NOT CLEAN THE GLASS WITH AMMONIA).
What about gas logs?All gas fireplace models come with their own log sets.
Can I convert my gas fireplace to a wood burning fireplace?No.
Can I shut the pilot off in the summer?It's not recommended in climates that are high in humidity. Otherwise, you can turn the pilot off when you won’t be using your appliance for an extended period of time, and then use our on-line instructions to relight the pilot when needed.
What is an IPI ignition system?Intermittent Pilot Ignition is an electronic system, which uses an electrode to ignite the pilot gas. In turn, the pilot flame lights the main burner gas. The term Intermittent is used because the pilot burner flame is only present when the main burner is operating. When the main burner is off the pilot is also off. The IPI system ensures the pilot flame extends over the burner for immediate ignition and secondly conserves energy when the appliance is not in operation.
Intellifire, an ignition system exclusively featured in Heatilator, Heat & Glo & Quadra-Fire products, is an energy-saving pilot ignition system for gas fireplaces and inserts. It provides an ignition flame only when needed and has a battery backup system that supplies power to spark the ignition flame in the event of a power outage.
Can I burn wood or other materials in my gas fireplace?No! Burning anything other than natural or LP gas in a gas fireplace or stove will create a potential fire hazard and present a danger to your home and its occupants. Only burn the gas fuel for which the unit was originally designed.
Can I remove the glass panel on my gas fireplace?Not if your fireplace was shipped with a glass panel on the front. Direct vent fireplaces are sealed combustion systems and need the glass on to function properly. We sell optional screen mesh panels that go on the front of the glass that takes away any reflection, and adds an additional safety barrier against accidental contact with the hot glass panel. The other type of gas fireplaces we sell, called B-vent fireplaces, come with fixed, not sealed, glass fronts. You would need to check with your local dealer in the area to determine if the glass panel can be removed from this type of unit. Because removal of the glass is totally dependent on the specific unit installed, we cannot recommend that the glass be removed unless the specific model of unit denotes that it can be removed and the fireplace will still operate safely.
The glass on my fireplace is unusually hot.The glass on a gas fireplace WILL reach very high temperatures. USE CAUTION: Carefully SUPERVISE children in the same room as your appliance; alert everyone to the hazards of high temperatures; do NOT operate with protective barriers removed; keep clothing, furniture, draperies and other combustibles away. Barriers such as screens over our direct vent glass help reduce the risk of burn from touching the glass. These screens are available through your local dealer.
What is the recommended burn-in procedure on a new gas fireplace?On a new gas fireplace there is a curing time or burn-in time. When initially burning your new gas fireplace, the oils, etc. from manufacturing will be burning off the fireplace. We recommend burning the fireplace 3 hours; completely cooling down the fireplace, removing the glass and cleaning it with household glass cleaner or Glass Bright; replacing the glass & continuing to burn the fireplace an additional 9-21 hours. (Make sure you re-latch the glass so it is securely fastened on your fireplace.) If necessary, open a window to release any odor during this process. This should eliminate the manufacturing smell on a new fireplace.
Do they put out heat?Yes. Electric fireplaces don't put out a lot of heat, but they do produce about 4000 BTUs.
Are there any electric stoves or electric stand-alones?We do not carry any electric stoves. Electric fireplaces are designed to be put in a cabinet.
Does it need venting?No, the fire is not real. It is like watching a fire on television, only prettier. It has a built-in electric heater to simulate fireplace warmth.
Are electric fireplaces safe?All models are tested to UL standards and will automatically shut off in the unlikely event that they overheat. They are clean-burning and do not put fumes or moisture into your home, as do "vent free" fireplaces.
How long does a 40 lb. bag of pellets last?It depends on the temperature and setting (high, med, or low) the stove is set on and how long it runs. The Castille model in the showroom is turned on at 8:00 A.M. on high for 1 hour, at 9:00 it gets turned to low and runs that way for the rest of the day until it is shut off around 3:30 to 4:00 P.M. It goes through a full bag in about 3 1/2 days. The average customer in this area reported last winter a usage between a half-ton to a ton for the whole season.
What factors determine appliance location?For maximum enjoyment and heating effectiveness, a major living area where the family spends leisure hours and which provides heat flow to other areas is usually a strongly preferred location for the stove. The pellet heating professional considers the following factors when determining whether installation requirements can be met in the homeowner's preferred location:
- Venting may be limited by factors like obstructions above for vertical venting through the ceiling and roof, or by the distance to an outside wall for horizontal venting.
- Outside air for combustion, if needed, must be drawn from an approved location.
- Space requirements must meet minimum clearances between the stove and combustibles. More space than the minimum required may be desirable to provide room for convenient operation and service.
- Proximity to a properly wired outlet.
Can I put a wood or pellet stove in a bedroom?No
What are my choices for floor protection?The floor must be protected according to the pellet stove manufacturer's instructions. The minimum size of the noncombustible floor protector is clearly specified in installation instructions. The choice of suitable material usually requires professional assistance if a suitable hearth is not already available in the home. Built-in appliances may require additional layer of protection, such as an air space between the appliance and the floor protector.
What electrical requirements should be checked?The dealer or installer should check the intended appliance outlet for proper voltage, ground, and polarity. The electrical circuit to be used should have a properly rated circuit breaker. Are there special requirements for mobile home installations? The model you choose must be approved for use in a mobile home. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) makes additional requirements for solid fuel burning appliances installed in mobile homes which are listed in stove manufacturers' installation instructions.
What are the purposes of venting systems?Proper venting is essential for proper appliance performance, dwelling safety, maintenance frequency and indoor environment. Pellet stoves produce little or no visible smoke after startup, but exhaust gases, fine ash and water vapor must be moved safely from the appliance to the outdoors without leaking into the house. The purpose of all vents is to remove combustion by-products produced during normal operation. For most designs, the exhaust is mechanical: a fan blows the combustion by-products out and pulls air needed for combustion into the fire. A few stoves operate without a combustion air fan and instead use natural draft both for exhaust and combustion air intake. Some heat also moves through the vent, making protection of nearby combustibles essential. The minimum clearance between the vent and combustibles, as specified in the vent installation instructions, must be met or exceeded to assure safety.
What are my options for venting layout?Sidewall horizontal venting. Invariably the least expensive venting system. Disadvantage of potential smoke spilling into the house in the event of a power outage or component failure, or house depressurization.
Horizontal vent with backup vertical venting. Preferred horizontal method that avoids venting problems associated with unexpected appliance shutdown.
Vertical venting through the ceiling and roof. Has the advantages of keeping vent gases warm and of providing natural draft to prevent problems in an unexpected shutdown.
Venting into existing chimney. Stove manufacturers provide recommendations for venting into masonry and factory-built chimneys, which may include partial or full chimney relining.
Natural Draft: All vents for appliances designed without mechanical exhaust fans must meet stove manufacturer's requirements for minimum draft and must terminate above the roof.
What's a good starting point for learning to operate a pellet stove?The rule here is "read the instructions." Operating a pellet stove is not difficult, but it is a new technology that calls for basic knowledge. Training videos accompany some stoves, and hands-on demonstrations are offered by many dealers and installers.
How do I start a fire?Small dry fuel (pellets) and combustion air (provided by a fan on most designs) make startup easy. Operating instructions accompanying the stove give the specific steps to follow. Manual ignition stoves call for the owner to apply an approved gel or solid starter material (no liquids), light the pellets, and monitor the fire to see that the fire catches and the flame gradually grows. On automatic ignition stoves, pushing the start button feeds pellets to the burn pot and heats the self-igniter device.
What if the stove doesn't start properly?A safety device monitors startup and stops fuel feed if operating temperatures are not reached within a specified time period. If startup fails, the operator should first make sure that the hopper has fuel and that fuel is feeding into the burn pot, and then attempt to restart the stove. Repeated failed lighting cycles indicate the need for maintenance or professional service.
What do I do after the stove starts?After control panel or air inlet adjustments and a quick performance check, the stove is set to provide hours of even, comfortable heat. Stoves equipped with a remote wall thermostat respond to a set room air temperature by cycling on and off or by cycling from a low to high burn, depending on stove startup design.
How often should I clean my pellet stove during burn season?1 to 2 times per week. Be sure stove is cold when cleaning.
What are signs of performance problems?Properly operated and maintained pellet stoves experience few, if any, problems. Most of pellet stove operation is automatic, but sometimes combustion air adjustment is needed. A lazy, orange, sooty flame or dark smoke coming out of the vent (after startup and before shutdown) may indicate the need for more air. An overactive, "blow torch" flame calls for less air. Performance problems are more likely to be caused by neglected maintenance than by regular operation. Lazy flame, dark smoke, unusual sooting of glass, unexplained smoke spillage and reduced heat output all point to the need for maintenance of appliance components and/or the venting system, or for remedies for house depressurization. Problems related to mechanical failure usually results in safety switches shutting the appliance down. Appliance shutdowns may, however, indicate nothing more than owner forgetfulness (empty hopper) or hurry (improper startup), or intermittent power failure. Unexplained, repeated appliance shutdowns call for professional advice and service.
How do I shut the stove down?Shutting the stove down is typically a matter of simply setting the control to the Off position according to operating instructions. The fuel feed stops delivering fuel right away, and after the stove cools sufficiently, all motors and blowers cease operation. The stove should NOT be shut down by unplugging the power cord.
What happens in an unexpected shutdown such as a power outage or component failure?Although fuel feed stops in a power outage, the pellets in the burn pot may continue to burn or smolder. The duration of this condition can vary with appliance design from a few minutes to an hour or more. The resulting smoke and hot gases rise, seeking the path of least resistance. If the exhaust vent does not have vertical sections to provide natural draft, smoke may spill into the home.
Can I vent it directly out the wall?If it is an outside wall that does not vent out into a screened in porch or area. Gas fireplaces and stoves, and pellet stoves can be vented directly out the wall. Electric does not need venting. Wood MUST BE vented through the roof.
How does wood stove venting work?Inside the house it can be single or double wall stove pipe, but once it hits the roof it must be Class A 3100 degree chimney pipe (which is at least double wall).
How do elbows work?Elbows allow you to turn and angle the pipes. Gas can use 45 or 90 degree elbows. Wood can not use anything bigger then a 30 and if an elbow is used with wood venting (stove or fireplace) you must use a second elbow to return the pipe. You can not link elbows directly together. Always put at least one elbow on the estimate, preferred two. Just in case it isn’t directly straight (sometimes builders are wrong).
Can two fireplaces share the same chimney?Two fireplaces can be put back to back (if they want to do that instead of a see-though) but they must have separate flue, with separate vents, they must be at least 15” apart. And one termination cap has to come up 15” higher then the other.
How do Heat Zones work?Certain fireplaces (Constitution, Cerona, etc.) allow for there two be a maximum of two “heat zones” off of them. Basically, this means you can vent the heat into two other areas of the home. The maximum amount of venting it can go is 40’ from the fireplace, THIS INCLUDES THE RISE AND RUN. The area may be within a 40 foot walk of the fireplace, but the rise and run may disqualify it.
Do I need an outside air kit?An outside air kit, AK22, is required for A36, A42, and SC60 models.
Do all gas fireplaces come with gas logs?Yes.
Why should I buy gas logs?Gas logs create a beautiful fire that will liven up a party or enhance a relaxing, quiet atmosphere. Gas logs are convenient, easy to operate and require minimal maintenance.
How do I size logs for my fireplace?Proper sizing is determined by the size of the fireplace base and the overall size of the Gas Log and Hearth Kit, which requires measuring the front width, back width, depth and height of the fireplace. Getting logs or controls too tight to the sides can cause damage to the fireplaces and gas log controls.
Are the flames on my gas logs adjustable?The flames are not adjustable.
How many different models and looks of gas logs can I choose from?There are several different models you can view on our website. In addition, the Real Wood Elite gas log sets are used in conjunction with one of three Hearth Kits: 1. Match Light Hearth Kit – system lights with a struck match. 2. Safety Pilot Hearth Kit – system prevents the flow of gas when the appliance is not in use. 3. Millivolt Hearth Kit – system available in either LP gas or natural gas; A remote control or wall switch is available for use with the Millivolt Hearth Kit.
What is a safety pilot?A safety pilot prevents the flow of gas when the appliance is not in use.
Can the glass doors on my fireplace be closed when my gas logs are burning?No. You must leave the doors open when you are operating RealWood Elite gas logs to avoid damaging the controls.
Can I convert my gas logs from LP to natural gas or from natural gas to LP?Yes, however, you must contact your local dealer to do the conversion for you.
Can I remove my gas logs and burn wood on the hearth kit?No. The hearth kit is designed to work with only the appropriate gas logs. Attempting this could result in injury, damage or worse. Additionally, burning wood voids the warranty of the hearth kit. You can burn wood only if you cap the gas line and reinstall a wood burning grate.
With gas logs, do I need the damper open all the time?A damper clamp will come standard with your gas log set and MUST be installed to maintain a small opening at all times. This allows for the escape of any pilot exhaust. When the logs are in use the damper must be fully open.
How do I convert my wood burning fireplace that has a gas log set installed back to wood?For vented gas log sets, you need to remove the log set and grate, have the gas line capped, install a grate rated for natural wood. The chimney and fireplace also need to be inspected by a fireplace professional prior to converting back to wood
What is a refractory?A refractory is what the brick background in a fireplace is called.
Does my fireplace have to have a refractoryNo, it doesn’t have to have a refractory, the refractory will help a little bit with the heat of the fireplace. It also gives the fireplace a more authentic styled feel to it. But no, a fireplace can operate without one.
Does it come with a blower fan? Or can I get one?This depends upon the model. Very few models (Caliber NXT and Constitution, etc.) actually come with them standard, some do have the option of having them as an upgrade.
Does it come with a remote or wall switch?Certain models such as the CNXT come with a wall switch, other models such as the electric come with a remote. Many fireplaces have the option of one or both.
How do wall switches work?There are several different types of wall switches, some like the standard wall switch for lights, work on a on/off switch, others have programmable options. Some (Castille) have a thermostat switch. Thermostats work the same as with heaters or ac units, you set the temperature where you want it to be and it will regulate the fireplace on and off to maintain that temperature. Caution: when using a thermostat be sure that the thermostat is not under direct sunlight or it may throw off the reading.
Do I have to choose between wall switches or remotes?Yes and no. many fireplaces have the option for one or the other. You can do both, however it is not very economical. If you do decide to do both, you must remember that whichever you use to turn it on, must be the one used to turn it back off. Most people will opt for one or the other.
What about fireplace fronts?Some models come with fronts (required to complete unit, but sold separately), and others come with only the option of fronts. Fronts can dress up a fireplace and give them a more polished classy look. Many fireplaces have fronts in different styles or color options.
Why should I buy a remote controlRemote Controls are a consumer convenience. They are great for the busy lifestyles of today and will enhance the relaxing mood created by our gas fireplace by allowing the user to relax in their favorite chair and operate their fireplace while reclining in comfort. They are especially convenient in large rooms where a switch on the fireplace or on the wall is not always easily accessed. It is also an extremely popular option for bed/bath sitting rooms.
How far away from the fireplace can I be and activate the fireplace with a remote control?The FCC in the United States and IC in Canada regulate the distance in which a radio frequency from the hand-held transmitter can operate. In optimum conditions, this distance is 90 feet. Since there are many things than interfere with radio frequency the maximum realistic distance from which a hand-held transmitter will communicate with the receiver is about 25 feet. Radio frequency will go through normal residential constructed walls (wood, plaster, drywall), but distance will be reduced traveling through walls.