Home \ Frequently Asked Questions \ Gas Logs

• BTU Ratings

  

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• Can I buy gas log sets from you?

  Yes. We carry the Real Fyre (RH Peterson) gas log lines. We can also help point you in the right direction for the type of fireplace you have. For more information, please see our Gas Logs section.

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• Code requires that the damper be fixed in an open position.

  In California, the code requires that the damper be fixed in an open position if gas logs, decorative glass or similar product is installed in the fireplace. THIS IS A CODE REQUIREMENTS THAT IS BASED ON SAFETY. The byproduct of burning gas is carbon monoxide. With the damper fixed in an open position, that eliminates the possibility of you forgetting to open it when you want to have a fire.

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• Do I have to buy my gas log set from you?

  Absolutely not, however, we highly recommend you consult with us prior to purchasing gas logs from a “big box store” (such as Lowe’s, Home Depot, etc). It is quite common that gas logs purchased from a large retailer will not properly fit your fireplace. Many times, the burner pans on these sets are much too deep for the shallow prefabricated systems.

  Our gas logs are designed to fit even shallow fireboxes. It is always disappointing to the customer, and to our technician, when an install of the customer’s gas logs doesn’t work out and we have to schedule an additional appointment. This can be quite an inconvenience especially in the busy season when you have already waited several weeks for an appointment to begin with.

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• Glass doors should be fully open when you operate the fireplace.

  Factory built/prebabricated fireplaces – All manufacturers require that the glass doors be fully open when operating the fireplace with gas logs. Not partially open, FULLY OPEN. Partially opened doors as well as closed doors tend to cause spillage of the gases into the house.

  Masonry fireplace – In this case, the doors are not a included part of a fireplace system, rather an accessory. They are a separate item placed over the opening of the fireplace. In some cases, they may have some inlet grills that allow enough air to enter into the fire chamber, even with the doors closed. Our recommendation still remains that you operate the fireplace with the glass doors fully open.

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• Measuring Your Firebox

  

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• Proper installation.

  Placement of hardware is extremely important. Stacking logs (as opposed to bundling them up) with proper spacing is important so that you can get the full effect of your fire. Also, when the kit is properly installed and spaced, there will be less carbon build up on the logs. Our recommendation is that you have the kit installed and tested by a qualified and certified fireplace technician.

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• Size matters.

  SIZE MATTERS. Be careful about the size of the gas logs or burner that you choose (be sure to use our sizing template to assist you.)

  If you have a masonry fireplace, most gas logs will fit without a problem. However, with a prefabricated metal fireplace (factory built), you must be careful about the size of the kit. In most cases, anything purchased from a ‘big box’ store (such as Lowe’s, Home Depot, etc.) will usually have a burner pan that is too deep for the fireplace.

  The logs we carry are designed to fit even shallow prefabricated systems. It is always disappointing to the customer and our technician when an installation of the customer’s gas logs doesn’t work out and a second appointment must be scheduled. This can be quite an inconvenience for you, especially in the busy season when you may have already waited several weeks for your appointment and are itching to use your new logs!

  We highly recommend you consult with us prior to purchasing gas log and glass kits from anywhere. We would be happy to direct you.

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• The chimney should be swept.

  The chimney should be swept. If you’re changing fuels from wood to gas, the creosote and soot should be removed from the fireplace system. The main reason is that the creosote is still potentially hazardous, even if you are just burning gas. Another reason is that you don’t want any of the creosote in your system to soil your new logs.

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• Why do I need my fireplace inspected or serviced if I only use gas logs?

  If you notice a lot of carbon build up, or you’re not sure if your logs are safe, we can help make sure things are installed properly. Regardless of if you burn wood or gas, your fireplace system as a whole should still be inspected regularly. According to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), Chimneys, “fireplaces and vents shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits and correct clearances. Cleaning, maintenance and repairs shall be done if necessary.” Preventative maintenance is always the best policy.

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