Its officially Fall!
Now would be the time to get your fireplace in working order. Maybe you need to replace your Gas Logs or get a new system all Together. You came to the right place. The BBQ Depot carries Vented and Vent Free Gas Logs. First step is to choose vented or vent-free.
1. Vented or Vent-Free?
Vented gas logs are the most popular type of gas logs and must be installed in a fully functioning wood burning fireplace. People with a special B Vent or Direct Vent fireplace system will require special logs where traditional “vented” logs are not applicable. One should check the owners manual of their manufactured box to ensure they purchase approved logs for their fireplace.
Vented gas logs resemble a realistic wood fire more than vent-free logs. They are very flexible which means logs can be repositioned on most sets. The chimney must remain completely open during operation which limits the heating efficiency.
Vent Free means "unvented" or “ventless”. Vent-Free gas logs do not require outside venting and can be installed in either a vent free fireplace or an approved vented fireplace. One should check the owner’s manual of their manufactured box to ensure they purchase approved logs for their fireplace. One should also compare their fireplace with the parameters of the logs they intend to purchase to ensure the appropriate distance to combustible mantles is present. They are very efficient in providing supplemental heat because the heat produced from vent-free logs can stay in the room they are located in! The look of Vent-free gas logs is less flexible than vented because you can not reposition your logs. All are equipped with an ODS (Oxygen Depletion Sensitive) Safety Pilot System. These features will stop the flow of gas to the unit in the event that the oxygen level at the pilot is diminished.2. Once you know whether you need Vented or Vent-Free, your next decision is Traditional Logs or Contemporary.
Traditional Gas Logs are made to look like real life wood burning logs. A cast is made using real wood and either ceramic fiber or concrete is poured in to the cast . The logs are then hand painted to give a realistic effect in the fireplace.
Contemporary Sets give a more modern look to your fireplace. This style is becoming more and more popular.
3. Make sure you buy the correct size set for your fireplace.
Your log set needs be properly sized using the following guidelines:
Measure your fireplace taking the front width (A), the rear width (B) and the depth (C).
The log set size you can use in your fireplace should meet the minimum dimensions.
"A" - Minimum 3" on each side. In other words, if you are planning to use a 24" log set, the front dimension of your fireplace (A) should be at least 30". This may need to be greater to accommodate a safety control valve. In general, for vented sets with a safety pilot control, you should select the next smallest size. For example, if the rear width is 24" and you wish to use a safety control, rather than a 24" set you should select a 20" or 21" set.
B" - Not less than nominal log size. For example, if you are planning to use a 24" log set, the rear dimension of your fireplace (B) should be at least 24" wide.
"C" - Minimum 12" - 14" (a few inches larger for see-through fireplaces).
Typically you will need a 36" fireplace for a 24" log set.
