Ask the Expert Forum: Page 1

QUESTION:
I can't tell what color blades come on this brushed steel fan - Minka Aire Supra 44 SP Ceiling F563. Does it also include the light? thanks!

ANSWER:
As stated in the description below the main picture of the fan the Brushed Steel Supra SP comes with silver colored blades and the light fixture as shown in the picture. You can choose different blades if you wish, but they are optional and extra.

QUESTION:
Please recommend a damp or wet rated outdoor low profile white ceiling fan that moves enough air to reduce bug activity that does not have a light that is white. Thanks.

ANSWER:
I would highly recommend either the Minka Aire Concept II Wet or the Emerson Curva Sky. Both of these come with a built-in light fixture, but they also include a bottom cap that allows you to install the fan without the light. These fans move more air than other low profile fans. Keep in mind that low profile fans cannot move as much air as a fan that hangs from a downrod simply because the blades are too close to the ceiling to allow the same amount of unrestricted airflow a fan that hangs from a downrod is capable of producing. So unless your ceiling is lower than 8 feet, I might have other recommendations for you that will keep bugs away better if you use a downrod. Otherwise, if your ceiling is lower than 8 feet, these 2 fans will do the best job.

QUESTION:
your add states that this fan is a high speed industrial type. I am considering it for my home.These fan controls slow the fan down to a safe speed so it can be used in the home.Is this correct? I do have a vaulted ceiling where I intend to install it if I purchase your product. Please respond. The fan is an Emerson48 heat- HF948BS

ANSWER:
Industrial fans such as the Emerson HF948BS have metal blades and are NOT allowed for use in residential applications regardless of what type of control you have or what height the fan is hung. This is according to national building code standards. For a similar style fan that does not have metal blades and IS rated for use indoors I would recommend the Emerson Loft.

QUESTION:
Can an outdoor fan be installed indoors?

ANSWER:
Outdoor ceiling fans can certainly be installed indoors. But indoor fans cannot be installed outdoors. Outdoor fans have features that make them capable of handling more moisture than fans designed for indoors, so they are made to higher standards when it comes to certain components. Outdoor fans are either damp rated or wet rated. Damp rated fans can handle excessive moisture and are used in covered outdoor areas where they are not directly exposed to rain. They are also recommended indoors when installed in bathrooms and laundry rooms where there is a lot of moisture. Wet rated can handle direct exposure to rain, so the motor casings are better sealed than damp rated fans. Both types of outdoor fans use stainless steel screws and other hardware that can handle excess moisture. The wiring is coated differently and made to stricter standards than necessary for indoor applications. So indoor fans run the risk of shorting out or failing prematurely if they are installed outdoors. Conversely, for those who live close to the ocean or in humid climates, we strongly recommended that outdoor fans be used indoors. Bottom line is, outdoor fans are totally appropriate for indoor applications.

QUESTION:
I purchased 2 MinkaAire Concept II ceiling fans from you in June 2012. When my electrician was insatlling them, he broke one of the glass shades for the light. Can I purchase a replacement shade through you or do you know where I can get one?

ANSWER:
Because you made your purchase from us, we will send you a replacement glass FREE of charge based on our 5 year FREE replacement parts policy. If you were not aware that we had this policy when you made your purchase, you can read more about it here: 5 Year FREE Replacement Parts Plan. I have forwarded your request to our customer service department and someone will contact you to make sure it happens. Thanks for choosing Hansen Wholesale when you made your purchase.

QUESTION:
is there a way to purchase an electric igniter for our existing vent free gas logs that do not have a remote control?

ANSWER:
In most cases you cannot add an electric igniter to an existing vent free gas log. Vent free gas logs have strict regulations and require that the valve and safety pilot be assembled and tested at the factory. So there is no way to do that in a field conversion. Are you looking for an electronic ignition system or just any type of system that can use a remote control...there is a big difference between them and electronic ignition is substantially more expensive than a standard remote safety pilot. Can you email me some pictures of what you have so I can offer further advice? Email pictures to: gregt@hansenwholesale.com

QUESTION:
I have already purchased a white Minka Aire Concept II 52 from you and would like to buy another. Please can you tell me the difference between the brushed nickel and polished nickel finishes. It is difficult to tell on the website but is the polished nickel a lighter more reflective finish? I want to place this in the kitchen and try to match as closely as possible to the stainless steel appliances and other light fixtures we have. Thanks. David.

ANSWER:
Brushed nickel is much more like a stainless steel finish since it has a brushed finish. Polished Nickel is a shiny polished chrome finish...much more mirror like. So it sounds to me like brushed nickel is definitely the correct choice for your kitchen.

QUESTION:
We have a log set (Napoleon) that was installed approx 3 months ago and we love it. However just today we went to turn it on and within 5-10 seconds the flame turns off. It ignites and then shuts down. Can you help?

ANSWER:
I am sorry, we do not sell or offer support for Napoleon products. I would suggest that you contact the company that sold you the logs for help. As with most reputable gas log manufacturers, they require the seller to offer support for their products. If you cannot get help from the place where you purchased the logs, contact Napoleon directly to find an alternative. Here is a link to their contact page and dealer locator online: http://www.napoleonfireplaces.com/contact/

QUESTION:
I am looking for the best outdoor fans for an oceanside home so salt air and rust are issues. Any metal on any fan will rust as we have seen. Please advise if this is the right fan for our outdoor open porches at our beach house or if another model would be better. Thank you!

ANSWER:
The Monte Carlo Cyclone is an excellent choice for salt air environments since it is rated for wet locations and uses stainless steel components. It does not have any exposed metal parts that will rust like some fans in metallic finishes. For other choices, please read the paragraph on our Outdoor Ceiling Fans page titled "Salt Air Environments:". If you search our site using some of the suggestions listed there you will find similar fans that are equally or better suited for salt air locations. You may also want to give us a call so we can help you find the best ceiling fan for your salt air location. Call: 1-800-201-1193.

QUESTION:
I live in the Nashville area. Do you have any contacts here who can quote me to install a wood burning fireplace? I have no flue, have ventless. I hate it- I smell gas and no oxygen. My kids and I are too sensitive to it, but we LOVE fireplace ambiance. Thanks!

ANSWER:
I cannot give you a contact to install a fireplace in your local area. I suggest you check the yellow pages to find a local fireplace shop. They are going to be the best resource for getting a new fireplace installed. You may also do well by referring to the resources available online at the National Fireplace Institute.

QUESTION:
I have a heat n glo model 8000 vented gas log fireplace. does it matter what ember or wool material I use? Will vermiculite work?

ANSWER:
We do not sell Heat-N-Glo products nor do we recommend the use of these embers for anything other than vented gas logs installed in wood burning fireplaces that use an ember bed type of burner pan. Gas fireplaces such as yours have very specific limitations as to what, where and how embers are to be used. You should refer to the owners manual of your fireplace to find the correct instructions for replacing the ember material. Here is a link to the 8000 series gas fireplaces at the Heat-N-Glo website where you can download the installation manual for your particular model: http://www.heatnglo.com/Products/8000-Series-Gas-Fireplace.aspx

QUESTION:
I have 2 Buck Stove ventless fireplace log inserts and neither one wants to regulate by thermostat. When they are "on" they stay on and dont shut off until I flip the control box off. any idea how to make them work by temperature? Im pretty sure they are supposed to do that.

ANSWER:
We do not sell or support products made by Buck Stove. I recommend that you contact Buck Stove customer service. They will most likely refer you to your nearest local dealer. Here is a link to their contact info: http://www.buckstove.com/contact.html

QUESTION:
We have a ventless gas fireplace. It is located on an exterior wall of our brick home. The wall on the exterior is on our patio. What would be involved to convert it to vented? What do you think would be the approximate cost? Who should we call if it is a reasonable thing to do? Thanks very much.

ANSWER:
For starters, you cannot "convert" a ventless fireplace to a vented fireplace per-say. You must remove the existing ventless firebox and replace it with completely different type of fireplace that has a chimney or vent. My suggestion is to replace it with a wood burning fireplace. This allows you to burn either wood or gas logs. It is also best for resale value since it allows the potential buyer the same options.

As far as the cost...it is all over the place depending on what you decide to do. You should have a local professional to come to your home and give you an estimate. When I sold fireplaces at a retail fireplace shop, the final cost including installation ranged anywhere from $7,500 to $25,000 depending on the complexity of the installation and the finished appearance of the fireplace. We also sold simple to very elaborate hand carved fireplace mantels that could cost as much as $10,000 just for the mantel. So how the fireplace is finished has a huge impact on the cost. The bare minimum would just be a fireplace with no decorative surround...maybe just a brick or tile facing with some wood trim...for a total of about $7500 installed (that is a prefabricated wood burning fireplace with a metal chimney).

I would suggest visiting local fireplace shops. They should at least be able to get you started in the right direction. These are the options you will need to explore. I would suggest you do some research online about the differences between these:

B-Vent (natural vent) gas fireplaces
Direct Vent gas fireplaces
Zero Clearance wood buring fireplaces.

We do not sell fireplaces (although I did for many years in a local fireplace shop). We sell only the gas logs that go into an existing fireplace. So if you like the looks of the vented gas logs you see on our website, they would require you to have installed a wood burning fireplace with a gas line piped into it. Vented gas logs are much more for enjoyment and realism than for heat.

Here is a link to our vented gas logs:
http://www.hansenwholesale.com/gas-logs/

You may also want to use the resources at the National Fireplace Institute website. You can find qualified fireplace installers in your area using their resource locator. Here is a link to their website:
www.nficertified.org.

QUESTION:
How do the logs stack on the model G6-24N We are moving them to a new location and dont have a picture now as we purchesed them years ago.

ANSWER:
G6-24N is not a model number that I recognize for a complete gas log set from R. H. Peterson. Is it a Peterson gas log set? If it is, the model number does not indicate which logs you have, although it could be just the burner. Can you email me some pictures of what you have...the burner and the logs...maybe I will recognize it. Email your pictures to: gregt@hansenwholesale.com

QUESTION:
is oil already in 23856

ANSWER:
The Hunter Original ceiling fans do NOT come with the oil already in the oil bath. The oil is in the box in a tube and needs to be added after the fan has been is installed. The way the fan is designed, the oil would spill out if it was put in at the factory. A word of caution...when removing a hunter original fan from the ceiling, always keep it in an upright position, otherwise the oil will in fact spill out and make quite a mess.

QUESTION:
having trouble with ventless logs took them out lit system after awhile it just clicks off .

ANSWER:
I suggest you have someone come out and service them...it is not something that the consumer is generally qualified to do or capable of doing. If you read the owners manual for your logs (if you have one), you will see what I mean. Gas log manufacturers recommend that you have your ventless gas logs serviced annually by a qualified technician who can make sure the pilot and main gas valve are properly calibrated, clean the burner system and make any other adjustments or repairs necessary to keep you ventless logs in a safe operating condition.

You can use this link on our site to locate a qualified technician in your area: Who Installs Gas Logs?.

QUESTION:
Does my vent free gas log set-fireplace need to be caliberated? Do the fake logs need to be replaced periodically for reasons other than aesthetic?

ANSWER:
Gas log manufacturers recommend that you have your ventless gas logs serviced annually by a qualified technician who can make sure the pilot and main gas valve are properly calibrated, clean the burner system and make any other adjustments or repairs necessary to keep you ventless logs in a safe operating condition.

You can use this link on our site to locate a qualified technician in your area: Who Installs and Services Gas Logs?.

QUESTION:
whe4re are these ceiling fans, or fan motors made? mexico? if not, which country, thank you, i prefer not to buy "made in china", whenever possible.

ANSWER:
Virtually ALL ceiling fans are made in China...including the Emerson fans and motors. I understand your desire to NOT purchase products made in China, I have the same concern. Unfortunately, there are simply no good choices for fans that are not made in China, with a few exceptions found in the above below. Although I am fairly certain that quality is not your only concern or reason for not wanting to buy a fan that is made in China, I can assure you that the Emerson Carrera Grande ceiling fans are top of the line and built to last a lifetime with superb quiet performance and maximum airflow. They are among the best ceiling fans on the market today.

For more info about this please refer to this page on our site that discusses: Where Are Ceiling Fans Made?.

QUESTION:
I recently bought a home with a Majestic MR42 insert. Right now it has a propane hookup to it, with fake logs. I would like to remove the hookup, and burn wood, which (from what I can tell) the insert is rated to do. The flue and chimney venting looks to be in fine condition. Anything that I should be checking, before I do this?

ANSWER:
The MR42 is certainly a wood burning fireplace, so you can simply remove the gas logs and cap off the gas line. Just make sure you do a pressure test with soapy water to make sure there are no leaks...or remove the propane hookup altogether. You should certainly have the fireplace inspected and cleaned by a certified chimney sweep before you burn wood in it. This should be done annually. The chimney sweep will also be capable of removing the gas logs and taking care of anything else that needs to be done in order to insure you can burn wood safely. If you can email me some pictures of your fireplace, I may have other suggestions regarding glass doors a screen or anything else you may need. Email pictures to: gregt@hansenwholesale.com

QUESTION:
I just had a Peterson 18' Vent Free log set installed (G10 burner) in my prefab Majestic fireplace (circa 1987). After I cured them with the damper open, I tried them with it closed...and within 20 minutes the tile and dry wall above the firebox was so hot I was afraid of the wall catching fire and shut it off? When I called the installer they told me to come right in and suggested (somewhat anxiously) that I swith to vented logs at their expense? But THEY sold me the vent free...what gives?

ANSWER:
When it comes to prefabricated fireplaces, ventless gas logs are only to be installed if the fireplace has been tested and approved for the application. The owners manual for the fireplace must stipulate that they are approved. There may also be limitations to the BTUs allow and in many cases, a special hood must be installed above the fireplace opening to divert the heat away from above the fireplace.

Because your fireplace is so old, it is not likely that it was ever tested and approved for use with ventless gas logs. If you had contacted us prior to purchasing your gas logs we would have tried to locate a copy of the owners manual for your fireplace online in order to determine if ventless logs were suitable. We would have told you NOT to purchase them if we could not determine their suitability.

It is a good thing that the place where you purchased the logs is willing to swap your log set out for a vented set at their expense. I can also see why they would be somewhat anxious to do so since they do not want to take on the liability of having your house burn down. So I would suggest you take them up on their offer, or get a refund and go elsewhere.

Can you email me some pictures of your fireplace? If so, include a closeup of the metal label that has the brand and model number. The label should be just inside the opening on either side or at the top. With the info on the label, I may be able to find the owners manual for you and get the exact specifications that you need in order to get to the bottom line...although it seems more likely to me that you should simply be burning vented gas logs. Email pictures to: gregt@hansenwholesale.com

For those reading this post, ventless gas logs CAN be installed in hand built masonry fireplaces that are capable of burning real wood. Here is a link to more information about Where Ventless Gas Logs Can Be Installed.

QUESTION:
we have ventless gas logs,when they are burned they produce a very strong odor that burns the eyes and throat. If you remove the logs from the burner unit there is a slight gas smell but not anything that would be of concern. the home is 5 years old an the fireplaces not used hardly any because of the smell. what is your opinion?

ANSWER:
Regarding your ventless gas logs. My opinion is what I stated on the page that you posted your question on...which is...ventless gas logs produce and odor and can also cause irritation to the eyes and throat. Some brands produce more than others. If your ventless gas log is installed in a wood burning fireplace that has a damper, I suggest you open the damper and forgo the heat. Or, replace the ventless log set with a vented one and burn it with the damper open. f you have a ventless firebox that is not capable of burning wood, then either replace the entire fireplace or do not use it. If you can email me some pictures of your fireplace, I may have other suggestions. Email pictures to: gregt@hansenwholesale.com

For those reading this post, here is a link to the page that discusses the topic: Why Ventless gas Logs Smell

QUESTION:
Can I change the halogen to CFL bulb? Enough room? I may need an adapter.

ANSWER:
You cannot change the halogen bulb to a CFL bulb, there is not enough room nor was it designed for use with CFL bulbs. The reason Casablanca uses a halogen bulb instead of a fluorescent bulb is that the halogen is dimmable. The DC Stealth competes directly with the Emerson Midway Eco, which is currently the top selling DC ceiling fan on the market. The Emerson Midway Eco uses a Fluorescent bulb which is NOT dimmable. So for consumers who really want the ability to dim the lights, they are more likely to purchase the Stealth. So if you prefer to have a fluorescent light, you may want to consider the Emerson Midway Eco. Here is a link to it on our site: Emerson Midway Eco

QUESTION:
can we install a one sided gas log set in a see thru fireplace? we don't want to use back side and want to install glass doors there to remain closed Please respond, Thank you.

ANSWER:
You can install a one sided gas log in a see thru fireplace, but you should NOT burn a gas log in a see thru fireplace with a glass door closed on one side. The reason is that the draft coming in from the open side will push the flames to the rear of the fireplace, potentially against the glass door, which is not how glass doors are designed to operate. A glass door should never be used to create the back of a fireplace since that is where most of the heat builds up. Also, most glass door manufacturers will recommend that you burn the fireplace with the doors open. The intent of glass doors is to allow you to close them when the fire is dying out so that cold air does not come down the chimney all night long because the damper is left open. So the ideal application of glass doors for see through fireplaces is to have doors on both sides and the fireplace should be burned with the doors open. The doors should then be closed during the night to keep the cold air out. The same applies with gas logs since they require that the damper be opened permanently (except for ventless gas logs).

A correctly built fireplace will have the chimney designed to create a draft based on the size of the opening. When you close off one side of a see through fireplace, you in fact have reduced the opening size by 50%, which can cause issues with drafting.

Glass doors do not provide a tight seal on the opening of the fireplace, so air will come in through cracks in the glass and around the frame which will disrupt the draft and can cause the flames of the gas logs to act erratically.

Bottom line is I do not recommend it. I have seen it done successfully and unsuccessfully...it just depends on the fireplace and the way the air flows in the room. You are better off just leaving the fireplace open and installing a see through gas log. It will be less expensive than buying a single sided gas log and a glass door and you will not have any issues.

Can you email me some pictures of your fireplace and any further comments you would want me to consider?

QUESTION:
We have a ventless gas log fireplace that was installed when our house was built 2 years ago. Wish we would have gotten a remote control since we are senior citizens and its difficult bending down and pushing the button. Can a remote control be used with any type logs?

ANSWER:
Whether or not you can add a remote control to your ventless gas log fireplace depends on the brand and model of fireplace or gas log you own. Can you email me some pictures? Can you give me the brand and model number? If so, I will see if I can give you a more specific answer. Email pictures and info to: gregt@hansenwholesale.com

QUESTION:
I HAVE THE AMERICAN OAK VENTED GAS LOG SET WITH REMOTE CONTROL. WHAT TYPE OF BATTERIES ARE IN THE REMOTE (LITHIUM) ? IF THEY DIE WHEN THE FLAME IS ACTIVE, WILL THE FLAME GO OUT? OR MUST I SHUT THE GAS SUPPLY VALVE? HOW OFTEN IF THEY ARE STANDARD BATTERIES MUST THEY BE CHANGED? DOES THE IGNITER HAVE A FLINT, DOES THIS HAVE TO BE CHANGED PERIODICALY? THANKS

ANSWER:
The type of batteries used depends on the remote control system you choose. In most cases, both the transmitter and receiver us batteries and the type of batteries may differ between them as well. Some use 9 volt, some use AA and some use AAA. If the batteries die during operation, the fire will stay on since it is controlled by millivolt electricity that is generated by the pilot light. In all cases, there are manual overrides for the remote controls, so if the batteries die you can turn the unit on or off directly from the valve that is attached to the burner. How often the batteries need to be changed depends on how often you use the remote...just like a TV remote. If you have a remote with a thermostat function and leave it in the thermostat mode all the time, it will use the batteries up much quicker. If you can tell me which remote safety pilot model you own, I can give you a more direct response.

QUESTION:
do vented logs without doors remove oxygen from the air....?

ANSWER:
Fire always consumes oxygen. The question is whether or not the oxygen gets replaced or depleted from the home when burning a gas log. When it comes to the depletion of oxygen in a home (or room), the difference between vented and ventless logs is this:

Vented gas logs are burned with the damper open, so just like a real wood fire, a draft is created that draws the exhaust up the chimney and outside your house. This draft creates a vaccuum which sucks air into your home to replace the air that is drawn up the flue. So with vented gas logs, the oxygen that is consumed is replaced by fresh air from outside...thus eliminating the worry about oxygen depletion. The benefit of this sort of combustion is that it does not matter whether or not the gas burns cleanly. This allows gas log manufacturers to starve the fire a bit, which means the oxygen to fuel ratio is not ideal and the gas does not burn completely. The result of this type of combustion is a very lofty natural looking yellow flame that looks much like a real wood fire that produces exhaust like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, carbon (soot) and water vapor. Hence the reason the damper must remain open.

Ventless gas logs are designed to be burned with the damper closed, so they must be designed to burn the gas completely (cleanly) so that carbon monoxide does not enter the room. When the proper air to fuel mix is used to burn gas completely, it produces a more vigorous blue flame that is not as realistic as the yellow lofty flame that vented gas logs produce. The benefit of ventless logs is not the appearance, but the fact that all of the heat produced goes back into the room instead of up the chimney. Because the chimney is closed, no draft is created, which means that air from outside the home is not pulled in to replace the oxygen that is spent during combustion. Also, the water vapor that results from burning gas is not vented outside the house either, so a lot of moisture is introduced into the home as well.

FYI: both vented and ventless gas logs cannot be burned with glass doors closed with the exception of one model designed by R. H. Peterson...or with a gas fireplace or gas fireplace insert that has special venting designed for that purpose.

For more information about the difference between vented and vent-free gas logs, read this: Vented Gas Logs - VS - Ventless Gas Logs.

QUESTION:
want to order gas logs , but my house runs lp gas only do you have a option

ANSWER:
Yes, virtually all of our gas logs are available for Liquid Propane. On each of the product detail pages you can select LP gas. You can also use the LP gas filter when you perform your search.

QUESTION:
I am considering a vented gas log system. I know that the damper will have a clip installed so that for safety reasons it cannot be closed. Do I need to open the damper fully each time we use the fireplace or is the 1-2 inch opening sufficient? Thank you for your help.

ANSWER:
The 1/2" opening is NOT sufficient. Vented gas logs burn very much like a real wood fire, so the exhaust must have adequate ventilation. The owners manual for most vented gas log sets will explicitly say that you must burn it with the damper in the fully opened position. Here is a link to the owners manual for the popular Peterson G45 Burner System. You will see the instruction on Page 1.

QUESTION:
Does an "afterburner" for unconsumed gas exist? Is it available commercially?

ANSWER:
I am not aware of an afterburner that is available for gas logs. Can you give me more info about the application and what you are looking for?

QUESTION:
i built a fire place using fire brick and every thing except a flue it also has an electrical box in the top rear and my tv is in a opening above that one huge fire place can i burn ventless gas logs in it oh yea it is already piped in nautral gas the size is front opening is 38 in the back opening is 33in the depth is 23 in the hight is 23 in

ANSWER:
Ventless gas logs can only be installed in a fully functional wood burning fireplace with a chimney, or an "Approved" ventless fireplace. Seeing as you built the fireplace yourself, you must then have it approved by a local building inspector for use with ventless gas logs. It is not uncommon that a city inspector does not have available standards by which approve a hand built masonry ventless fireplace, so you will find out when you speak to your building department.

If the electrical box is actually inside the firebox at the top (as you described), then I can pretty much assure you that it will not pass an inspection since the heat from the gas logs would potentially damage the wiring.

Can you email me some pictures so I can see what you have built? Email pictures to: gregt@hansenwholesale.com