I Want To Buy "Logs Only"...
I already have a burner system!
If this is you...please read this page!
We do in fact sell "Logs Only", but there are cases where changing the logs in a fireplace can cause a hazardous situation, or where the burner system that you have in place
simply will not work well with fake logs. So before you purchase a set of logs without a burner, we ask that you read the information below. Then give us a call to discuss your needs and
we will gladly sell them to you at our "Guaranteed Lowest Prices" if in fact they are appropriate for your application.
Above: Wood burning fireplace with ordinary pipe log lighter.
(Used to start wood...not appropriate for gas logs)
There are 2 common reasons people wish to purchase logs without a burner that can create potential problems:
Reason 1: They have a "Log Lighter" in their fireplace and wish to put fake logs on top of it.
Reason 2: They have a "Gas Only" fireplace and do not like the way the logs that came with it look, or wish to replace broken logs.
If you fit into either of these 2 categories, then it is very important that you read the rest of this information before you Buy Gas Logs Without a Burner!
Log Lighters
If you already have a burner in your fireplace, make sure that it is a "Gas Log Burner" and not a "Log Lighter". The picture to the right shows several different "Log Lighters" as well as a typical "Gas Log Burner".
Log Lighters are designed to burn gas in order to start a real wood fire without using kindling. Although you can in fact use a log lighter to burn your gas logs, we do not recommend it for the following reasons:
Sooting: Because the air to fuel mixture is not controlled properly with a log lighter (unless there is an air mixer), they tend to produce a lot of soot. This will blacken your logs far more than a burner specifically designed for gas logs. In some cases, "Black Soot" will accumulate almost immediately on your gas logs and cover the bark and wood details in a matter of minutes. In some cases, the soot
is so bad that it gets into the room...on the walls and on your furniture.
Unlrealistic Flame: A log lighter is not designed to emulate the look of a real wood fire. The flames come up looking more like fingers of fire rather than a natural looking flame.
No Glowing Ember Bed: A log lighter will not produce the glowing bed of embers below your gas logs like you see in the pictures of our gas logs. Gas Log Burners are designed to be burried
beneath sand or vermiculite and then covered with the ember material. The gas must come up through the sand,
which helps control the air to fuel mixture and reducing sooting. It also causes the ember material to glow red hot. The ember material is typically made of "Rock Wool" which is a high temperature
insullation material, so it does not burn, it just gets red hot.
No Safety Pilot or Controls:With a burner designed specifically for gas logs, you can choose from several Remote Control or Manually Operated Safety Pilot Systems that will prevent the logs from
leaking gas into your home in the event that a small child (or adult) turns on the gas without lighting the logs. You will not have such options if you use a "Log Lighter".
Gas Fireplaces
Warning: If you have a Gas Fireplace, you most likely "CANNOT" replace your logs with "DIFFERENT" logs!
The picture to the left shows a typical "Built-in Gas Fireplace" with the control access panel opened. These types of fireplaces usually have a burner system that is built-in to the bottom of the fireplace and the controls
are accessed by pulling down the bottom grill.
If you are trying to replace the logs in such a fireplace,
you most likely need to locate the logs made by the manufacturer of the fireplace for that "Exact" model...you should not use any other logs unless otherwise stated
in the owners manual for the fireplace. If you cannot locate your owners manual, Google it online, or contact the manufacturer. If the manufacturer is out of business,
then you are most likely stuck with what you have, or you will need to replace the entire fireplace (and possibly the venting as well) if you want new or different logs.
Why? Gas fireplaces are designed to be burned in a very controlled manner, and each model is different depending on how they were designed.
Using logs other than those supplied with the fireplace can cause it to overheat or burn uncleanly...resulting in the
production of soot and other potentially toxic byproducts such as Carbon Monoxide. This can create a very unsafe condition.
If you questions about any of this, please call and talk to our gas log experts!
Call: 1-800-201-1193
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Answers to Recent Questions Posted To This Page
- Posted: 2/2/2010 2:36:12 AM
If I want to replace my log lighter with a gas log system how do I know what size logs and system to purchase? I'm sure it depends on the size of the fireplace but what size is recommended for what size fireplace?
Answer: Just visit our gas log homepage, or search results pages and enter your fireplace dimensions into our gas log size calculator. You will need to measure the width across the middle and the depth from front to back. Here is a link to our
Gas Logs Homepage.
- Posted: 1/8/2010 12:10:07 PM
i have frye logs currently in my fireplace but would like to buy just the burner set. can i do that?
Answer: That depends on what type of fireplace and logs you already have. Can you email me a picture of your fireplace so I can attempt to make the determination? gregt@hansenwholesale.com
- Posted: 1/3/2010 11:53:22 PM
I have a gas lighter for burning wood. I would like to convert this to a gas log burner instead. How can I get this done and can your company do the conversion?
Answer: Your log lighter needs to be removed at the point where it connects to the pipe coming into your fireplace. Then, a complete gas log burner gets connected to the incoming gas line. We do not perform the installation, we just sell the logs at the lowest price you can find. You can find resources to do the installation on our website located here:
Gas Log Installers.
- Posted: 12/28/2009 4:40:58 PM
Can I just buy the 16" G8-R burner? I already have the logs. I purchased a 24" version of this log set from a different online dealer who did not have a size and BTU calculator like your site does. Now that I have these logs installed, they get too hot for my room and I cannot turn them down. Plus, the burner seems to keep overheating and turning itself off as well. This is very frustrating to say the least. Can you help me? I wish I had found your site and learned about this before I made my purchase...it looks like your prices are even better!!! Please help!
Answer: Normally with ventless logs you cannot use a different burner other than the one that comes with the logs. However, the G8 burner is the same size for all sizes of logs that it is compatible with and is an exception to this rule. So, you can in fact order just the G8R-16 burner system from us to use with your existing log set. This should help minimize or eliminate your overheating issues.
For those reading this posting, this is a good example of why it is important to make sure the log size you order is the correct size for your fireplace.
- Posted: 12/26/2009 5:32:09 PM
My fireplace has a Fire Starter pipe only; my questions is can the ordinary pipe be replaced with a Gas Log System?
Answer: Absolutely, that is the most common application for gas logs. For more about log lighters and gas logs read this page:
Fireplace Log Lighters
- Posted: 12/26/2009 1:43:25 PM
I currently have venless gas logs which I have had for years. This year all of a sudden I am getting black all over the house on walls, ceilings and furniture. My logs are the light kind and appear to be buned in places. Logs are in an old buck stove fireplace insert with the doors taken off and thermostat moved to the front in order for the logs to cycle off and on properly. What proble should I lood for that is causing this problem. Can noit use the logs at prresent time.
Answer: When ventless logs begin producing soot, that is an indication that the gas is not burning completely. When this occurs, the result is the production of Carbon and Carbon Monoxide. This is a hazardous situation. I cannot give you specific instructions for troubleshooting your gas logs because it really should be done in your home by a professional. Even more, ventless logs should be serviced by a professional at least once a year to make sure that all burner ports are clear and other systems are checked for proper operation. Do not use your ventless logs until you have your logs serviced.
You can contact your local gas utility to see if they offer service or can recommend someone. Or try visiting: www.nficertified.org (National Fireplace Institute) to find a trained technician in your area.
- Posted: 12/21/2009 5:57:29 PM
Hello,
Can I turn my log lighter "fireplace" into a gas burning fireplace? Thank you.
Answer: If it is a wood burning fireplace with a log lighter installed, you certainly can. But you will need to replace your log lighter with a gas log burner system. Basically, any complete gas log set should work for you providing you purchase the correct size.
Read more about replacing a log lighter with a gas log here!
- Posted: 12/21/2009 5:51:54 PM
I live in a recently built home. My fire place will only accomodate 18" logs. There is a grate similar to the picture on this page except there is no pan only the bottom of the FP which is metal. A gas pipe extends from the side of the FP about 20" in length beneath the grate and has 3 holes on the top that appears to be for continuous flow of gas. The FP is vented, NG and it would appear I could burn any kind of logs. What is your opinion? Thanks.
Answer: Sounds like you have a wood burning fireplace with a log lighter. Log lighters are designed to use your natural gas to start a real wood fire, but are not designed to be used with gas logs. So, you should be able to use any of our gas logs, but you should purchase a complete set with a burner system, which will replace your log lighter.
If anyone reading this is in doubt as to what type of fireplace you have and what type of gas logs you can use, email me a picture of your fireplace and I will see if I can make the determination. Email: gregt@hansenwholesale.com
Read more about log lighters here!.
- Posted: 12/17/2009 3:19:46 PM
I have a vented gas fireplace. The control valve and other devices are under the box. I wanted to replace with ventless system. Does the whole box and log system need to be replaced? What do you suggest?
Answer: You have answered your own question correctly. You CANNOT convert a vented gas fireplace to a ventless one. You must replace the entire fireplace with one that is rated to be used with ventless logs. Even more, you cannot modify the existing burner system in any way to attempt to make it produce more heat and you cannot change the logs that came with your fireplace to anything else.
Built-in gas fireplaces have fine tuned burner systems that are matched up with proprietary log sets designed to produce a controlled burn of the gas. Modifications to the system can cause the burner to produce excess carbon monoxide or exhaust...which creates an unsafe condition.
Read all Questions & Answers >>
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