Everything you need to know about gas logs.
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Introduction to Gas Logs
The first thing that you need to know about Gas Logs is that there are a lot of questions that need to be answered before you can even begin searching for the right logs. Questions such as; "do you want vented or ventless logs". "Are you burning natural gas or propane". "Do you want a remote control". "Do you want your remote control to turn the logs on and off or to adjust the flame...or to have a thermostat?". "What type of fireplace do you have...masonry, prefabricated, ventless?". "How wide is the fireplace in the middle?". "How deep is the fireplace?". "Are there any building codes you need to be aware of?". "Are the gas logs you've seen online even legal in your city?". "Do you care?"..."Are you having a nice day?" and on and on...we hope you get the point.
All of these questions need to be answered in order for you to purchase the right gas logs for your fireplace. So it is really too complicated to be done online...yet that is exactly what we do. However, we do all of our business over the phone, which gives you the opportunity to talk to one of our gas log experts who will know what questions to ask you so that you can be sure the logs you buy from us will not only be safe and legal for your home, they will look fantastic and perform beyond your expectations..
We have put together some answers to common questions on this page, but we strongly encourage you to call and talk to our gas log experts who can put this all in perspective and help you decide what type of gas logs will fit safely into your fireplace...and most of all...which ones will look the best and give you that warm cozy feeling you are looking for!
Talk To a Gas Log Expert: 1-800-201-1193
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How does burning gas logs compare to burning real wood?
With all the talk about skyrocketing
fuel costs, it still makes sense to burn R. H. Peterson Gas Logs.
Here are the results from a
recent survey performed in October 2005. The comparison uses a range of 55,000
to 85,000 btu's per hour consumption of natural gas burning a Peterson Gas
burner system. The wood cost was calculated using seasoned firewood at the rate
of 18-23 lbs per hour. Figures were supplied by local Gas Utility Companies
using October 2005 heating rates and local firewood distributors.
Summary: R. H. Peterson
gas log burner systems provide instant on/off heat and cost less to use per hour
than firewood. With normal fireplace usage this amounts to hundreds of dollars
in savings over the winter.
National Survey of Fireplace Fuel Costs
R. H. Peterson Real Fyre and Hallmark Gas Logs vs. Seasoned Firewood
| City |
Ave.
Cost of Natural Gas per Therm (100,000 BTUs) |
Ave.
Hourly Cost of Burning Gas Logs |
Average
Cost of Wood per Hour |
Average
Savings when Burning Peterson Gas Logs |
| Birmingham, AL |
$1.84 |
$1.29 |
$1.94 |
34% |
| Chicago, Il |
$1.2 |
$0.84 |
$2.64 |
68% |
| Dallas, TX |
$1.40 |
$0.95 |
$1.54 |
36% |
| Denver, CO |
$0.98 |
$0.69 |
$1.17 |
41% |
| Houston, TX |
$1.33 |
$0.93 |
$1.28 |
27% |
| Kansas City, MO |
$0.92 |
$0.64 |
$1.29 |
51% |
| Los Angeles, CA |
$1.39 |
$0.97 |
$1.34 |
28% |
| Las Vegas, NV |
$0.75 |
$0.53 |
$1.24 |
57% |
| Minneapolis, MN |
$1.22 |
$0.85 |
$1.29 |
34% |
| Nashville, TN |
$1.47 |
$1.03 |
$1.37 |
25% |
| Philadelphia,
PA |
$1.40 |
$0.98 |
$1.29 |
24% |
| Phoenix, AZ |
$1.09 |
$0.76 |
$1.63 |
53% |
| San Francisco,
CA |
$1.79 |
$1.25 |
$2.28 |
45% |
| Salt Lake City,
UT |
$1.28 |
$0.90 |
$1.45 |
38% |
| Seattle, WA |
$1.12 |
$0.78 |
$1.48 |
47% |
Other reasons to choose R. H. Peterson
Gas Logs:
- The convenience of having
instant and efficient, cozy heat with the ability to safely turn off your
fire when you go to bed or leave the house. No sparks, smoldering embers or
creosote build-up eliminates dangerous chimney fires.
- Gas logs end the buying,
storing and hauling of firewood, and best of all, no messy clean up of
ashes. No chimney cleaning, bugs or termites, either.
- Burning Peterson Gas Logs is
a healthful option. They produce 35-40% fewer emissions than firewood and
emit no particulate matter that harms the environment. Gas logs have proven
to be environmentally friendly, keeping our air cleaner, while protecting
our forests. An added bonus, cleaner air can mean allergies and asthmatic
conditions aggravated by wood fires are eliminated when burning gas logs.
These are just a handful of
reasons why it makes more sense - and costs fewer cents - to burn Real-Fyre Gas Logs from RH Peterson Company!
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What type of fireplace is required for me to install my gas logs?
Vented Gas Logs Require a Wood Burning Fireplace, Ventless
(or Vent Free) Gas Logs can be installed in either a wood burning fireplace, or
a ventless fireplace that is rated for aftermarket ventless logs:
Masonry Fireplaces: A typical masonry fireplace will have a
chimney that is built from bricks that is lined with an oval shaped flue liner.
If your damper is a wide rectangular piece that opens and closes with a lever
and your fireplace is capable of burning wood, then you have a masonry
woodburning fireplace that is designed to use either vented or ventless gas
logs. If you purchase vented logs, you must burn the logs with the damper open.
Prefabricated Woodburing Fireplaces: A Prefabricated (or
zero clearance) wood burning fireplace is a metal box that is lined with
refractory panels and has a round metal chimney anywhere from 8" to
15" in diameter. The metal box and pipe are built-in to the home with 2x4
construction and the chimney outside the house is usually covered with stucco,
siding, or sometimes brick veneer. If you have a round damper that is 8" in
diameter or larger and your fireplace is capable of burning wood, then you have
a prefabricated woodburning fireplace that is designed to use either vented or
ventless gas logs. If you purchase vented logs, you must burn the logs
with the damper open.
Ventless Fireplaces: Ventless (or Vent Free) fireplaces are
similar to prefabricated wood burning fireplaces except that there is no chimney
at all. Some ventless fireplaces come with factory installed gas logs and burner
systems which cannot be removed or replaced without causing serious safety
issues. Others are simply a black metal box that is designed to accommodate an
aftermarket ventless gas log. If you have the latter type, then you can use any
of the ventless logs on our site. Important Note: You cannot
install vented logs in a ventless fireplace!
Vented Gas Fireplaces: Vented Gas Fireplaces are built-in to
your home just like real wood burning fireplaces, except that the flue that is a
much smaller (usually 4" to 8" in diameter) and cannot handle the heat
produced by burning real wood. All gas fireplaces will come with factory
installed gas logs that cannot be modified or changed in any way. If you do not
like the way your gas fireplace burns, you will need to replace the entire
fireplace. Important Note: You cannot install any of the gas
logs on our web site in this type of vented gas fireplace. Doing so creates an
extreme safety hazard.
Direct Gas Fireplaces: Direct Vent Gas Fireplaces are like
vented gas fireplaces, except that the flue that is may be vented directly out
the back. All direct ventgas fireplaces will come with factory installed gas
logs that cannot be modified or changed in any way. If you do not like the way
your gas fireplace burns, you will need to replace the entire fireplace.
Important Note:
You cannot install any of the gas logs on our web
site in this type of vented gas fireplace. Doing so creates an extreme safety
hazard.
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Vented - VS Ventless...which one is better?
Vented Gas Logs Require a Wood Burning Fireplace,
Ventless (or Vent Free) Gas Logs can be installed in either a wood burning
fireplace, or a ventless fireplace that is rated for aftermarket ventless logs.
Ventless gas logs will produce more heat, while vented gas logs will look much
more realistic. Read more below:
Vented Gas Logs:
"Fully Vented" gas logs and must be
burned in a fireplace that is capable of burning real wood and must be burned
with the damper open. The reason for this is that they do not burn the gas
cleanly and create exhaust that is very similar to burning a real wood fire.
This exhaust needs to be able to go up the chimney. The real beauty of vented
gas logs is that they produce substantially more yellow flame than ventless logs
which makes them look far more realistic. The downside is that most of the heat
goes right up the chimney.
However, In most cases, you can offset this heat loss by
slightly closing the damper...but you must be careful that the exhaust from your
logs is not coming into the room because, just like burning real wood, it
contains Carbon Monoxide. A good way to test this is to turn on your gas logs
with the damper slightly closed. Hold a lighter or candle in front of the
fireplace opening near the top. If the flame from the lighter (candle) is being
drawn in toward the fireplace, then you are OK. If the flame is standing still
or pushed out toward the room, then your fireplace is not drafting enough and
you must open the damper more.
Positive Features of Vented Gas Logs:
- Extremely realistic flame pattern that looks like a wood fire.
- Flame is much taller than ventless logs
- Flame dances and wraps around logs like real wood.
- Does not require a CO2 detector
- Since the damper is open, most of the smell will go up the chimney
Negative Features of Vented Gas Logs:
- Less heat than ventless logs (probably won't heat your room)
- Uses slightly more gas than ventless logs
Ventless Gas Logs:
Ventless gas logs (often referred to as
"Vent Free" gas logs) have specially designed burners that burn the
gas cleanly and produce almost no exhaust...somewhat like the way a gas range in
a kitchen works. Since there is little or no exhaust, they can be burned with
the damper closed.
The beauty of this type of system is that 99.9% of the heat
produced by the gas logs goes into the room, so they produce substantially more
heat than their vented counter-parts. However, there are many negative features
commonly associated with ventless logs that you must be aware of before you
decide to purchase them:
Positive Features of Ventless Gas Logs:
- Much better heat output than vented gas logs
- Less pollution
- Slightly less gas consumption
Negative Features of Ventless Gas Logs:
- Since the byproduct of burning gas cleanly is water,
ventless logs will introduce excess moisture into your home which can result
in mold or mildew.
- You must be careful not to burn your ventless logs for
extended periods of time with windows closed, otherwise they will deplete
the oxygen in your home.
- If you burn your ventless logs for more than an hour or
so, you must crack open a window to allow air into your home to replace the
oxygen burned by the ventless logs. This will introduce cold air into the
room and offset some of the heating benefits that ventless logs claim to
have.
- Ventless logs produce an odor that many people equate to
the smell of burning kerosene. So if you have a sensitive nose, you may not
be able to handle the smell and will be greatly dissatisfied with ventless
logs. On the other hand, we've heard some people who like the smell because
it reminds them of their childhood days at Grandma's house.
- Ventless logs are not legal in California as well as some
cities and municipalities. However, you can still purchase ventless logs
from us if you live in California...you will just have to burn them with the
damper open (which really defeats the purpose).
- Ventless logs are required to have an ODS (oxygen
depletion system) as well as a CO2 detector...which might tell you that
there are some risks involved in operating them if these systems fail.
- The flame pattern with ventless logs pails in comparison
to vented logs. Because the gas must burn cleanly, the flame height is very
low and most of it is blue.
- Also, you will find that the flame does not dance around
like a real wood fire and very little of the flame actually touches the
logs. The reason for this is that when the flame touches the logs, it gets
cooled off and does not burn cleanly and starts to produce soot and exhaust
gases.
Bottom Line: We highly
recommend that you purchase vented gas logs. You will be much happier with
realistic appearance and high burning real-wood-like flame. We only recommend
ventless logs when maximizing the heat output outweighs all of the other
negative aspects.
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How do I determine what size gas logs to purchase?
Clearance Requirements:
Each gas log burner system has a minimum clearance from the side walls of your
fireplace. Burners with safety pilots require more clearance than those without.
For gas logs with a safety pilot, the required clearance is due to air space
that is necessary in order to prevent your control valve from overheating and
melting. The most common mistake made by people who purchase gas logs without
performing the correct size calculations is to install the largest logs they can
fit in their fireplace ignoring any warnings or recommendations about leaving
this critical air space for the burner.
We Find The Correct Size For You:
We have designed this web site in a way that ensures you end up with
the correct size gas logs based on the dimensions of your fireplace and the type
of burner system that you select. We do this by performing complex calculations
which compare your dimensions to over 4700 possible gas log configurations and
finding those that fit properly. No other web site can currently perform these
calculations...so they take a chance that you will order the wrong size. Read
about How To Measure further below.
Calculation Examples: For
a Fireplace that measures 42" x 28" x 20". Figure 1A uses a gas
log with an adjustable flame remote control valve, while Figure 1B uses a gas
log with No Safety Pilot.
Figure 1A
Gas Logs with Variable Flame Remote Pilot
Recommended Size = 16"
How the calculation is performed for Figure 1A:
Our site first calculates the width of your fireplace measured 7" back from
the front of the opening. This is the approximate location that the burner
system shown in the picture will be installed for the largest size gas logs that
will fit. We then find the required clearance for the pilot system that you
select, which is 2.5" in the example below. Next, we find the additional
width added on by the safety pilot. We then calculate D by adding A and B. Now
if you take the required clearance plus the pilot size and then doubling it, you
can subtract that number from the Center Width to determine the maximum size
burner that will fit in the remaining space. In this case, the largest burner
that will fit could be only 16" wide. And since we have logs and burners
that are available 16" wide, this would be the largest recommended size.
Although these logs may appear small in this fireplace, this is the largest size
that will offer you the added safety and convenience of this burner system.
Figure 1B
Gas Logs with No Safety Pilot
Recommended Size = 30"
How the calculation is performed for Figure 1B:
Figure 1B below shows the same fireplace with a
standard burner that has No Safety Pilot. Since there is no pilot that requires
air space, we just need to find the largest size logs that will fit the space
comfortably. In this case the Recommended size will end up being much larger
than the first example and will ultimately look better, but won't have the added
benefits of the remote control safety pilot. When we do this calculation, we
allow only 1" on each side of the logs then find the remaining available
space. By deducting 2" from the Calculated Center Width, we would have
35" left for the logs and burner. We then find the closest available size
that is less than or equal to 35"...which in this case is 30". So we
arrive at a recommended size of 30" for this type of application...Although
36" logs are in fact available and could possibly be installed, they would
over-crowd the fireplace and would not look as good as the 30" Model.
Conclusion: We have
illustrated the above examples so that you can see there is no simple way to
determine just what size gas logs you need. You must perform these calculations
to take the risk out of your purchase. We do not recommend purchasing gas logs
from any dealer who does not take the above parameters into consideration. You
will find that most manufacturers do not cover problems under warranty if their
products are not installed per the parameters laid out in their installation
manual.
For a more graphical explaination of the required clearances,
please click on the image below which is provided by the manufacturer.
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How to measure your fireplace for gas logs!
Measuring is very simple...basically we just need
the Front Width, Back Width, and Depth of the fireplace floor. Measure only the
useable space. We say this because some Prefabricated or Metal Fireplaces have
an area where the mesh curtain hangs that is several inches wider than the
actual useable floor space inside (See Figure 2B). Also, if you have a mesh
curtain or glass doors, be sure to measure the depth from behind either of
these, since this is the useable space for the logs. Otherwise, you may end up
with logs that hamper the opening and closing of your screen.
Figure 2A and Figure 2B show examples of how to measure for
gas logs.
How to Measure a Masonry Fireplace
You're even better off if you measure
just the floor of the
firelace!
Figure 2A
How to Measure a Prefab or Metal Fireplace
A lot of fireplaces are like this,
so make sure you notice if
yours is too.
Figure 2B
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What are the differences between Certifications?
Our Gas logs fall under 3 different classes: Non-Certified (No
Approval Rating), RADCO approved, and ANSI Certified. Some states require
a certification for gas logs and others don't. Be sure to check with your local
building department if you are unsure about the requirements for your
municipality. If you receive your gas logs and subsequently find that they are
not legal in your city, you may not be able to ship them back once they have
been installed.
Non-Certified:
Non-Certified logs are generally very large and use too many BTU's to pass any
type of certification. However, they are still considered safe and legal in many
cities and states. If you have a large fireplace (say over 45" wide), you
will have a hard time finding "Certified" gas logs big enough to fit
nicely, so we have a great selection of Uncertified gas logs for you to
consider. Our Non-Certified logs are available in sizes up to 60"!
RADCO: RADCO is a commonly accepted certification that imposes
some restrictions yet is widely accepted in many states including California.
Most of the gas logs on our site that are under 90,000 BTUs will be available in
RADCO approved versions. RADCO approved logs are available in sizes up to
30".
ANSI: ANSI (American National Standards Institute) is the most
widely accepted certification for gas logs. ANSI certification has very strict
qualifications and in most cases requires that the gas logs have a safety pilot that
has been factory installed and tested. There are also limitations to the BTU
input as well as the actual placement of the logs on the grate. Many states
require ANSI approval, so you will be happy to find that we have over 1,000 ANSI
approved log and burner combinations for you to choose from in sizes up to
36".
Massachusetts: If you live in Massachusetts, you need to
purchase special gas logs from a local dealer that are approved only in your
state. None of the gas logs on this site are approved for installation in
Massachusetts.
California: California
accepts both RADCO and ANSI approved logs
New York: In most
cities accepts ANSI approved gas logs only.
Other States: Almost all other states accept the ANSI approved
logs...and many states will accept RADCO approval while others do not require
any certification. Again, be sure to consult with your local building department
before purchasing gas logs from any dealer.
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What should I know about Natural Gas and Liquid Propane?
Most importantly...Liquid Propane always requires a safety
pilot, whereas Natural Gas does not. The reasons are explained in more detail
below.
Natural Gas: Since
Natural Gas is lighter than air, it can be used without a safety pilot in many
cities, providing the damper is permanently propped open. Propping the damper
open will prevent allow the gas to escape up the flue in the event that someone
turns on the gas without lighting the logs. Natural gas is typically used in
homes where Natural Gas is already plumbed throughout the home. If you have
Natural Gas in your home, but do not have it plumbed to your fireplace, be sure
to have this done by a certified plumber. The plumber needs to know the BTU
input of the gas logs that you purchase so that the correct diameter line can be
run from the gas main or other connection. Also, if you already have natural gas
plumbed to the fireplace, the amount of BTU's that the line can handle may be
less than the logs consume...which may result in lower than expected
performance.
Liquid Propane: Since Liquid Propane gas is heavier than air,
all gas log systems that use Liquid Propane are required to have a safety pilot.
This prevents the gas from puddling in the home in the event that someone turns
on the gas line without igniting the fire. Liquid Propane is commonly used in
areas where Natural Gas is not available to the home. If you do not already have
gas plumbed to your fireplace, then you will want to have a certified plumber or
Liquid Propane expert install the gas line. Make sure that this is done to code
for your area.
Be sure to consult with your local building department if you are not sure of
any requirements before purchasing gas logs from any dealer.
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What's the difference between Standard and See Thru!
Standard Fireplaces:
Fireplaces where the logs cannot be seen from the back side.
This includes your typical fireplace as well as an "L-Shaped"
fireplaces that are open on the front as well as the left or right
side....and...3 sided bay style fireplaces that have 2 short sides and 1 long
side. Standard gas logs have a single burner that causes the flame to come up
only in the front and middle. The rear bottom log is smaller than the front
bottom log and the grate is also narrower in the back. They are made this way
because most standard fireplaces get narrower toward the back.
See Thru Fireplaces:
Fireplaces where the logs can be seen from both front and back.
A true see thru fireplace is open between 2 rooms. However, any fireplace where
the logs can be seen from both front and back would use a see thru gas logs. A 3
sided peninsula style fireplace that has 2 long sides and 1 short side would use
a see thru gas log. See thru gas logs will have a special burner that causes the
flame to come from the front, back, and middle of the logs. The logs and grate
are also the same width in both front and back.
See Thru |
3 Sided Peninsula |
|
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What makes outdoor gas logs different than indoor gas logs?
In the past, there was no difference between outdoor gas logs and those used indoors. However, things have changed now with the introduction of the Stainless Steel Outdoor Gas Log burner systems that R. H. Peterson developed specifically for use in outdoor fireplaces. Until now, gas logs would last a couple years exposed to the elements before the burner system would begin to rust and stop working. Now, with the new Peterson Stainless Steel outdoor burners, you can enjoy your logs for a lifetime, which makes Peterson the best gas log on the market for your outdoor fireplace.
See Outdoor Gas Logs Here!
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What are the different control options?
Important Note: Liquid Propane always requires a
safety pilot, whereas Natural Gas does not. The reasons are explained in more
detail below.
Match Light: Match
light systems do not have any type of safety pilot. You start the fire by
lighting a long lighter or match and holding it inside the fireplace just above
the burner while you turn on the gas. The gas valve should be located either in
the wall or floor. If your gas valve is inside the fireplace, be sure that it is
legally installed. Most cities require that you at least have a cut off valve
outside the fireplace that is in reach. Match light burners are substantially
less expensive than other options, but are not legal in many cities.
Manual Safety Pilots: Manually controlled gas logs have
a safety pilot that stays lit all of the time (it can be turned off during the
off-season). The safety pilot attached to the burner will have a knob that you
turn to light the fire. This knob works as long as the safety pilot is lit. You
cannot use a remote control with a manual safety pilot. Manual safety pilots are
less expensive than remote control pilots because they use a less sophisticated
system. This is also the least expensive way to operate gas logs with Liquid
Propane.
Remote Safety Pilots: A remote capable safety pilot
operates like a manual safety pilot with a knob or switch to turn on the fire.
However, you can also purchase a separate remote control or wall control to turn
the logs on as well. In most cases the remote control is sold separately. Some
remote capable controls only turn the fire on and off while others can adjust
the flame height as well. The variable flame remote controls are more expensive.
Electronic Ignition Remote Systems: Electronic ignition systems are the latest technology. These types of
systems turn the gas on and off electronically and do not have a standing safety
pilot. There is no wasted gas or noise from a gas pilot when the logs are not
burning. This is the most expensive type of system, but the most desired.
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What's the difference between Refractory Ceramic Logs and Refractory Cement Logs?
The material that your logs are made of can make a
tremendous difference in the amount of heat that they produce, how much they
glow, and how long they last. In our opinion, refractory ceramic logs are the
best. Read more below to compare the differences and decide what's best for
you.
Refractory Ceramic: Refractory
ceramic has a greater heat radiating capability and will last for many years.
Refractory ceramic is a mixture of powdered ceramic and cement. This mixture is
poured into a rubber mold and then left to dry for a day or so. Once the logs
are dry, they are colored with a special heat resistant paint. Some logs have
more hand painted details than other...and will look more realistic and cost
more. On our web site, these are generally referred to as "Designer"
logs.
The key manufacture of high grade Refractory Ceramic logs is
R. H. Peterson. Their molds produce the most realistic bark and wood
details...and with their hand painted details, you will find a much larger
variety of woods with very realistic appearances.
Refractory Cement: Refractory
Cement logs are generally the least expensive logs and are sold at mass
merchants, discount stores, home centers, discount websites and the like. They
are made using a heat resistant grade of cement...similar to what a mason would
use for the mortar when building the inside of a fireplace. This material does
not radiate very much heat. Logs like this may look realistic when they
are new and painted, but they tend to crack and crumble after a short period of
time...sometimes after the first use. We do not recommend or sell any logs that
are made this material.
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THE END
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