FIREPLACE-GAS-LOGS-INSERTS
Gas log inserts are a great way to enhance the look and functionality of your fireplace without breaking the bank. Gas log sets come in many different attractive options and have many different upgradable features. Furthermore, they tend to be far less maintenance than their wood counterpart.
When selecting a gas log insert for your fireplace there are many factors you must decide. Do you want vented or vent free log sets? Would you prefer to manually light the system, or have some sort of pilot assembly? What type of gas logs do you want (styling, as mentioned above there are many options)? What type of media do you want to accompany your new gas log set? What type of burner system do you want with your set?
We will try and break these selections down as best as possible so you can make the most informed decision.
VENTED GAS LOG SETS VS VENT FREE GAS LOG SETS
Vented Gas Log sets are for those who are more concerned about ambiance than heat reclamation. Vented gas logs sets as you would guess need to be vented to the outside atmosphere via a flue. As with wood there are venting requirements that must be met to use a vented gas log set safely. Vented gas log sets are the ideal upgrade for systems that previously were wood burning.
Vent free gas log sets are used for people that are trying to get more heat reclamation out of there system. Vent free gas log sets are a great way to get the heat you want without having to alter or replace the entire system. Furthermore, they happen to be very attractive systems. As stated in the name these systems do not rely on a flue to be vented. Instead, they burn at such an efficiency that they have no need to be exhausted. Vent free systems rely on an oxygen depletion sensor to aid in safe operation.
A-1 Safety chimney service will go over any questions you may have when deciding to upgrade your fireplace. During our level 2 inspection we can also decide what is the best course of action to meet your needs.
MANUALLY LIGHTING OR FIREPLACE PILOT KITS
If you choose the vent free option manual ignition is not an option. Vent Free sets come standard with a standing pilot kit. Some sets do have the option for an intermittent pilot kit as well. Vented gas logs sets will have the option to do manual ignition, and it is the simplest of the types.
Manual ignition for vented gas log sets is simply holding a flame by the burner and slowly turning on the gas. Many people are weary of this option and will instead decide to have a pilot installed.
Standing safety pilot kits are when you have a pilot flame that is always going. Turning on the system is as easy as turning a knob. These pilot flames can be turned off when the system won’t be used for long periods of time. Many homeowners who decide against the manual ignition option go this route instead.
Intermittent pilot ignitions kits or IPI kits require no standing pilot to ignite the system. This means they have no flame that is going while the system is not in use. These are by far the most expensive option but tend to be a great choice for those that do not want a pilot flame. IPI set up do tend to require more maintenance as they have many more parts that can fail over time.
Standing Pilot Kit
Standing Pilot Kit with Remote
Intermittent Pilot Kit
GAS FIREPLACE BURNER TRAYS
Burner trays in a gas fireplace are the backbone to the system. This is what determines the heat output and in some cases the look of the gas log set. With a vent free gas set you can usually expect 1 or 2 different options depending on the logs chosen. Vented gas log sets tend to have many more options when it comes to the burner tray.
Burner trays come in many different shapes and sizes, as well as heat output. This being said it is usually best to let your technician determine what options are available for your fireplace. If you need help deciding, please contact us to set up an appointment. We would be more than happy to help you make the best decision possible.
Vented Burner Tray
Vent Free Burner Tray
Gas Fireplace Media
Gas fireplace media is basically the stuff that goes in the burner tray and the pretty stuff that surrounds it. When installing a gas log set with A-1 Safety Chimney Service, we always include media with our sets. This will include the sand, embers, and fire glass. Many of the options for fire glass are provided at no charge when installing a new gas log set.
Fire glass goes on the floor of the fireplace, around the burner tray to provide a very catching appearance. As stated above, most of the fire glass options are complementary with a new gas log set installation. Lava rock is also an option for more a traditional look.
WHO INSTALLS GAS LOG SETS?
If you are googling who installs gas logs? Look no further. A-1 Safety Chimney Service is the premiere destination for all things fireplace related. All of our service technicians are Nationally Certified with the Chimney Safety Institute of America. We have been proudly Servicing the Chicagoland area and surrounding suburbs for over 35 years. With over 200 years of combined experience, you can count on us for all your gas fireplace needs. Check out some of the before and after transformations that A-1 Safety Chimney Service has done.
