Advantages of Gas Logs

• Gas logs cost a fraction of what wood logs cost per hour to operate.
• Since gas logs do not require electricity, the are a great source of heat and light during a power outage.
• Gas logs can be conveniently started at the turn of a valve or with an on/off switch.
• They offer enjoyment year after year without having to worry about stocking and replacing firewood.
• Dangerous flying sparks and dirty ashes are eliminated. Creosote build-up in the chimney, a common cause of fires, is also eliminated by the clean burning gas fuel.
• Gas logs burn cleaner than wood, reducing air pollutants.
• Once the logs are in place they are permanent. No constant hassle with the changing out of real wood logs.
• Real wood requires approximately 3 hours of burn time. Gas logs operate by a simple on/off valve and usually do not have limits to burn time.

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Measure Your Fireplace to Determine the Appropriate Log Set Size:

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"Vented vs. "Vent Free" - Determine What Type of Gas Logs You Need:

• These logs must be installed in a fireplace with a fully functional chimney, to draft the smoke and combustion gases from your home.
• These log sets have been available for over 50 years and are still the most popular.
• Vented logs are the logs that most resemble a realistic wood fire.
• They use an open damper, which limits heating efficiency. Just like burning a wood fire, most heat escapes the chimney and only a small amount is returned to your home.
• Vented log sets are more flexible. Logs can be repositioned according to preference.

• Vent Free(also known as non-vented, unvented or ventless)logs do not require a chimney.
• They keep 99 percent of the heat produced in your home, and are very efficient as a primary heat source.
• All units are equipped with an ODS (Oxygen Depletion Sensor). This device cuts the flame off if the oxygen level in the air drops below a safe level. This situation is very rare.
• Vent Free logs cannot be repositioned once they are installed. This is due to vent free log sets having to maintain a complete clean burn which requires the logs to sit on the grate in only one way.
• Some states (California, Massachusetts, and a few others) require special permits in order to operate non-vented appliances indoors. It is the customer's responsibility to know his or her local codes and limitations.

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Propane vs. Natural Gas Logs

Which Gas Log Should You Choose?
Deciding which gas log type to purchase is easy. In many cases, you can simply choose a gas log that will work with the fuel source that is already available in your home. If you have a natural gas heater, dryer, stove, or other gas appliance, then natural gas logs are the obvious choice. Conversely, if you heat your home with propane, a liquid propane gas log is the way to go.

If your home is not plumbed for either of these fuels, check locally to determine which fuel makes most sense to use in your home and then purchase the appropriate log set.

Natural Gas Details
Natural gas is lighter than air, which means natural gas appliances, including gas logs, can be used without a safety pilot in many areas (again, check with your local fuel provider to be sure). Natural gas must be hand-piped to a gas log from existing service lines that are buried in your area. If you already have natural gas in your home, but do not have it plumbed to your fireplace, a certified plumber should be able to run the lines for a gas log. Your plumber will use the BTU output to determine the proper line diameter that your gas log requires.

Propane Details
Unlike natural gas, propane is heavier than air. It is stored in a reinforced tank positioned outside the home. A certified plumber or propane professional would install the line that runs from this tank to your fireplace and thus into your gas log set.

All gas logs that use propane require a safety pilot. The safety pilot on propane gas logs prevents propane gas from accumulating inside the home if someone were to turn on the gas without lighting a flame on the gas log set.

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Installing Your Gas Logs

It is highly recommended that your new fireplace logs be installed by a qualified plumber or heating contractor. This is not the right job for a DIY. Most jobs are installed with threaded pipe, which must be cut and threaded on the job. In addition, technical knowledge and certain instruments are required to set up and adjust the gas logs. Installation prices can vary, usually running from $200 to $350 for a basic job. It is well worth it for the peace of mind--support your local contractor!

Need more information about Gas Logs? Call Toll-Free: 1-877-743-2269

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Gas Log Certification Details