Gas fireplaces are a great way to stay warm and cozy, but most people don’t know what’s inside of one. This article is designed to help you understand the different parts of your gas fireplace so that you can make an educated decision when buying. We hope this guide helps!
Gas fireplaces are becoming increasingly popular. They offer a number of benefits over traditional wood-burning fireplaces, and they’re also less expensive to operate. But what is inside a gas fireplace? Is it safe? Do you need any special tools or equipment to install one in your home? Let’s take a look at the insides of a gas fireplace and answer some frequently asked questions about them!
What are the parts of a Gas Fireplace?
There are several parts to a gas fireplace, but the main components you need to know include:
The firebox. This is where all of the magic happens and it’s where flames will last for hours on end as long as there’s wood or cordwood inside! The firebox usually has a black enamel finish, but most models also come in paintable or stainless steel if you want something more custom.
The heating element. A gas fireplace won’t work unless it has a high quality heating unit inside to keep the room warm when there isn’t any firewood burning! The heating element is responsible for making sure your living space is at the right temperature, and it’s where you need to make sure all of your connections are airtight.
The heat exchanger. Getting a good heating system isn’t enough; most gas fireplaces also include an efficient metal heat exchanger built inside of them that can quickly distribute warmth through the room and to the other side of walls and windows.
The venting system. With a gas fireplace, you’ll have an exhaust which is vented up through your roof so that warm air doesn’t get trapped inside the living space or even worse – cause problems for people with respiratory issues! This is also why it’s so important to have a clean, functional venting system on your gas fireplace.
The remote control. A lot of people don’t realize that many new models come with an included Bluetooth or wifi enabled controller that can turn the fire and heat up or down from another room! This is especially useful if you like to keep your fan on for white noise while you sleep, or if it’s in another part of the house altogether.
The logs. Most gas fireplaces are large enough to hold real wood inside them which gives them a nice rustic touch and keeps things looking great even when there isn’t any heat being generated! Of course you can also get a model that’s entirely fake if you want to avoid the hassle of having another thing to clean and maintain.
The controls. Most people like to keep their fireplace as simple as possible, but it doesn’t hurt to have some additional knobs and levers around for those occasions where something goes wrong. This is why most gas fireplaces include a few extra controls that can be used to adjust the temperature or turn on/off some of the more advanced features.
The doors and faceplate. Most modern gas fireplace models come with at least one door, but having two means they’ll make your space look even better! These are great for keeping the room looking nice even when you’re not using your fireplace, and they can also help prevent heat loss in winter months.
The appearance. While it may sound trivial to some people, having a gas fireplace that matches with the rest of your home is actually really important! This is why all models come in a variety of designs and finishes to make sure they look great inside your space.
The warranty. If you invest in a new gas fireplace, it’s always a good idea to get something that comes with at least a one year parts and labor warranty from the manufacturer! This will protect you against any problems within the first twelve months of owning your fireplace, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
The installation process. Most gas fireplaces are pretty easy to install yourself if you have the right tools for the job, but sometimes they can also require a professional installer too! This is why most manufacturers offer free shipping on their products so that even if something goes wrong with the installation, you won’t be left holding the bag.
The safety features. There are a lot of things to like about gas fireplaces – and one thing not to love is how much safer they can make your property! This is due in part because most models come standard with an Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) to make sure the room doesn’t get too full of combustible gas.
The electrical connections. If you want to be extra safe, it may also be a good idea to have somebody else double check your work and turn on power before lighting up! This is why most models come with easy access connections on the back of the unit so that you can have a professional electrician get it up and running in no time.
The heat output. It’s also worth mentioning just how much heat these units are capable of producing! You may be surprised to learn that most models actually put out more BTUs than an average space heater, which means that it’s really easy to keep your entire home nice and warm!
The gas line. This is arguably the most important part of any fireplace since you need a dedicated copper or plastic line for this model specifically in order to operate correctly! If you don’t have one already installed, now may be a good time to start thinking about getting one installed so that you can enjoy all the benefits of having a gas fireplace in your home.
The cost. While some models are more expensive than others, it’s important to remember just how much these units can save you on heating bills! This is because most gas fireplaces will only require a few hundred dollars worth of gas each year, which means that you’ll be saving hundreds if not thousands every single winter.
The durability. The last thing to keep in mind is just how well these units are made! Most models come with at least 50% more insulation than other types of fireplaces so that they can really hold up against the elements. This means that you’ll be able to enjoy a roaring fire for many years in your home, and it will only get better over time!
The cost. Gas fireplaces can range from $500 all the way up into the thousands depending on what features they come with and how much insulation is used. While this may seem like a lot, there’s no denying that they will pay for themselves within the first few months of use!
The fire logs. If you want to try something different with your fireplace and don’t mind spending a bit more money up front, it may be worth checking out what kind of fire logs are out there! This is because firelogs have a bit more versatility due to the fact that they don’t require any kind of installation and can be cut down as needed.
The smell factor. One last thing to consider when you install gas fireplace in your home is how much you want it to smell like natural gas. While most models come with a built-in fan to help disperse any emissions, it’s still something that some homeowners may want to avoid!
The installation process. Most gas fireplaces are pretty easy to install yourself if you have the right tools for the job, but sometimes they can also require a professional installer too! It’s also worth noting that while there are some models than can be installed without a gas line, it may require extra work and usually costs more money up front.
The installation process. The cost of installing your own electric fireplace will depend on the type of unit you want to install as well as where in the country you live. This is because some areas are known to charge more than others for the same job! Make sure that you do your research before deciding whether or not you want to install it yourself.
What’s Inside A Gas Fireplace?
A firebox is the chamber where you build your fire. This can be made of cast iron, steel or other high temperature material that won’t melt during use. Fireplaces are designed to burn wood but some manufacturers make them for gas burning purposes as well which will have a separate door keeping the oxygen in. – An ash pan is basically an area for you to store the ashes from your fire until they are cool enough to be emptied out without any potential risk of embers being present.
The flue is a passage way that serves two purposes: one, it allows heat and gases produced by your fire to escape through the chimney (otherwise the gases would stay in your house and it could be dangerous) and two, helps to prevent any potentially hazardous sparks or embers from escaping. This is especially important when you’re burning wood because of how much ash can fly up with the smoke.
The venting system allows oxygen into your fire for combustion purposes and has an exhaust port that goes up through the roof and is attached to your chimney.
The front of a wood burning fireplace is very durable, most commonly made out of cast iron but can also be glass or other high temperature materials. This will help protect against intense heat as well as condensation from forming on it which could cause internal damage.
A mantel is an important part of any fireplace. This is where you put candles, pictures, and other items that are decorative in nature (and it’s also a great place to start your fire!)
How does a Gas Fireplace work?
A gas fireplace consists of a firebox with one or more burners. The heat from the flames makes hot air, which rises up and out through either natural convection or fan-forced airflow. This heats your home just like an electric heater does – by transferring heat into it via radiation and/or conduction. There is no heat exchanger (like there would be in a traditional fireplace) and the firebox itself does not get hot. The glass doors on most gas fireplaces are tempered to prevent them from exploding, but they will still get very hot – around 200°F which can cause serious burns if touched for an extended period of time.
Gas Fireplaces vs Wood Fireplaces
One of the most common questions people have is whether they should get a gas fireplace or wood fireplace. This question has an easy answer—yes, you can use both! You don’t need to choose between one type of heating element over the other when it comes to fireplaces because they are not mutually exclusive by any means.
Not only do gas and wood burning fireplaces look stunning when combined together in the same room, but they also serve different purposes. Gas fires are much more efficient than traditional wood-burning fireplaces because you no longer need to worry about building a big pile of logs or loading up your fireplace with kindling. This is especially beneficial for people who live in colder areas and aren’t around to constantly tend their fireplaces.
The best thing about gas and wood burning fires is you can use both at the same time! Picture your living room with a beautiful fireplace that has an electric starter, remote control or even smartphone app instead of kindling and logs—it sounds like something out of a dream doesn’t it?
Why do I need a gas fireplace when there are so many other types of fireplaces to choose from?
A wood burning fireplace is much more efficient than a regular fireplace and can be used in any home. It’s perfect for houses that don’t have central heating or air conditioning systems, and also for homes that have a backup heating system in case of power outages.
Can you use both gas and wood burning fireplaces at the same time?
Yes, many homeowners choose to install one or more additional fireboxes for this reason! If your fireplace has an electric starter instead of kindling, it’s much easier to bring out a gas firebox if you want to switch things up. Just like with wood fires, it’s important to clean out your gas fireplace regularly so that no debris or flammable materials get into the mechanism of the unit.
What are some benefits of owning both types of fireplaces?
You can use both at different times throughout the day or year to suit your needs. For example, you can use an electric fireplace in the summer if air conditioning is running and it will help cool down your home. A gas fire is also much easier during winter when you don’t want to get cold outside while loading up kindling for a wood burning unit!
How often do I need to clean my gas fireplace?
It depends on how much you use your fireplace! If it’s not used often, once every other month should be good enough. But if the unit is in regular use (like during winter), then cleaning out your flue and firebox monthly or even quarterly will help ensure that everything runs like new.
What are some different types of fireplaces?
There are many options when it comes to choosing a fireplace, but there is no wrong choice! If you love the look of wood burning fires or gas logs, then go for it—it’s all up to personal preference and taste. Electric fireplaces can be set on a tabletop or mounted to the wall, and come in a variety of styles ranging from modern designs to more traditional looks. Just make sure you choose one that fits your room’s decor properly!
Environmental Protection
The combustion of natural gas creates carbon dioxide and water vapour. It doesn’t produce any substances that are harmful to the environment or toxic for human beings to breathe in, such as particles from a wood-burning fire or carcinogenic gases like ones emitted by a kerosene heater. This makes it an excellent choice when you want to reduce your carbon footprint.
When your home uses natural gas, you’re doing something good for the environment!
Safety Tips
- Ensure that the fireplace is in a safe location and will not be easily tipped.
- Never plug your gas fire place into an outlet controlled by a wall switch or pull cord – you risk accidentally turning it on while away from home which can result in carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Make sure your fireplace is installed by a professional. If you have any doubts, consult with an expert to determine if it was safely installed and up to code.
- If the logs in your gas fire place are not properly seated or regularly move while burning, this can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Keep gas fireplaces away from flammable materials like curtains, upholstery and bedding.
- Never leave your fireplace unattended or let children near it while it is in use. It should always be turned off after every burn cycle to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning risk.
- Ensure that the area surrounding your fireplace is adequately ventilated to avoid closed room syndrome.
- Never use an open flame candle or other heat source near your gas fireplace. Candles alone can cause a fire hazard and should be kept at least 12 inches away from the fireplace to reduce risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, which is always present when using candles in enclosed spaces like homes with gas fire places.
- Keep clear of the fireplace opening and all controls at all times to prevent unnecessary injuries or fires.
- Ensure that your gas supply is turned off when not in use to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning risk if a pilot light goes out while you sleep.
- Don’t forget to turn on your Carbon Monoxide Detector to avoid a potential tragedy.
- Keep flammable items at least 12 inches away from the fireplace opening and all surrounding walls – carbon monoxide poisoning can result if you put too much heat on your upholstery, curtains or bedding near an open flame fire.
- Never use gas appliances in bathrooms where humidity will cause the gas system to corrode or in kitchens where grease will cause it to catch fire.
- If your fireplace is not working properly, shut it off immediately and contact a professional for assistance before using again – carbon monoxide poisoning can result from poor venting of flue gases which are emitted during normal usage.
- Turn on all exhaust fans and open windows to provide proper ventilation for your home when using the fireplace – carbon monoxide poisoning can result if you run your gas fire place without sufficient air intake.
- Stay clear of all controls including glass doors while the unit is in use, especially children or pets who may accidentally bump into them causing injury or property damage.
FAQs
What is the difference between a fireplace and an insert?
An insert refers to any type of device that fits inside another appliance, such as your gas stove. A stand-alone unit like a wood burning or propane fire place would be called an insert. An insert does not require installation, while a fireplace would.
What is the difference between a gas fireplace and propane?
A gas unit will operate with natural or propane gases. A “propane” unit specifically requires that type of fuel for it to work properly, whereas other types can run on either natural or propane gas.
Does my new fire place come with a warranty?
Every fire place insert comes standard with at least a one year parts and labor warranty. This applies to the entire unit, including all controls, blowers and glass components. Each manufacturer has their own specific warranties for each individual product so be sure to check them out before making your purchase.
What about gas logs? Do I need to use them?
Yes, gas logs are required for some fireplaces and inserts. You will see a note in the owner's manual of your unit if they must be used or not. If you do not have gas logs, then natural wood can be used instead. However this is NOT recommended because it produces more ash and smoke.
Conclusion
A gas fire place can be installed in any home. They are easy to maintain and provide an attractive focal point for the living room or entertainment area of your house. Use this user’s guide as a reference tool before installing so you know what is inside, how it works, and all safety precautions that should be taken when using one.