Operating gas logs in a fireplace can be similar to burning wood in the fireplace. Yes you will receive some heat, but it is impossible to predict how much. Gas logs retrofitted to existing fireplaces are primarily for aesthetic benefit. They look great, provide a large yellow-orange flame and are not particularly efficient. If heat is your primary motive for retrofitting your fireplace you should consider a gas fireplace insert. Either way, you'll have something easy to use and maintain.

You will need to consult the operating guide for your particular fireplace model. If you use another manufacturer's gas logs, you need to maintain the clearances they specify. You can only install vented gas logs in our wood burning fireplaces. No. Installing vent-free (room vented) gas logs into our fireplaces presents a potential safety hazard as these fireplaces have not been tested or listed by UL or AGA for these applications.

Vent-free gas log sets can be installed in most masonry fireplaces, as long as the set's clearance and ventilation requirements are met. For installation in prefabricated fireplaces or fireboxes, follow the fireplace manufacturer's recommendations, as well as meeting the set's clearance and ventilation requirements. Refer to the log set's owner's manual to determine clearances and unconfined space requirements.

No. If the fireplace is designed for use only with gas, this is a very bad idea. The fireplace is not designed to withstand a wood fire. And the gas jets are not meant to come in contact with ash. This is a real fire hazard. It's possible your fireplace was originally a wood burning fireplace and has been converted to gas. In that case, it can be converted back. But you shouldn't burn would in it until that's happened.

If you have a fully operational fireplace, whether masonry or pre-fab, it would normally be as simple as removing the gas logs & capping the gas line or installing a gas log lighter. But with today's new appliances, direct vent & ventless units would not be set up for solid fuel (wood) & could not be converted to wood burning.

To convert your wood-burning fireplace into gas, you must get an insert type gas fireplace. They are designed to fit into existing masonry and prefabricated fireplaces. For more information on our insert applications, click here.

A - There is no fireplace that can perform this dual function. The best you can do is to install a gas log lighter, which is a steel pipe with holes drilled in that is hooked up to the gas and paced beneath your log grate. There'll be a key mechanism outside of the fireplace for you to turn on the gas, which you would then ignite with a match. This setup is strictly for getting wood fires going.

Vented gas logs can only be used in a wood-burning fireplace. A coal-burning fireplace is too shallow. Vented gas logs are not recommended for a stove due to safety concerns.

No, it is best to heat your entire house with your home's primary heating system or furnace. While Martin’s direct vent systems are A.F.U.E. heater-rated and our vent free units are design certified as a supplemental heat, both appliances have limited Btu’s, and can not move large volumes of air throughout the entire house. Both are best suited to supplement the home’s system by heating limited areas within the house.

Hoods are designed to deflect heat from wood such as a mantel. Check the installation instructions for your log sets to see if the mantel height requires you to install a hood.

While they produce some radiant heat, most wood burning fireplaces are primarily decorative. Even heat circulating models still pull a tremendous amount of air from the home. There are several wood burning models that are efficient and clean burning. We also have several wood burning stoves and inserts that are very efficient. Click here to find a dealer near you that can help you with your decision.

A - Installing an open gas log set into a wood-burning fireplace is essentially just changing fuels. If your wood-burning fireplace smokes under certain conditions, it is likely that a log set will spill some of its combustion by-products into the room under the same conditions. In these circumstances, it is recommended to install an efficient gas insert with a single or double liner vent system.

We recommend not moving the logs. Placement of the logs is critical to the operation and performance of the fireplace. Misarranged logs can result in operational problems. If you notice the logs have been moved during cleaning, contact a service person or check your installation and operating instructions for proper placement.

instant, roaring fire with no logs to lug or mess to clean up is what makes gas logs a joy to own without polluting the air like a wood burning fire.

No. Gas fireplaces are designed to burn gas only. Burning wood would damage the fireplace and could be very dangerous.

Gas log sets are designed to be installed into an existing fireplace, while gas fireplaces are self-contained units. Gas log sets are significantly less expensive but are considered a decorative appliance because they provide less heat.

There are 2 types of gas logs; vented and vent free. With a vented gas log you will get a little heat but because your flue has to be completely open you are actually losing more heat than you will receive. Vent free logs on the other hand give you the ability to close your flue and use the fireplace as a heat source.

Absolutely. Both our masonry and zero clearance style wood burning fireplaces can be installed in a corner.

If you use your fireplace frequently, you should have it cleaned after 1 cord of wood & inspected annually.

No. Placement of the logs is critical to the operation and performance of the fireplace. Misarranged logs can result in operational problems. If you notice the logs have been moved during cleaning, contact a Mendota service person and check your installation and operating instructions for proper placement.

Unfortunately, No. The logs and burner in your fireplace were specifiaclly designed and tested to work as a "unit." Changing anything inside your combustion chamber could result in damage to your unit and there is a risk of the fireplace not workign at all. On the other hand, if you have Gas Logs, then you may be able to buy replacement logs or a whole new set.

Blowers are optional on most heat circulating (grilles on top and bottom of fireplace) units, and some hearth products the blower is standard. Adding a blower is easily accomplished if power (110 VAC) was provided to the electrical junction box of the fireplace at the time of initial installation. If power was not provided, a fan option is still possible, but installation is complicated and therefore more costly.

Use seasoned hard wood. "Seasoned" wood is wood that has been dried out for at least half a year, preferably a year. It's opposite, green wood, will produce a cooler, smokier fire that's bad for your chimney. Hard woods are woods like oak, maple, beech, and ash. They burn hotter than pine, spruce, birch, or redwood. Do NOT use wood that has been painted or had finish applied. This could release toxic fumes into your home.

No, the hearth kit is designed to work with only the appropriate gas logs. Attempting this could result in injury, damage or worse. Additionally, burning wood voids the warranty of the hearth kit.

No. The intense heat of a wood fire will damage your logs, burners, grates and valves, and will void your warranty.

Answer: Yes, a direct-vent gas fireplace can replace a wood fireplace. You must also have access to a gas supply.

A - Each municipality has its own bylaws regarding this issue. Metropolitan Vancouver and the North Shore municipalities do not allow it, while other municipalities make allowances if you say it is a cooking fire (so keep a stick and a hot dog around!). There are a number of gas alternatives available for outdoor installation, some built in and others free standing. Q - I am interested in installing a natural gas patio heater.

It is recommended that a wood- burning fireplace be cleaned after one cord of wood has been burned since the last time the fireplace was cleaned. in accordance to NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) Code 211 an inspection is recommended annually.