February 2020

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Will A Fireplace Add Value To My House?

If you’re planning to build or do some remodeling, you may be wondering if a fireplace or stove is going to be a worthwhile addition to your home. Should it be wood, gas, electric or maybe pellets? If we ever decide to sell the house, will a fireplace be a positive selling point or a…

This article was last revised on November 14, 2022

Why is My Pellet Stove Not Heating?

Most pellet stoves and inserts generate heat in the range of 8000 – 40,000 BTU’s/hour. If your appliance seems to have lost a little something in the heat output department, the fix might be easier than you think! PELLET STOVES 101: THE BASICS OF HOW THEY WORK. A hopper or bin on your pellet stove…

How hot does the glass get on an electric fireplace?

Unlike the glass on a wood burning fireplace or a gas model, the glass on an electric fireplace will not get hot. Even with the heat on, the glass will stay relatively cool to the touch and should not cause any safety concerns. Since there’s no actual fire in the firebox, if the heat is…

Does the heating element always have to be on?

No, it does not. This is one of the appeals of an electric fireplace. If you want a bit of heat, turn the heat on. If you want just the effects afforded by an electric fireplace, without any heat, just leave the heat off. This will allow you to enjoy that special feeling and atmosphere…

Will an electric fireplace heat my room?

Many variables affect how much space an electric fireplace will heat. House age Type of construction Condition and size of windows and doors Sidewall and ceiling insulation levels Southern Orientation Prevailing winter winds Etc. And obviously, a home in Northern Canada will have different heating requirements than a house in the Carolinas. Many people use…

This article was last revised on July 13, 2022

How do I properly vent my pellet stove?

You probably will have a few options for venting a pellet stove. Most pellet stoves require type “L” vent pipe. Many will have a 4” vent pipe requirement. L-vent uses a small air space between a stainless steel inner pipe and a galvanized outer pipe. Since the exhaust on pellet equipment is pressurized, all joints…

How do I vent my pellet insert?

Pellet inserts must be vented vertically through the existing fireplace chimney. The existing chimney is used as a conduit for a 4” stainless steel liner. This liner is connected to the top of the insert, installed up the chimney and terminated with a special adapter and termination cap on top. Note that many pellet inserts…

How do I know how much space my pellet stove will heat?

It’s all about the BTU’s! The more BTU’s, the more heat you’ll enjoy. And, this is easily controlled by how fast the pellets are burned. The faster the burn rate, the more BTU’s are produced. The more fuel you’re using, the more heat you’re getting. Your pellet stove or insert will have a range of…

Pellet Stove vs. Wood Stove: Which is Right for You?

This answer depends on several factors, such as: 1) your lifestyle, 2) quick and easy access to a wood supply, 3) the amount of time you can devote to cutting, splitting, hauling and stacking wood, 4) installation details, 5) cost, and other considerations. Let’s talk about cost first. A pellet stove vs. a wood stove…

What happens to my stove or insert if I lose power?

If power is interrupted, by Mother Nature or a little one unplugging the appliance, your pellet equipment will not function. When power is off, there will be no additional fuel delivered to the burn pot, so any fire that’s burning will continue until it simply burns itself out. If there is some rise to the…

Pellet Stove Electricity Usage: What to Expect

That depends on your electric rate and your specific model. Most pellet stoves and inserts will use between 200 watts and 500 watts per hour. Generally speaking, if you’re paying between 8ȼ - 10ȼ/kwh, expect to pay about 2 ½ȼ - 3ȼ/per hour to operate the electric motor, fan and circuit board. That would translate…

How dangerous are pellet stoves?

Common sense goes a long way when it comes to heating devices. It doesn’t matter if it’s a forced air furnace, a wood burning fireplace or stove, a boiler system or for that matter the toaster in your kitchen! Properly installed, operated and regularly maintained equipment will avoid potentially dangerous scenarios. Do not install equipment…

Will a pellet stove run without electricity?

Pellet stoves and inserts need to be plugged into a 120-volt outlet. The “brains” of the stove (the circuit board) as well as the fans on the equipment and the auger (or pellet feed mechanism) are reliant on electricity to operate. However, there are manufacturers that have battery back-up systems available for specific models. If…

How long will a 40 lb. bag of pellets last?

This has everything to do with the heat setting or the “burn rate” on your stove or insert. One pound of wood pellets will produce approximately 8,000 BTUs of heat. So, if you are burning pellets on the “low” setting, say 1 ½ lb./hour (or 12,000 BTU), a bag will last about 26 hours. (40…

This article was last revised on July 18, 2022

How much does a good quality new pellet appliance cost?

It’s only natural to want a good deal when buying your pellet appliance. However, it’s important to bear in mind that the price you pay normally reflects the quality of performance and longevity of your appliance. Therefore, it’s better to look for a quality product that you can trust in terms of its performance level…

How to Control Heat Output on Your Pellet Stove

There are a couple of ways to adjust the amount of heat. The rate at which the pellets are fed into the burn pot is one. A slower burn rate delivers fewer pellets to the burn pot, so less heat will be produced. The faster you burn pellets, the more heat you will enjoy. Also,…

How do I remove the ashes from my pellet stove?

Your pellet appliance comes equipped with an ash drawer or an ash tray. Simply pull it forward, remove it and empty the ashes. Be careful and remember that the ash is “powdery” fine and can be easily blown around the room. It’s always a good idea to empty the ashes into an ash bucket with…

How much maintenance will my pellet stove or insert require?

This is a great question and should be one of the first things you discuss with your dealer. If you’re a person who does not like to get your hands dirty or procrastinates on regular maintenance items, do not buy a pellet stove! A gas model would be your best bet. But, if that description…

What’s the heating capacity for a pellet appliance?

This depends on the amount of BTUs your pellet appliance produces. The great the level of BTUs/hour, the more heat will be generated and the more space it will heat. On full power, some pellet stoves can produce between 40,000 to 45,000 BTUs per hour. You can adjust the BTU output and turn it down…

How does my pellet stove light?

Most models have an automatic ignition system designed into a circuit board. Simply turn your control to the “on” or “start” position. Keep in mind the moisture content in pellets is very low, so pellets are quite easy to ignite. Depending on your model, an ignitor rod, a hot surface ignitor or glow plug are…

Are pellets messy or convenient to use?

If we’re going to compare pellets to cordwood on the “Messy Scale”, pellets win, hands down! Pellets are packaged in easy to handle, 40 lb. bags, much like water softener salt. There are no bugs, no dirt and no bark to constantly be cleaning up. Bags easily stack on top of each other. Both cordwood…

Benefits of Using Pellet Fuel for Heating

Pellet stoves are environmentally friendly and easy to use, which means they’re very popular today! The pellets they burn are made from recycled materials. They’re also very efficient when it comes to generating heat and this will help to keep your bills lower. Also, you can install them in areas where it wouldn’t be possible…

What’s the best way to store the wood pellets?

First and foremost: Keep ‘em dry! And, preferably inside the garage, shed, basement or utility room if you can. Pellets can be purchased in bulk, but most customers buy pellets in convenient 40 lb. bags. Dealers will sell individual bags, but as a homeowner your best value is to purchase pellets by the ton. That…

Pellet Venting: Choosing the Right System

Unless you’re going to connect your pellet appliance to your existing masonry chimney or to a factory-built stainless steel chimney, most pellet appliances need a 3″ or 4″ type “L” vent pipe. Depending on the location of your appliance, these can be installed vertically or through a side wall.

How reliable are pellet stoves?

Manufacturers of pellet equipment will provide a warranty. These warranties will vary a bit from each manufacturer, but most covers several years for specific components, or a limited lifetime. Details will be spelled out in the owner’s manual. Always ask about the warranty before a purchase is made. Warranties are precisely why you should buy…

How do pellet stoves work?

Pellet stoves look like a gas or a wood burning stove. But they operate much differently. There is a hopper that’s located on the back side of the stove that serves as a storage bin for the pellets. Lift the lid on this hopper and pour in the pellets. The size of this hopper will…

What should I look for when I shop for pellets?

Manufacturers of pellets produce a standard or premium grade of fuel. There is an accredited program that is designed to help homeowners identify consistently reliable pellets from producers. A quality mark has been established by the Pellet Fuel Institute (PFI) Standards Program. Pellet manufacturers that choose to participate in this program are subject to regular,…

How are pellets made?

Wood pellets are made by recycling wood waste. It’s a fantastic way to keep tons of waste out of landfills and create an efficient fuel! According to the Pellet Fuel Institute, there are over 1,000,000 homes in the USA and Canada that use pellets to stay comfortable in the winter. Most pellets are made from…

How efficient are pellet stove and inserts?

The literature for most pellet stoves and inserts today list efficiencies in the range of the low 70% to the low 80% range. Because of the fine ash when burning pellets, it is very important to clean the stove on a regular basis. This ash collects on the heat exchange tubes and other surfaces in…

Can I change over from LP Gas to Natural Gas?

Normally, you can change your gas fireplace from using propane to running on natural gas without a problem. You’ll need to change some parts with a gas conversion kit and it’s best to get a certified professional to carry out this job to ensure everything is performed safely. You don’t want to run into problems…

Do I need to clean my glass door or is it self-cleaning?

Over time, your glass door will eventually start to accumulate deposits, which should be cleaned on an annual basis to look after the glass. You can clean the glass more often if you see deposits building up sooner.

New Gas Fireplace Smell: Is It Normal?

Initially, a new fire can emit smoke and/or smells produced due to the painting and finish on your stove or fire. When you first use your fire, the paint will ‘cure’ and some of the finish will burn off. All you need to do is let some fresh air into your room and the initial…

How can I make my stove safe for children?

Protect children and animals from the intense heat a gas heating appliance can give off. Often, the heat of the flames is enough to get children to keep their distance but you may need to take additional steps. You can buy an attractive fire screen to protect your fire and children safe from the heat…

Why does my pilot light go out?

If you follow the instructions above to light your pilot light, make sure you keep holding down the control knob in the ignite position for as long as a minute after the pilot light has been lit by the igniter. This helps to make sure the flame is lit and stable. If you’re still having…

Does my pilot light need to stay on all year round?

Regardless of whether you’re using your fire all year round or not, it’s best to leave the pilot light on all year round. It will only use a tiny amount of gas and turning the pilot light off can lead to problems that will need to be fixed. Running the pilot light all year round…

How can I re-ignite my pilot light?

First of all, ensure your gas supply is turned on. When you’re sure that it is, look for your control panel which is behind a door or behind fireplace grates. Locate igniter and on/off knobs which are beside each other. The first one is usually red or black. Then turn the on/off knob to the…

How do I switch my gas appliance on and off?

The functions on your gas appliance will vary depending on the make and model you own. In many cases, you can turn your gas fire or stove on or off at the wall, by using a remote control or by turning the thermostat up or down. A wall switch will just turn the appliance on…

How much does it cost to operate a gas appliance?

There are adjustable gas valves installed on fireplaces, stoves and inserts. Adjust the flame height down and you will use less gas and realize less heat. Adjust the amount up, and you’ll use more gas and get more heat from the unit. In the USA and some Canadian provinces, natural gas (NG) is measured in…

What is zone heating?

This is a term that’s used when heating only a portion of your home. When you think about it, most people spend the majority of their time only two or three rooms. And many people like their bedrooms cooler than the rest of the house. Zone heating warms those the area of the home that…

What does the term ‘zero clearance’ mean?

A zero clearance (ZC) fireplace is a fireplace that has been designed to be built into a combustible frame wall. There are small “stand-offs” on the exterior of a ZC fireplace that that can be in direct contact with 2x4 or 2x6 framing. This makes for versatile and rather quick installations. Do not get this…

Radiant vs. Convective Heat: Fireplace Edition

In a nutshell, radiant heat, heats objects. Think of the sunshine when you think of radiant heat. Ever been sitting in a car with the sun shining through your window? You’re probably warmer than the passengers on the other side of the car. That heat you’re feeling is the radiant energy from the sun. A…

Will My Fireplace Work During a Power Outage?

Yes it will! Your gas fireplace, stove or insert generates its own electricity to open and closed the gas valve. Today’s appliances use one of two types of ignition systems: 1) a standing pilot light, called a “millivolt system” or, 2) an intermittent pilot ignition often referred to as an IPI or electronic ignition system. …

Why does my flame look blue when I turn my fireplace on?

This is not uncommon. Combustion air levels could be a bit low and the draft will take a couple of minutes to get well established. It normally takes a few minutes for the flames to adjust on a cold start. LP seems to have a tendency to look a little more bluish on start-up than…

Is there a difference between a gas fireplace and a gas fireplace insert?

Yes, there definitely is a difference! These are NOT synonymous terms! A gas fireplace is designed to be built into a framed wall. This is done during construction or a remodeling project. There is an insulated shell around the firebox that provides protection against overheating any wooden framing members. Gas fireplaces can be vented horizontally…

New Fireplace Burn-In: What You Need to Know

On a new appliance, there are oil residues from the manufacturing process. Your new equipment has also been painted with a high temperature paint. It normally takes an hour or two of curing time to burn the excess oil residues off and for the paint to completely cure. During this time, the fireplace may have…

Why does the glass on my fireplace turn black?

This can be more of a problem, but can be corrected by a competent fireplace service technician. The black is the result of soot from incomplete combustion. One of these scenarios is likely occurring: 1) the air to fuel ratio is not adjusted properly, 2) the logs are not positioned exactly as the manufacturer specifies,…

Why does the glass on my fireplace fog up when I turn it on?

There is a temperature difference between the air inside of the fireplace and the air in the room. Warmer air has more moisture than cooler air. When the fireplace is turned on, the temperature inside the fireplace begins to warm up and condensation forms on the cooler glass. The water vapor in the warmer air…

How much should I pay?

In this ever changing world, it's interesting to note that over the past 125+ years, some things don't change! Your WE LOVE FIRE expert is absolutely committed to quality: Quality people, quality products and quality service. The Common Law of Business Balance states: There is scarcely anything in the world that some one cannot make…

How Often Should I Clean My Chimney?

Recommendations from the National Fire Protection Agency state that cleaning should be carried out on an annual basis. At the same time, have an inspection carried out to preempt any potential problems.

Sick of Wood Smoke? Try These Quick Fixes!

You want peace of mind of while sitting by a cozy fire? If you are having issues with wood smoke filling your house whenever you start a fire, this short guide gets you going with a smoke-free, enjoyable fire.

I’m having chimney drafting problems. Why is this?

You know you have chimney drafting problems if you see smoke coming back into your home rather than going up and out of your chimney. There’s no one answer to solve this problem and there could be numerous reasons behind the issue. The first golden rule is to have a properly-installed wood burning stove or…

Can I convert my wood burning stove into a gas stove?

Unfortunately not! It isn’t possible to convert wood stoves into gas systems and it’s even dangerous to try. So, please don’t attempt this under any circumstances.

Your Old Fireplace Wasting Energy? Convert to Gas!

Tired of chopping wood & cleaning ashes? Wondering how to convert your old fireplace to gas? What about safety, installation, costs pros & cons? We try to answer all your questions.

How to Remove Creosote from Fireplace Glass

If you have stained glass doors from creosote deposits, allow the glass to cool down then wipe it on the inside to get rid of the loose debris. Ideally, use damp newspaper for this. If the deposits are tar-like and sticky, you should light a hot fire and burn dry, seasoned wood on it for…

How can I prevent soot on my wood stove glass

Tired of staring at a dirty wood stove glass? Want to know how to keep it clean without maintenance. Our expert tips keep your glass clean. Enjoy a crystal-clear view of your cozy wood stove fire.

How to make a fireplace safe for kids

Love your fireplace, but worried about your little one? Discover the best ways to protect babies and toddlers from fireplace dangers with this helpful guide.

How are radiant heat and convection heat different?

For convection heat, air blows over a heating element and absorbs the heat, which is then blown by convection into your room. This lifts the ambient temperature and creates warmth. Radiant heat works by heating objects and people in a room and is therefore less effective at raising ambient temperatures. However, in smaller spaces radiant…

Wood Stove Installation: What Regulations Apply?

Firstly, refer to your owner’s manual, which every wood burning fireplace, insert, or stove should come with. In the manual, you’ll find detailed instructions and installation regulations as well as diagrams or pictures to show the clearance requirements. When buying an older model, it may not have been tested or listed. Therefore, refer to the…

Catalytic vs. Non-Catalytic Stove: Which is Best?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set clean air standards, which mean that wood burning stoves must now contain a re-burn system. These are special components that reduce particle pollution and they come in two different types - catalytic and non-catalytic. Catalytic wood stoves have a tiny combustor. When you shut off the damper, smoke…

Are wood burning stoves clean and environmentally friendly?

Recently, the regulations against polluting wood burning stoves have tightened. The Environmental Protection Agency has set out regulations about how much pollution a wood burning appliance can emit. The reason behind this is that, as part of the combustion process, the smoke from a wood burning fire contains harmful gases and particles. Prior to the…

Wood Burning Appliance Costs: What to Expect

Buying the cheapest bargain you can find when looking for a wood burning appliance is a bit of a fallacy. Sometimes, the price you pay can reflect the performance and lifespan of your fire. In truth, there should be a balance between not paying too much or too little. The best advice is to be…

What is the Best Kind of Wood to Burn

Your choice of wood will have an effect on how your wood burning appliance performs and how long a lifespan it will have. Also, the type of wood you choose will have an effect on the maintenance and service requirements for your fireplace, stove, or insert. Finally, the wood can influence the heat your appliance…

How Much Space Can My Wood Stove Heat?

This really depends. The most influential factor is the size of your firebox in cubic feet. Larger fireboxes can burn more fuel, therefore heating a larger space more effectively. Other important factors are the kind of wood you burn and how well insulated your home is. This includes the quality of your doors and windows…

Gas Fireplace Maintenance: Essential Tips

You need to have a regular gas appliance check and carry out maintenance for safety reasons. This should be done on an annual basis. You can clean the glass door on your gas stove or fireplace every couple of months to prevent sticky deposits from accumulating. However, only do this with a special glass cleaner.…

Nine essential tools for wood fireplaces

A wood fireplace needs tools to facilitate its use and cleaning. Here are the nine tools you need to keep your device working.

Monthly Archives: February 2020