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Where to install a gas fireplace?

Gas fireplaces are extremely versatile and can be installed nearly anywhere in the house. Living rooms and family rooms are the most common, but consider a gas fireplace in the dining room, bedroom, office, kitchen or an outdoor model on the deck or patio. The physical sizes and shapes of fireplaces vary tremendously, so use your…

What’s better: gas, wood or electric?

One fuel is not better or worse than the other. Our suggestion is to first decide which fuel fits your lifestyle best and which fuel you would prefer to use. If you have a nearby source for wood and have the equipment and time to cut, split, haul, stack and dry wood, lots of money can be…

Can I cook on a gas fireplace?

The short answer to this is: No! Cooking is not an option on a direct vented gas fireplace. The sealed combustion process means the glass must be in place for the equipment to operate safely. Always operate a gas fireplace with the gasketed glass in its correct position.

When to replace a gas fireplace?

A gas fireplace does not need to be replaced on a regular basis. But this question often comes up when equipment starts aging out at 20 years or more. Perhaps a customer sees how impressive the newer styles and technology is and simply wants to update. Replacing an old gas fireplace with an upgraded model…

How much does a gas fireplace cost?

Like most things, there is a wide range of prices for a zero clearance, gas fireplace. Small basic models will start around $3000.00. While larger, fancier models can approach $7000.00. Additionally, the installation and finishing costs will need to be added. You can figure on spending anywhere from a few hundred to several thousands of…

Where to buy a gas fireplace?

At your WE LOVE FIRE® dealership, of course! And consider these important points regarding why the purchase should be from them: When you buy something, especially bigger ticket items, do you buy only on price? It’s very unlikely that you do. With enough time and if you keep looking long enough, you can always find the same product, less…

What gas fireplace to buy?

Your WE LOVE FIRE® expert feels very strong about the Ambiance® line of gas fireplaces. Ambiance has committed to considerable research and development into their gas fireplace designs. Before starting a fireplace project, nearly 300 fireplace experts and retailers throughout the USA and Canada are asked to contribute their thoughts and ideas. These fireplace pros enthusiastically contribute their comments…

What gas fireplace is the best?

The fact of the matter is: there really isn’t a “best”! Yes, there are some significant differences between one manufacturer and another. But there are lots of solid fireplace companies out there that make some very impressive equipment. Many say that they have the best flame pattern or log design or the coolest options. But…

Are gas fireplaces worth it?

Both the National Association of Realtors and the National Association of Real Estate Appraisers say that the addition of a quality gas fireplace in a home can increase the price of the home by several thousands of dollars. This number will vary regionally of course, but these opinions are really nothing new. Findings indicate that a…

Can I buy directly from the manufacturer?

No, not directly. The WE LOVE FIRE dealer network is part of the United Buyers Group organization. Over 300 independents, locally-owned retailers specializing in fireplaces and stoves have joined together to increase their buying clout with premier manufacturers in the industry. By doing this, dealers can eliminate distributors and work directly with those companies that…

Why won’t you install the equipment I buy at the big box stores?

This question comes up periodically and provides a higher level of service to customers who see the value in buying from a specialty hearth products shop. All WE LOVE FIRE dealers provide reliable, professional information before, during, and after a sale. The equipment you'll see in these showrooms will not be the same equipment the…

How to break in a new gas fireplace or stove?

A new gas fireplace or stove will emit smoke and fumes during the first couple of start-up fires. This is normal and is called “off-gassing.” As paint cures and oils from the manufacturing process burning off, strong odors and smoke may occur. Basically, you need to turn the appliance on high and let it thoroughly…

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.

Why is there a smoky smell coming from my new gas fireplace or stove?

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…

What’s the difference between radiant and convective heat from my fireplace?

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…

What if the power is out to my house, will the fireplace still work?

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…

Is there a burn-in procedure for a new fireplace, stove or insert?

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…

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.

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

You can indeed! Use gas logs, inserts or fit a gas stove to change your wood burning fireplace into a gas fireplace. Bear in mind that you’ll need a gas or propane supply and adequate venting to do this. One of our professional fitters will need to carry out checks to help your work out…

How should I maintain my new gas burning stove or gas fireplace?

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.…

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