Question 1

Do gas inserts provide heat?

Accepted Answer

Gas inserts produce both radiant heat from the ceramic glass, and convection heat from their blowers. They are a great option to heat the home.

Question 2

Do gas fireplaces work if you lose electricity?

Accepted Answer

No electricity, no problem. Gas fireplaces and inserts are fueled by gas or propane. They do not rely on electricity to function. The pilot can be lit with a battery backup. Your blowers (if you have one) will not function without electricity. They are still ideal in a power outage.

Question 3

Do electric fireplaces provide heat?

Accepted Answer

Yes, most electric fireplaces come with a built-in heater designed to provide some warmth. They can be effective to warm up a smaller room making them more than just decorative items. However the effectiveness of heating will vary based on the specific model and room size.

Question 4

Do outdoor heaters work in the winter?

Accepted Answer

As temperatures drop, outdoor heaters keeps your exterior spaces cozy depending on the total BTU's and space. Unless you live in a state where winters can be brutal, the best outdoor heaters and fire pits, combined, will keep outdoor spaces accessible far longer then they would be without.

Question 5

Are gas fireplaces worth the money?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Gas fireplace benefits are incredibly attractive and convenient, especially for a busy family. You will get instant heat, pinpoint control, terrific safety and other things which a wood burning fireplace simply cannot deliver. Plus you are increasing the value of your home.

Question 6

Do vented gas logs provide heat?

Accepted Answer

Vented gas logs must be vented through a functional chimney in order to move all burning by-products outside the home. Vented gas logs produce the most realistic flames but put off less heat than their vent-free counterparts due mostly to the fact the chimney flue must be open when the fireplace is in use.

Question 7

Do you recommend vent-free logs and fireplaces?

Accepted Answer

Ventless fireplaces undergo rigorous testing to ensure they meet federal safety and health standards. They do, however, release a certain small percentage of carbon monoxide, which is concerning to some consumers, and not recommended to those with breathing conditions. Some may also be sensitive to allergies. They are prohibited in small rooms and bedrooms. May be harmful to birds and reptiles. They may also create up to a gallon of moisture per hour. The main positive to vent-free logs is that they are 99% efficient.

Question 8

How often should I service my gas fireplace/insert?

Accepted Answer

Gas fireplaces are easy and convenient. So much so, that it's easy to forget that even a gas fireplace needs upkeep every once in a while. To keep your gas fireplace operating safely and in top-top condition, it's recommended by most manufacturers to perform annual maintenance.

Question 9

What is a direct-vent gas fireplace?

Accepted Answer

A direct vent gas fireplace is a modern heating appliance that uses a sealed combustion system to draw air from outside and expel combustion gases outside. This type of fireplace is considered to be the most desirable gas fireplace technology because it can provide warmth and comfort without compromising indoor air quality or introducing safety risks.

Question 10

How important is cleaning my pellet stove?

Accepted Answer

Pellet stoves should be cleaned on a weekly basis, which should include removing ash and scraping the burn pot. You'll also want to perform a more extensive pellet stove deep clean once per year, when the burning season is done, which includes a thorough cleaning of the firebox, fans, and venting. Most of what goes wrong with pellet stoves is improper cleaning.

Question 11

Do pellet stoves require electricity?

Accepted Answer

Yes, pellet stoves require electricity to operate. They use electricity to power fans, controls, pellet feeders, and to light the flame. Some pellet stoves offer a battery backup option, or a backup or portable generator can power the stove while power is out. Always check with your user manual.

Question 12

How do you tell a good quality pellet?

Accepted Answer

The best pellets have a moisture content of 6.5% and below. Low Ash Content - This describes how much ash is left over in proportion to how much wood was burned. Minimal ash production ensures efficient stove operations; choose pellets with labels that contain "low ash content" of 0.6% or less. Most pellets produced as fuel are either 6 or 8 mm in diameter and about 3-4 times the diameter in length.

Question 13

Should I use hardwood or softwood pellets in my stove?

Accepted Answer

Whilst the raw wood may be less dense and have some undesirable burning properties, once processed into pellet form, the highest quality softwood pellets have a higher calorific value than hardwood pellets and therefore burn hotter and longer. Premium softwood pellets are also designed for efficient combustion. Big quality difference though from a Georgia Pine to a Canadian Douglas Fir.

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