Frequently Asked Questions

Vented Gas Log Fireplace:

Vented gas logs offer the classic ambiance of a wood-burning fireplace, using ceramic or concrete logs to mimic the look and feel of a traditional fire. Designed for existing fireplaces with functional chimneys, these logs require the chimney damper to be fully open during operation, allowing for realistic flames and a familiar aesthetic.

Key Features & Considerations:

• Traditional Look: Provides the appearance of a real wood fire.
• Chimney Required: Vents exhaust through an existing chimney.
• Damper Clamp: Requires a damper clamp to prevent complete closure, which can cause drafts.
• Open Firebox: Operates with an open firebox, similar to a wood-burning fireplace.
• Safety Features: Includes a mesh screen or curtain, and often accommodates traditional folding fireplace doors.
• Ignition Options: Available with various ignition systems, including standing pilot, remote control, variable flame height, and electronic ignition.
• Energy Efficiency: Less energy-efficient due to heat loss through the chimney.
• No Glass Enclosure: Does not require a glass enclosure for operation."

Ventless Gas Fireplaces:

Ventless gas fireplaces may be like a vented gas log set or like a direct vent insert in style.  This type of gas fireplace offers an efficient heating solution, capable of being installed in various locations without the need for a chimney or external venting.  These fireplaces utilize an oxygen depletion sensor (ODS) to ensure optimal and safe operation.   Annual professional service is crucial for a ventless gas fireplace.  Some units may require more frequent service.

Key Features & Considerations:

• Versatile Installation: No chimney or venting required, allowing for flexible placement.
• High Efficiency: Maximizes heat output, as no heat is lost through venting.
• Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS): Built-in safety feature that shuts off the gas if oxygen levels drop.
• Clean Burning: Designed to burn gas very efficiently, minimizing emissions.  Professional service is imperative!
• Various Styles: Available in a range of designs, from traditional to contemporary to outdoor.
• Ignition Options: Often include electronic ignition or remote-control functionality.
• Indoor Air Quality: While modern models are improved, monitor air quality, install a carbon monoxide detector, check with your health care practitioner if any household members have respiratory issues, and ensure proper room size for the BTU output.

Single Glass Direct Vent

3-sided glass direct vent

Linear Direct Vent

Direct Vent Gas Fireplaces (including Linear/Contemporary):

Direct vent gas fireplaces offer a safe and highly efficient heating solution, utilizing a sealed combustion system that vents exhaust directly outside through a horizontal or vertical pipe. A direct vent gas fireplace built-in is a popular choice when renovating or adding an addition to the home.  The location of the new gas fireplace direct vent unit can be selected as the fireplace unit is framed and venting is normally installed horizontally behind the unit or vertically above (based on manufacturer’s installation instructions).   When converting a wood-burning fireplace to a gas fireplace, a direct vent insert slides into the existing masonry firebox and the venting is routed through the existing chimney.

Key Features & Considerations:

• Sealed Combustion: Ensures safe operation by drawing combustion air from outside and venting exhaust directly outdoors.
• High Efficiency: Maximizes heat output due to the sealed system.
• Versatile Venting: Allows for flexible installation with horizontal or vertical venting options.
• Glass Enclosure: Features a glass front (or multiple glass sides) for viewing the flames, which remains in place during operation.
• Glass Maintenance: Glass can be removed for cleaning and servicing, following manufacturer's instructions.  Avoid ammonia-based cleaners on the glass.
• Specialized Tools: Some models require specific tools for glass removal.
• Conversion Option: can be vented through existing chimneys.

Freestanding Gas Stoves:

Freestanding gas stoves offer the charm and warmth of a traditional wood stove with the convenience of gas. These self-contained units provide radiant heat and are vented through a pipe, typically through a wall or ceiling.

Key Features & Considerations:

• Wood Stove Aesthetic: Replicates the classic look of a wood-burning stove.
• Radiant Heat: Provides comfortable, even warmth.
• Vented Operation: Requires venting through a pipe, ensuring safe exhaust removal.
• Zone Heating: Can effectively heat larger areas.
• Floor Space: Occupies floor space, which should be considered during placement.
• Installation: Requires professional installation and proper venting.

Outdoor Gas Fire Features (Outdoor Fireplaces or Fire-Pits):

Outdoor gas fire features, such as fireplaces or fire pits, enhance outdoor living spaces with warmth and ambiance. These features create a focal point for social gatherings and extend the enjoyment of outdoor areas.

Key Features & Considerations:

• Versatile Designs: Available in various styles, including traditional fireplaces and modern fire pits with customizable media like rocks, fire glass, or driftwood logs.
• Enhanced Outdoor Living: Creates a warm and inviting atmosphere for social gatherings.
• Natural Gas Convenience: Installing a gas line allows for robust flames and consistent heat, eliminating the need for portable propane tanks.
• Customization: Burners come in various shapes and sizes, enabling personalized designs.
• Professional Installation: Requires a qualified and licensed master gas fitter for safe and proper installation.
• Manufacturer Guidelines: Strict adherence to manufacturer's instructions is crucial for venting, airflow, sizing, materials, and clearances.
• Weather Protection: A fire pit cover is essential for protecting the unit from weather and environmental elements.

Our gas fireplace service includes inspection, cleaning, and servicing of your gas fireplace.

Exact services performed may vary depending on the fireplace type, make and model, manufacturer's instruction, installation, prior service and repair, or other factors.

Inspection: Visual inspection of firebox, burner, gas fuel components, electronic modules, wiring, visual vent termination, glass panel and seal.  A leak check is performed at all gas connections at the gas fireplace. Carbon monoxide levels assessed and recorded.  Verify fireplace configuration and set-up.

Cleaning: Firebox, control compartment, glass panels or doors, logs are cleaned.  If applicable to the fireplace type, fireplace media (sand, lava rocks, or embers) may be redistributed, topped off or replenished.

Servicing/tune-up/adjustment: Gas valve, pilot assembly, air shutter, blowers/fans, remote control, control modules, electronic components are cleaned, serviced, and adjusted as necessary.  Run test is performed to ensure the fireplace operates as designed.

Additional charge applies for supplementary services such as replacement parts, extensive repairs, and other work beyond the normal scope of this service.  Your technician will discuss with you at the time of your appointment if additional services are required.

Our gas fireplace service price starts at $350.00 per fireplace. This service is the manufacturer's recommended maintenance service to be performed annually.  

Your service price provided at the time is an estimate.  Additional charges may apply for units with multiple glass sides, specialty units, outdoor firepits, services required that are beyond the normal manufacturer recommended service, or fireplaces that have not been maintained or serviced regularly.  

We sometimes offer discounts in Spring and Summer.

Many gas fireplaces can average 10-20 years, provided the unit was installed properly as well as serviced annually as per manufacturer’s instructions.  While this seems to be a large range for the “average”, many factors contribute to the number of useful years of the unit.  The following is a partial list of factors that may affect gas fireplace longevity: improper installation, quality of the unit, type of gas fireplace and its components, usage, fuel type, service history, environmental conditions, unresolved operation issue, an unqualified service provider, reengineering the system or unit, using non-OEM parts or incorrect parts.

We are gas fireplace experts.  Majority of our services result in new life and better operation for a gas fireplace.  Sometimes though, a gas fireplace may need additional work or service calls after the initial service appointment. 

We have found most customers contact us when there is an issue, other service providers were not able to fix the issue, or the DIY did not go as planned.   We are unable to provide definitive assurance that all will be fine when we have never seen or serviced your 15 year old gas fireplace.

We do not provide a guarantee or warranty on the gas fireplace service or repair. Additional services, diagnostics, repairs, or complete replacement of the fireplace may be necessary.  New installations include a manufacturer's warranty or other warranty programs.