
By Mike from PA on January 27, 2013
I currently have a B vent wood burning insert that leaks a lot of cold air . I want to replace it with a vented gas insert but what keeps cold air from infiltrating the unit from the vent when not in use? I'm going to use it very sparingly, should I just buy a non vented one because I'm more concerned about air infiltration.
By Collin C. - NFI Master Hearth Professional on January 28, 2013
Answer:
If the current unit is replaced with a direct vent fireplace, the combustion chamber would be sealed and would eliminate any cold air intrusion from the fireplace. Vent free is indeed another option that could also be considered. Do you plan on removing the current unit complete and replacing it or are you looking for a true insert that could be installed into the existing fireplace?By Michelle from Queens, NY on March 1, 2013
Can I have a vented fireplace not on an outside wall, but vented to the outside side of my house , which has vinyl siding? Where I live, can I have a vent free fireplace? Which type gives off more heat?
By Collin C. - NFI Master Hearth Professional on March 1, 2013
Answer:
A direct vent fireplace can be installed on an inside wall and horizontally vented, however you will need to ensure that you have space in the adjacent area for a venting system to be enclosed in a chase wall.
In regards to the vent free fireplaces, contact your municipal code office to verify that they can be used, as state and local guidelines can differ.By Carolyn from OH on April 2, 2013
I'm looking for a narrow direct rear vent fireplace, which doesn't need to be recessed into the wall. What model do you suggest for an 18' x 18' bedroom?
By Tyler M. - NFI Certified Specialist on April 3, 2013
By Bernadette on November 9, 2012
Is it possible to convert the old fireplace in my 1889 house to gas and keep the old look and style?
on November 9, 2012
Answer:
This will depend entirely on the size and condition of the existing fireplace and its associated chimney. There are many specialty log systems and gas coal baskets that are intended for smaller fireplaces that previously burned wood or coal.
What is the opening size of your fireplace and is the chimney in good working condition? Please advise.By Michael on November 9, 2012
I'm looking for a direct vent gas fireplace, something low height and wide that can be down-vented (power vented). Have you any?
on November 9, 2012
By Clyde on November 9, 2012
We have a wood burning fireplace in our home. We are planning to remodel the family room. One of the things wrong with the room is that the fireplace is not in the center of the wall and it is not eye-appealing. The face of this fire place measures: 40" w x 38.5" h. The inside measures: 29" w x 19" h. I would like to put in a smaller natural gas insert into this space. The chimney is fireplace sis vent pipe. Is this feasible to put a smaller fireplace into this opening?
on November 9, 2012
Answer:
You would indeed be able to install a natural gas insert into your existing fireplace, given that it is rated for use with an insert. Of course, installing an insert into this unit would not correct the off-center concern that you are experiencing with your current fireplace. Are you interested in a direct vent insert or a vent-free model? Please follow the below link to view a direct vent model that would work in your application.
Direct Vent Fireplace
Of course, if you opt for direct vent, new venting would need to be installed along with the insert. Please let us know if you have any additional questions.
By Dan from Reading, PA on March 4, 2013
I am looking to replace an old vent free corner mounted LP operated fireplace. The opening on the existing surround (cementaceous board with a brick face) is 34 inches wide by 28 inches high. The mantel should have adequate space for a 32 inch model. I could not find remote operated information on most of the product descriptions, but would like to have that option. The primary purpose of this fireplace is occasional usage and power outage backup heating capability. Could you please direct me to fireplaces that fit this description ?
By Kevin E. - Fireplace Specialist on March 5, 2013
Answer:
We do indeed have a unit that should work well for you. Our
Monessen DIS33 fits both your dimensional criteria and your desire for a remote.
By Antoinette on November 9, 2012
What is the difference between natural vent and direct vent? We want to vent it out through a PVC pipe instead of a chimney. I am interested in using a gas fireplace to heat a 1900 sq ft. basement. I would like it to be efficient and pretty. We have natural gas. We want to also have a thermostat and fan. Can you also explain the benefits and concerns of pilots vs. electric start or some other starter? Wall controls are also helpful. Can you let me know what else I would need?
on November 9, 2012
Answer:
We get this question often, and you can see it explained in complete detail in our Gas Fireplace/Stove Buying Guide:
Gas Fireplace/Stove Buying Guide.
Unfortunately, with both types, PVC pipe cannot be used. Natural vent units require Type B gas vent pipe, whereas direct vent units require coaxial pipe (pipe-within-a-pipe).
The application you have calls for a large, upscale unit to provide this kind of heating. Given that you need heat, you will need to go with a direct vent unit, as natural vent/B-vent fireplaces are very inefficient. Please see a few recommendations below:
Direct Vent Unit.
Direct Vent Unit.
Direct Vent Unit.
The first and third units on that list will provide the most heat. All three units have electronic ignitions with a battery back-up. The advantage of this is there will be no standing pilot, and therefore no unused gas expenditure. The only items required for installation that are not included will be the venting pipe, which are all available on each item page in the "Venting Components" tab.
By Mary on November 9, 2012
Do you carry FMI Craftsman Renaissance 42” fireplaces?
on November 9, 2012
By Joseph on November 9, 2012
How does one clean the brass or gold plating on the front of the fireplace? I am afraid to use anything too harsh.
on November 9, 2012
Answer:
A standard brass cleaner should work perfectly well for this application.By Chris on November 9, 2012
We have a propane vent-free fireplace by Kingsman. The fireplace was already in the house when we bought it new, so we were the first to use it. From day one it has made a hissing sound when the burner and flames are on. We had someone come out to look at it and he said that is “normal!" It was not the pilot light, nor the burner, not the flex hose or the air coming into the house from the gas line. I have seen other people’s fireplaces and have NEVER heard a hissing. Could you possibly tell me what it might be? Could the brand we have be “cheap”, not well made? We are also considering purchasing a new insert, but have no idea which manufacturer is best. Any guidance would help - websites or someplace we could go for further research would be helpful.
on November 9, 2012
Answer:
I apologize for the issues you are having with your fireplace. Kingsman usually makes good quality products and I have heard little negative feedback about them. Hissing is usually caused by high gas pressure or a kink in the supply line, but it sounds like you have already had the unit thoroughly checked over.
The Monessen and Napoleon lines that we carry are both good quality lines that offer a considerable bang for the buck. Being vent free, I am assuming that this unit would be intended primarily for heat.By Gerry from Calgary, Alberta on April 5, 2013
I have an LHD50 Napoleon FP, I would like to purchase a fan assemble to direct warm air in the cavity in and around the FP. I have lots of void space behind and on the sides and would like to pull air from the room and push it thought this space to warm up and discharge back into the room. Could you recommend a kit to use? The LHD has plug in for a fan on the control module, can I use this to control? If I can, will I be able to get a variable speed?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Ger
By Collin C. - NFI Master Hearth Professional on April 8, 2013
Answer:
Per the manufacturer, the LHD50 does not have provisions for a circulating blower to be used. The control module does indeed have an A/C adapter on the control module, but this is intended for use if the fireplace is equipped with a power vent, which aids in drafting issues.
It may indeed be possible to pull heated air from the cavity surrounding the fireplace by installing a custom plenum and fan, but this would need to be something fabricated by a contractor on site.By Kristina from Arkansas on December 26, 2012
Can you place a flat screen TV above a vent free fireplace?
By Tyler M. - Fireplace Specialist on December 27, 2012
Answer:
There is no clear answer on this; it depends on the fireplace model (BTU output) and how your television is installed (recessed, wall mount, etc.). The majority of heat from a vent-free fireplace comes out right at the top of the opening, going upward. As such, vent-free fireplaces are equipped with hoods to help deflect this heat.
Further, some units have the option to add a blower, which will help push some of that heat out into the room. Fireplace manufacturers do not test or list their models for use underneath any television, due to the sheer volume of flat screen/plasma/LED models on the market.
Our best recommendation is to put the television as far above the fireplace opening as possible and to recess it into the wall (if possible), and check for an extended hood option on the vent-free fireplace for additional help in deflecting the heat. By Tom Colatrella from Allamuchy, NJ on November 28, 2012
Can a Majestic SC36 with gas insert be used for wood burning by removing the gas unit?
By Tyler M. - Fireplace Specialist on November 28, 2012
Answer:
Yes, the SC36 is a wood-burning fireplace that is designed to burn wood. As such, if all gas components are removed, you can indeed burn wood in the unit, provided the Class A chimney system is in good shape.
By Barb dion from Milwaukee on October 22, 2012
I am looking at an old home with an artificial fireplace. I would love to make this gas-fueled because it's a perfect place for it. Would this be possible? Could I use the existing space?
By Kevin E. - Fireplace Specialist on October 23, 2012
Answer:
Is your intent to completely remove the existing fireplace? If so, then yes. It would be absolutely possible to frame in a new fireplace in place of the old unit and run the necessary vent pipe for this new appliance. If you're planning for a direct vent fireplace, venting could be as simple as terminating horizontally right through the exterior wall. By Connie from Texas on January 22, 2013
I would like to have a propane vent free fireplace insert with an electric start instead of a pilot light. Is there such a thing? Do you carry them?
By Tyler M. - Fireplace Specialist on January 23, 2013
Answer:
While finding a propane, vent-free unit with an electronic ignition is rare, we do offer this model:
Napoleon WHVF31 Plasmafire Wall-Mounted Vent-Free Gas Fireplace
This is a wall-mounted unit, and if you need an insert--a unit that slides inside an existing brick/masonry fireplace--we do not have anything with an electronic ignition, all of ours have a standing pilot light/millivolt ignition.
By Greg Perkins from Whitefish, MT on November 8, 2012
I am looking for a vented gas fireplace to install in a new cabin as a secondary heat source. I want a unit 36" - 38" wide and a maximum of 25 1/2" high. I also want the full-view louverless design. Can you recommend some models?
By Collin C. - NFI Master Hearth Professional on November 8, 2012
Answer:
Some of our more popular models of "clean face" direct vent units are the
Napoleon BGD36CFNTR as well as the
Monessen Belmont. Both of these models feature the clean face design and sizing you are described.
We also offer cost effective alternatives, such as the
Empire Tahoe. Please let me know if you have questions about any of these models.
By herb miller from Minneapolis on February 23, 2013
I have a Majestic MBUC36 zero clearance fireplace that has been used as a wood-burning fireplace. I'm interested in turning it into a gas fireplace. Can this unit be converted without replacing it?
By Collin C. - NFI Master Hearth Professional on February 25, 2013
Answer:
The MBU and MBUC fireplaces are indeed able to be used for gas burning applications. The units come manufactured with gas line knockouts made into the chassis of the fireplace, allowing you to route a 1/2 or 3/4 inch supply line into the unit for a log set.
However, I recommend having a plumber evaluate the potential for installing the supply line. Depending on how the fireplace was installed, it can be difficult to run the supply line after the unit was finished.By darrel from Monticello, MN on October 24, 2012
Do they make a wood-liquid propane-gas combination fireplace?
By Kevin E. - Fireplace Specialist on October 25, 2012
Answer:
A true dual-fuel fireplace is not available. The appliance would have to be dedicated to either wood or propane. However, there is an option to add a gas log light to many of our wood-burning fireplaces.
By James from Bay Shore, NY on March 26, 2013
Whats the difference between a "fireplace" and a "firebox"?
By Tyler M. - NFI Certified Specialist on March 26, 2013
Answer:
Generally, when an item is listed as a "firebox," it will not include a gas burner or a log set, whereas a "fireplace" will include the firebox, the burner and the log set. Every unit on our website should clarify what is included, but if you have any questions about a specific item, please let us know. By Jim Vaught from Edmond, OK on December 19, 2012
I have a masonry wood-burning fireplace that we use with a vented gas log (natural gas). I would like to have something that would get the heat back into the room. Any suggestions on products or where to look?
By Collin C. - NFI Master Hearth Professional on December 20, 2012
Answer:
The only product on the market that can be used with a masonry fireplace is a grate heater. An example is the
Stoll 20 in. W x 17 in. D Grate Heater for Vented Gas Logs. The heater would take the place of your current grate and would provide circulation of heat to the room.
The product uses a heat exchanger system to pull heat from the grate and force air through a tube at the front of the assembly. The unit can also be used in conjunction with many styles of glass door enclosures.
By Anna from San Marcos, CA on January 8, 2013
I have a fireplace with a "starter" gas line, but think I need to get some kind of kit so that I can have an actual gas fire with the stone logs. I had that at our old house. I would just turn the gas on to have a fire. Now, I think the gas I do have can only "start" up wood logs and cannot be used for a "fire"? I think this is what a "handyman" once told us.
By Collin C. - NFI Master Hearth Professional on January 8, 2013
Answer:
A log lighter is indeed designed to light up wood logs only and is not intended to serve as a gas log burner. Ideally, you would purchase a complete log set as an assembly. Examples can be seen
here. As you can tell, we have many styles to choose from, but feel free to ask any questions about a certain set or valve type.