Gas Fireplaces

These terms are often mentioned, but rarely gone into with depth and clarity. A millivolt gas valve is a common apparatus that is used in many types of gas appliances. It operates by utilizing a valve containing an electromagnet, attached to a plunger that controls gas flow. Within the combustion chamber and usually directly above the burner is a pilot assembly, which consists of a small gas tube, a thermocouple or thermopile, and an ignitor in most cases. A thermocouple is a small metallic probe that contains a juncture of two dissimilar metals. When heated, the resistance between the metals creates a very small amount of voltage. A thermopile is simply a larger version of a thermocouple and contains multiple chains of these linked junctures. A millivolt style of fireplace will have a manual push knob that initiates the flow of gas to the pilot tube. Utilizing the push button ignitor or a manual lighter, the gas exiting the pilot tube will ignite and begin to heat the thermocouple or thermopile. The resulting voltage being generated will travel back to the gas valve via a copper lead, energizing the electromagnet in the valve. When fully charged, the manual push knob can be released, allowing the pilot to remain lit and the appliance to commence operation. Voltage generated by the pilot is all that is needed for the appliance to work, making this a great low maintenance fireplace, at the cost of a small amount of gas being consumed. An IPI (intermittent pilot ignition) appliance has similiarities to a millivolt appliance. It still uses a gas valve and pilot assembly, but the pilot is not always lit as with a millivolt appliance. Instead, the appliance only lights the pilot when the system is calling for operation. When switched on, an electric spark ignitor begins to fire at the pilot assembly until the flow of gas coming from the pilot tube lights. The flame from the pilot heats a flame rectifier, which is similar to a thermocouple. Instead of generating voltage like a thermocouple, a flame rectifier generates a signal that is sent back to a control module in the appliance. When the module detects the signal, the computer logic tells the ignitor to stop firing and the gas valve to open, commencing operation of the burner. When the system is switched off, both the burner and pilot extinguish, saving fuel by not allowing a pilot to burn while in standby. This type of system usually relies on 120 volt power as a primary supply, with batteries as a backup. In recent years, IPI systems have become very reliable and are on track to outsell millivolt systems in the near future.

While they share some basic operating principles, there are several differences between these two appliance types that govern where they may or may not be installed. Direct vent appliances utilize a sealed combustion chamber that ensures they do not consume any oxygen from the room. The chamber is sealed with a gasketed pane of tempered or ceramic glass, which is held in place by bolted or spring loaded clasps. The log set is contained behind the glass and can easily be viewed through it. The direct vent pipe facilitates both the emission of burnt gases to the atmosphere and the intake of combustion gases to fuel the fire. Typically, the inner pipe is responsible for exhaust duties, while the outer handles combustion air. The pipe can be vented vertically and even horizontally, over limited distances. Because of their sealed nature, restrictions on installation are few and far between, with the primary limitation being the need for the vent pipe run. Like direct vent appliances, vent free units use a gas valve and burner apparatus, coupled with a log set, fire stones, or fire glass. However, vent free units use no venting system or glass front. They are able to do this due to a strict limitation on BTU output and requirements imposed on the media they can use over the burner. Because they do not require vent pipe, they are extremely versatile in how they may be installed, however they also have state by state limitations. In states where they are allowed, they can be a fantastic supplemental heat source for limited durations. For additional information and considerations to look into before working with an installer, we recommend reviewing our purchasing missteps article. For the handy homeowners that have already made a selection, our fireplace installation article is a useful guide to get you to the finish line.

The gas unit needs to use the fuel type indicated on the rating plate, only, unless an approved conversion kit is installed.

A vent free firebox can not be converted to a vented one, but can be replaced by a vented unit. Installing a direct vent on an interior wall is not an problem.

We do indeed have fireplaces that do not need to be framed into the wall, but can sit with a mantel up against your wall and be vented from the rear.

No, the optional blower must be purchased separately.

We do not have access to Montigo Hearth systems as this manufacturer does not offer products to online retailers. You will need to visit a brick and mortar Montigo store to purchase this model.

I will email you shortly. Thank you.

You will need between 35K to 40K BTU's to heat your area.

We will be happy to send you a few options. Are you using natural gas or propane?

I will be happy to look into this for you. If you could, please provide the manufacturer and model of your unit.

Vermont Casting merged with Majestic fireplaces,and we do offer Majestic. I provided a link below of large direct vent fireplaces we offer from Majestic. http://www.efireplacestore.com/majestic-fireplaces.html

We do indeed offer gas hearth systems from this manufacturer. To view the fireplaces we offer from this company, please select "Majestic" and "direct vent" from the filters along the left-hand side of the product category in question.

If you were to get a unit with a blower you would get more heat off it. Newer units are very efficient.

The R36 is a wood burning unit, so we will need to know the manufacturer and the model number of your log set so that we can locate lighting instructions.

I assume you meant 3800 square feet, not cubic feet? There are too many variables to have a good rule of thumb. (i.e. heat loss in the home, area of the country you live in, etc.) The best way to calculate how many BTU's are needed to heat a home is to go off what your home's history is for heating. I would need to know, to more accurately help you is: 1) What are you using now (Furnace, Wood stove etc) 2) Fuel type (gas, electric, wood/coal) 3) You winter consumption (If it is gas or electric what is the increase in these months VS. months when you are not using heat or AC if electric) Then I can get a better idea the BTU range you will need.

Please reply with your size preference and fuel type (natural gas or propane) and I can make a recommendation. I see you are in Hawaii; we cannot offer free shipping to you but if you provide a shipping zip code I can include a freight quote in the recommendation. You may reply to this email or call me (Tyler) at 901-786-6861 to discuss if needed. I will look forward to your response.

Based on your needs, and with you wanting efficiency and a bit of heat, I would suggest a ventless log set. If you could, please let me know whether you would like the unit to be manual or remote controlled, and I'll be happy to send you a few options that would fit.

We will be happy to make a few suggestions. If you could, please provide the front width, rear width, depth, and height of your fireplace opening. I look forward to your response.

I will be happy to see if we can order them. If you could, please provide the manufacturer and model number of the unit.

While none of the gas fireplaces we offer will be specifically listed for this conversion kit at it was designed to be used with freestanding gas stoves, we do offer a number of freestanding Direct Vent Stoves that may be used with this conversion kit.

Yes, please reply to confirm if you want a direct vent gas fireplace or a vent-free gas fireplace and we can offer recommendations. I will look forward to your response.

The flame pattern of a fireplace or log set is dependent on the burner assembly installed. Depending on the type of appliance you have, the burner may or may not be able to be swapped. Do you happen to know any of the manufacturer information from your appliance? Please advise when you can.

We will be happy to pull a manual and see what the issue could be. What is the model number of your Heatilator unit?

If you could, please provide the rear width and clarify if you will be using natural gas or propane, and I will be happy to send you a few options.

Unfortunately, we do not carry any gas units that have multi-room heat distribution capabilities.

The Marco product line has been discontinued for quite some time, and there will be no direct replacement offered. Additionally, nothing will be compatible with the Marco venting currently in place, so we will only be able to offer complete replacement of the fireplace and venting. If you are needing to replace this model with a fireplace with the same or similar framing dimensions, please let us know and we will look into options.

For a direct vent application, there must be 1 inch of clearance around the pipe when routed vertically. For a horizontal application, there must be 3 inches of clearance from the upper half of the pipe and 1 inch of clearance from the lower half.

Unfortunately, we do not have any vent free log sets that have blowers.

Trim kits will not be available with wood burning hearth systems.

We offer a very detailed explanation here.

Assuming a fairly central location of the fireplace and a well insulated home, you should be looking for a fireplace with a BTU range of around 42,000 to heat the home properly.

Direct vent units will have a glass front and venting that facilitates both the exhaust of flue gases as well as the intake of combustion air, while vent free units operate at a level of efficiency that allows the combustion process to occur in the room. You will get more heat out of a vent free unit because no heat is lost in the venting, but you can only use a vent free unit for around 2-3 hours at a time, whereas a direct vent unit can be used as long as you'd like.

The most common size of fireplace opening is between 32 and 36 inches.

Unfortunately, we have been informed that there is no available conversion kit for your unit. We apologize for any inconvenience.

This will normally refer to the finished viewable width after installation.

For replacement parts, please fill out this form.

Vent free fireplaces are a good option in an installation where running a vent would be difficult or impossible. However, they are limited in their uses. Vent free units should only be run for 4 hours or less continuously. They are also limited in their ability to replicate the look of a real wood fire, due to their 40,000 BTU maximum output. If it would be possible for you to accommodate a 7 inch diameter vent, you could utilize a direct vent gas fireplace. These do not affect air quality in the home and the vent can be routed vertically or horizontally.

Unfortunately, no. The design of a direct vent gas fireplace necessitates the glass barrier to prevent room air mixing with outside combustion air. This is the primary drawback to a direct vent system.