One of the best ways to find the product that works best for you is to ask questions about it. And when it comes to gas fireplaces, there can be many questions to ask. Here are answers to some of the questions you might be asking:

What is the difference between a gas fireplace insert and a gas fireplace with no clearance?

Many people confuse the two units or think they are one. But in reality they are two completely different types of units. The term zero clearance comes from its ability to settle zero inches from surrounding combustible materials. Gas inserts can be thought of as an appliance that is installed inside an existing masonry or firewood unit. They are typically installed as a way to upgrade or transform a wood burning fireplace into a gas unit.

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

Yes. Gas inserts are designed to help homeowners convert their existing wood or masonry fireplace to an efficient gas fireplace. Manufacturers provide gas inserts in a variety of sizes to ensure that homeowners can easily find a gas unit that will fit within their existing fireplace.

How long does it take for a gas fireplace to heat a room?

The answer to these questions depends on the unit you have installed and the heat output of the unit. For maximum heating efficiency, you should match the heat output, measured in BTU (British Thermal Unit), with the specific characteristics and characteristics of your home. This includes the size of the area you are heating, how well your home is insulated, and the climate in which you live.

What does BTU mean?

BTU stands for British Thermal Unit. A BTU is a unit of measure for thermal energy or heat. For example, one BTU is equal to the amount of energy used to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit at sea level.

Can gas fireplaces be installed in multiple rooms in my home?

Yes. Gas fireplaces can be installed almost anywhere, depending on the gas unit you buy. These units can be installed in bedrooms, bathrooms, living rooms, kitchens, etc.

Can gas fireplaces be freestanding or should they be placed inside a wall?

The place where the gas fireplace is installed depends on the ventilation it requires. Ventless gas fireplaces can be freestanding because they do not require the use of a chimney or vent to the outside. Direct ventilation units require a wall to ventilate, but a double or triple glass screen can provide a unique look within the interior walls of the house or room. Natural gas or Class B ventilation units will require the use of an existing chimney and therefore must be placed within a specific wall.

How hot does the glass get when the unit is turned on?

The glass face of your unit will reach very high temperatures while it is on and will remain hot after the unit is turned off until the glass has a chance to cool down. Due to the high heat levels of glass, be sure to keep small children and animals away from the glass surface. A safety screen can be used as a barrier to help reduce the risk of burns.

Does it cost less to run a gas fireplace or oven?

It is quite difficult to give a definitive answer to this question. There are a few things to consider when making a comparison. To determine which heating unit is cheapest to operate, you would need to know the BTU consumption rating of the system and the efficiency ratings of each system. Another thing to consider is the heat loss ratio, which is very difficult to measure.

Some argue that furnaces are more expensive to operate because a large part of the heat is lost in the ducts. The technology used in modern gas fireplaces and the efficiency of these modern gas units will likely keep the cost of running an efficient and well-maintained gas fireplace lower than the costs associated with running a furnace. But again, with all the factors to consider, it is almost impossible to determine which heating unit will cost the least to run.

Is it okay to turn off the pilot light during the seasons when it is not in use?

The pilot light can be turned off and the manufacturer’s instructions can be followed to relight the pilot. However, before making the decision to turn it off, there are some pros and cons to consider.

Pros:

• You will save energy, which means you will save money.
• Turning off the pilot light when the gas fireplace is not in use for an extended period of time can reduce film build-up on the inner side of the glass face.
• When the pilot light is on, the glass is usually a little warm to the touch. No pilot light means cooler glass during warmer seasons.

Cons:

• There are safety risks associated with relighting a pilot light. If you are unfamiliar with the pilot light and your gas fireplace setup, you may run into some dangers to yourself, your home, and your gas unit.
• If you choose to turn off the pilot light for an extended period of time, you may find it difficult to light the pilot later.
• It increases the chance that spiders and other insects will build houses on pipes and block the flow of gas when you go to heat your house. If this happens, you will have to spend money to have your gas fireplace inspected by a professional.