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Fireplace Sizing - How to Measure your Fireplace for A Gas Log
It's important to buy
the right size log set - improper sizing can interfere with proper drafting of
your fireplace. If the logs are too large, the unit will not burn as
efficiently and the size may hamper the proper operation of the control system.
Too small a log set will diminish the beauty of your hearth setting. Look below
to see the parts of the fireplace you'll need to measure before purchasing your
log set - this area of your fireplace is called the "firebox".
Where to Measure Your Fireplace
Sizing and
Specifications
By measuring the front
width, back wall, depth and height of your firebox, you can determine what size
log set you will need. The chart below can be used as a guide to select correct
log set size. Log set sizing charts vary somewhat by manufacturer so you should
check with your hearth dealer for the chart that matches the manufacturer
you've selected.
Sizing Notes:
If you install a safety
pilot kit, add 3" to the width of the firebox opening and front dimension of
the log set. If you install a remote
system, add 6" to the width of the firebox opening and front dimension of the
log set.
| Size |
Front
Width of Fire Box Opening* |
Sample
Gas Log Set
Dimensions
(Front/Back/Depth)
|
Log Set Average BTUs |
|
12" Set
|
16" TO 22"
|
12"
|
12"
|
11"
|
25,000
|
25,000
|
|
16" Set
|
20" TO 30"
|
16"
|
12"
|
11"
|
50,000
|
30,000
|
|
18" Set
|
24" TO 30"
|
18"
|
15"
|
12"
|
75,000
|
40,000
|
|
20" Set
|
26" TO 32"
|
20"
|
15"
|
12"
|
75,000
|
40,000
|
|
24" Set
|
31" TO 38"
|
24"
|
20"
|
12"
|
90,000
|
50,000
|
|
30" Set
|
39" TO 45"
|
30"
|
24"
|
12"
|
90,000
|
65,000
|
|
36" Set
|
46" TO 51"
|
36"
|
30"
|
13"
|
120,000
|
90,000
|
|
42" Set
|
52" TO 58"
|
42"
|
36"
|
20"
|
150,000
|
105,000
|
|
48" Set
|
59" TO 65"
|
48"
|
42"
|
20"
|
150,000
|
105,000
|
|
54" Set
|
66" TO 71"
|
54"
|
48"
|
20"
|
150,000
|
105,000
|
|
60" Set
|
72" or more
|
60"
|
54"
|
20"
|
150,000
|
105,000
|
*Front widths are
provided as a general guide for selecting proper log size.
Gas Log Sizing and
Specifications
The Main Benefits of Gas Logs
- Can operate without electricity
- Functional room decor
- Leaves no smoky odor
- No cleaning ashes
- Added source of space heating
- Environmentally friendly
Main Components of a Gas Log System
- Gas Logs (the number of logs included in a log
set will vary by style and manufacturer)
- Fireplace grate (stand on which the logs are
installed, sized according to the log set size)
- Gas Burner System (burner type depends on fuel
type and log style)
- Fuel Injector (Natural Gas Only)
- Sand (Natural Gas Only)
- Vermiculite (Propane Gas)
- Damper Clamp (Vented Logs)
- Stabilizer Clips
- Safety Pilot (Mandatory for Vent Free and
Propane Gas, optional for Natural Gas)
Gas Requirements
Is a gas line currently installed?
If no, then a gas line or propane will need to be installed upon
installation on the logs. A licensed gas installer should install your gas
line.
If yes, please verify the following information: Is the natural gas line
currently in place for a log lighter? If so, a larger gas line will most likely
need to be installed. Again, any licensed gas installer can supply this
service.
Vented or Vent Free Style Logs
Gas Logs are sold in vented and vent free or unvented
styles. Vented logs require an open damper in the fireplace to allow the heat
to flow upwards and out of the chimney. Vented logs mirror the action of a
wood-burning fireplace with the damper open.
While the vented logs do produce heat, vent free logs function more like a
space heater because they do not require an open damper and the heat is
confined to the room. However, vented logs are more aesthetically pleasing and
not only supply some heat, but double as room decor.
Vent Free logs require an Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS), a device that senses
the amount of oxygen in the room and automatically shuts off the log set when
oxygen level drops below 18%. The pilot on a vent free set that has been
automatically shut off by the ODS can only be re-lit when fresh air is
available. This may require opening a window or a door to another room or
cracking the damper open slightly.
Gas Log Efficiency Ratings
On average, vented gas logs are 47% efficient (2 times more efficient than
wood-burning fireplaces).
On average, vent free gas logs are 99% efficient (4 times more efficient than
wood-burning fireplaces).
Fireplace Requirements for Vented Gas Logs
Vented Gas Logs are to be installed only in a fully, vented, noncombustible
fireplace with an open damper. The chimney must be free of any obstructions.
The fireplace must be designed and approved to burn wood. Like burning natural
firewood, your gas log set is designed to burn with yellow, smoky flames. For
this reason, it must be adequately vented. The fireplace flue must be at least
8" at its smallest dimension.
Your fireplace must have a gas supply line that has been installed by a
qualified technician in accordance with all local codes. The gas supply line
must be 1/2" minimum interior diameter. If the gas line to your fireplace
is longer than 20', a larger diameter line may be necessary.
Before installation, be sure to clean your fireplace floor of any ashes or
other foreign materials. It is recommended that a chimney sweep or other
qualified person inspect the fireplace and chimney before having your log set
installed.
Fireplace Requirements for Vent Free or Unvented
Gas Logs
Before having vent free gas logs installed in a solid fuel burning fireplace,
the chimney, damper and firebox must be thoroughly CLEANED of soot, creosote,
ashes, loose paint and inspected by a qualified chimney cleaner. Some older
fireplaces may need repair prior to installing this appliance.
Any outside air ducts and/or ash dumps located on the floor or wall of the
fireplace must be permanently sealed shut during installation with a heat
resistant sealant. Do not seal the chimney flue damper.
Gas Log Valves
The Standard ON/OFF Valve - This valve is controlled manually and the
logs will need to be lit each time they are burned.
The Safety Pilot Kit - This valve may be installed with the logs to
allow the pilot to burn constantly, which does not require the logs to be lit
each time they are burned. It is possible that additional installation costs
may be charged for installation of a safety pilot.
Gas Log Accessories
Remote Controls - Allow for the automatic turn on/off of the log set
from anywhere in the room. Styles vary from allowing the customer to turn the
flame up/down, installation of a wall switch or simply turning the set on/off.
Other Available Accessories include branches, sand, embers, lava granules, pine
cones, bonus logs and wood chips to help customize the look of your fireplace.
Certifications
RADCO certification is the standard for vented logs. The installation, including
provisions for combustion and ventilation air, must conform with local codes,
or in the absense of local codes, to the latest
edition of the Natural Gas Fuel Code (ANSI Z223-1 and NFPAA54). Vent Free or
vented logs should be C.S.A. certified to the unvented
room heater standards (ANSI Z21.11.2) and as a vented decorative appliance
(ANSI Z21.60).
Propane Gas Logs
Gas log sets are designed for use for either Natural Gas or Propane fuels. Sets
designed for use with Propane Gas must be installed with a safety pilot system.
In most gas log sets, the safety pilot is included. Never use Propane Gas in a
log set designed for use with Natural Gas or Natural Gas in a log set designed
for use with Propane Gas.
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