What to Know Before Shopping for Gas Logs

Gas log sets are an attractive option to homeowners who want a cost-effective way to create the ambiance of a fireplace without all the hassle. Unlike their traditional gas counterparts, gas log sets are designed specifically for home use and come in many sizes and styles.

They’re also much more efficient than wood-burning fireplaces because they don’t require you to maintain them by periodically feeding logs into the firebox. Read this blog post for gas log buying tips.

Fuel Preference

How do you feel about the type of fuel used for gas logs? Do you prefer natural gas or liquid propane? If you don’t know, we’ll go through each to assist you in determining the best option.

Natural Gas

Natural gas is readily accessible these days since it is commonly used in towns. Here are some benefits and drawbacks to considering natural gas as a fuel for your gas logs.

Benefits

Natural gas is easy to find. Some appliances can use natural gas instead of electricity or other fuels, which costs less money for you.

Natural gas does not rely on the weather. If you have a storm and then find out you are lacking power, try natural gas logs. They don’t need electricity or batteries because they get energy from the natural gas line.

Drawbacks

If you rely on solar panels to power your home, gas logs for energy will not work. Ask an electrician to set up a natural gas line so that natural gas logs can work during the day.

This type of gas log is hard for some people to install. It needs special skills and the natural gas line must be handled carefully. If you hire someone, they should be a professional and have all the necessary qualifications.

Liquid Propane

Since the turn of the century, propane has been commonly used as heating fuel. In many rural parts of the United States, it is more prevalent than natural gas and is commonly used for cooking and heating.

Benefits

Liquid propane is a gas that is in liquid form. It does not have an odor, so it can be used inside the house. There are no special pipes needed to put into your house as gas for natural gas does because LP doesn’t need those pipes.

Drawbacks

Liquid propane is more expensive than natural gas. It takes a long time to heat up and is more dangerous than natural gas.

Identify Your Venting Options

When it comes to gas logs, you must choose whether or not to have vented or vent-free ones. There are many variables to consider, including aspect vs. output, and even fireplace position.

Each type of system has its pros and cons that should be considered before purchasing a particular style of the gas log set.

For instance, if your home is equipped with a conventional chimney liner then vented gas log sets work best for installation because they draw air from outside the house through the flue as well as directly from inside the room being heated where required by law. Ventless fireplaces require proper ventilation for them to remain safe during use but do eliminate ugly soot stains on walls and ceilings.

Vented gas logs

Vented gas logs are the more popular style of gas log sets. They come in several varieties, including direct-vent, power-vent, and zero-clearance models.

The vented system allows the user to experience an authentic flame that emits heat into the room just like a traditional wood fire.

Ventless gas logs have become very popular due to their cleanliness benefit but do not provide any warmth for interior spaces unless they are installed close enough to furniture or occupants where radiant heat is being effectively utilized.

Vented gas logs are typically more expensive than ventless options because they require the purchase of a prefabricated chimney liner to function properly.

Vent-free gas logs

A vent-free gas log set is a special type of vented fireplace that doesn’t require the use of an exterior chimney pipe because it draws air from inside your home to fuel its fire and exhausts combustion gases through a small opening in the rear or side of the unit while simultaneously releasing excess heat into this same area.

In addition, ventless systems do not pose any risk of back-drafting dangerous toxins into your living space which can occur when using standard vented logs if proper ventilation isn’t provided due to open windows or doors nearby where combustion byproducts may be drawn back inside rather than released to the outside.

Size of gas log set

The length of the gas pipes from the gas logs to the fireplace should match the dimensions of your fireplace, but they must also allow for more breathing room on all sides to avoid overheating of the gas valve. A gas log set that is too small will be ineffective at drawing up cold air and create a backdraft situation.

A gas log set that is too large can block access to controls or damage decorative elements in front of it. You also want to make sure you have enough clearance around an open firebox opening for maintenance purposes.

It’s always best to consult the gas log set manufacturer for specific requirements regarding gas logs.

Measure the fireplace

Measure these things: fireplace front width, fireplace rear width, fireplace depth, and height. These measurements will ensure that the logs you purchase fit into your home fireplace correctly. If they do not fit well or can’t be used at all in your fireplace then return them to where you purchased them from.

No fireplace? You can also use gas logs in a wood-burning fireplace. However, you still need to measure the fireplace and ensure that it fits well before purchasing your gas log set. Keep these measurements on hand for when you go shopping.

Starting and controlling your gas fire

Do you find yourself frustrated when you try to start or control your gas fire? It can be a tricky thing. There are three kinds of controls: Matchlight, manual safety pilot, and remote control.

Matchlight

You have to light the fire with a match or lighter. You turn on the gas with your key valve, which is usually found by the fireplace outside or on the floor. You can control how high it goes based on how much gas you put in.

You may also need an electric ignition system that helps start logs with a matchlight. This is because natural gas requires a more powerful ignition to light logs than propane does, and matchlight works best with natural gas.

Manual safety pilot

When the manual safety pilot is activated, it stays lit and must be manually switched off. A manual safety pilot requires no electricity to operate, so it’s perfect for homes where having any type of technology might not be an option.

If you are looking at gas logs though, there are some manual safety pilots designed specifically with this in mind, and they will turn on and off with the click of a button.

Remote control

The gas remote control is connected through the use of a wireless or infrared remote. You may easily and comfortably turn your gas log on and off, change the flame height, and alter the heat output settings to meet any need, from holidays like Christmas to birthdays or other events.

Furthermore, this gadget may be used to control some aspects of the gas log with many remote-controlled gas logs.

What are the components of a gas log fireplace?

These are the components that come usually with gas logs:

Burner

This is the part that you will be able to see when looking into a gas log fireplace. The burner uses gas and oxygen, then mixes them inside of it to create fire. It’s what allows the flame effect in your gas logs

Flame Effect Kit

Gas logs come with a gas burner which creates the flame effect, but there are different types of gas log fireplaces. Some might not need an additional kit to create more natural-looking flames and embers.

Remote Control

Gas fireplace remote controls allow you to control your gas logs without getting up from the comfort of your couch or armchair!

Burner Venting Kit

This kit allows for a natural gas log fireplace to be vented into your gas line. The gas comes out of the gas log burner, then travels through this venting kit before it can enter your home’s gas supply.

Grate

The grate is what holds the logs in place and allows for airflow underneath them so that they burn cleanly.

Thermostat Control

Gas log gas fireplaces usually come with a built-in thermostat so that you can control the temperature of your gas logs.

Gas Logs

These are what produce the flame effect in your gas fireplace! They’re made up of ceramic fiber and resin, which are then molded into different shapes depending on how much detail or realism you want. The gas logs are then painted to give them their color or design, and finally, they’re covered in a layer of urethane for protection.

Gas Fireplace Glass

Gas fireplace glass is an optional accessory that can be used if you want your gas log burning experience to look more realistic. Some gas fireplaces come with the gas fireplace glass included, and others don’t. If you want gas log gas fireplaces to look and feel more like a traditional wood-burning fireplace, then gas fireplace glass is the way to go.

Ash dumps

Ash dumps allow gas log fireplaces to stay clean and clear, while also making it easier for you to maintain them. They’re specifically designed not only with gas logs in mind but also the types of gas lines that people use today.

Gas valve

This gas valve controls the gas that flows into your gas logs, and it needs to be vented before you can install a gas log fireplace.

We’re here to assist you.

If you need any assistance with measuring your fireplace or are confused about which gas log to go with, call Darden Building Materials. We have the knowledge and expertise needed for both residential and commercial customers, so don’t hesitate!

Our friendly staff is always here to answer any questions you may have.

Gas Log