Gas Log FAQs

How do I Install Vented Gas Logs?

It is highly recommended that your new fireplace logs be installed by a qualified plumber or heating contractor. There are allot of different fireplaces, we can't begin to address each and everyone here. The basics are simple enough for the DIY'er.
 Vented Gas Log Sets-

Place the burner pan down on the floor of the empty fireplace.
Connect your burner pan to the gas line stubbed out in the fireplace with the proper connection kit (NG vs. LP).
Pour the sand medium (or vermiculite for LP) over the burner pan.
Spread the lava rock over the sand medium.
Pull apart and spread the glowing embers in and over the lava rock.
Center the log grate over the burner pan.
Attached our log steps to the back of the grate (this raises the rear log)
Place the vented logs in a manner that appeals to you.
Turn on gas main valve, light gas and adjust logs for the best flame penetration. 

What is Gas Log Certification?
Some areas of the country have different requirements for gas log burners than others. It is the customers responsibility to choose a set that conforms with his/her local requirements. Contact your local government office or gas company for any information regarding requirements in your area.

Some areas require that a gas log burner must have a factory installed safety pilot kit and must be certified to certain ANSI standards. CSA is the Canadian Standard Association, formally known as AGA (American Gas Association). These are independent testing agencies that test to the ANSI (American National Standards Institute) Standards. For nearly ninety years, ANSI has served as the coordinator of the U.S. voluntary standards system. Omini, UL, Radco as well as some others, are other testing agencies. Some areas or inspectors may require CSA only (or any other particular testing agency) because this is what they are familiar with, but in actuality it is the Standard for that area that counts, not the agency that tested it.

Some areas of the country require the use of a safety pilot kit but it doesnt have to be factory installed, meaning it can be installed on to the burner at the time of installing the gas log set into the fireplace. There is no ANSI standard for this; ANSI only sets standards for burners with factory installed safety pilot kits.

Some areas dont require the use of a safety pilot kit at all but might require that the gas log burner only be Radco, UL or Omni listed. All of our logs are Omni tested and listed.

And finally, most of the areas throughout the country dont have any requirements for gas log burners. In these areas, the customer can choose any set he/she wants to install.

What size log set will fit my fireplace? And how do I measure my fireplace?

Start by measuring the distance from the front to the back of your fireplace to determine the midpoint. For example if your fireplace measures 26” from front to back the midpoint is 13”. From that midpoint measure from side to side.

Once you know your side to side measurement at the mid-point, determine your proper log size based on the following table. It is recommended to have 3 - 6 inches of clearance on each side of the widest log.

For example; if your measurement is 30” and you’re using the match light method to light your log set you would deduct 6” from 30” and end up with a 24” log set

Which Gas Log Should You Choose?
Deciding which gas log type to purchase is easy. In many cases, you can simply choose a gas log that will work with the fuel source that is already available in your home. If you have a natural gas water heater, dryer or other gas appliance, then natural gas logs will be the right choice for you. If you heat your home with propane, a propane gas log set will be the correct choice.

If your home is not plumbed for either of these fuels, check locally to determine which fuel makes most sense to use in your home and then purchase the appropriate log set.

Natural Gas Details
Natural gas is lighter than air, which means natural gas logs, can be used without a safety pilot in many areas (again, check with your local codes or gas provider to be sure). If you already have natural gas in your home, but do not have it plumbed to your fireplace, a certified A/C, heating contractor or licensed plumber should be able to run the lines for a gas log.

Propane Details
Unlike natural gas, propane is heavier than air. It is stored in a reinforced tank positioned outside the home. A certified plumber or propane professional would install the line that runs from this tank to your fireplace and thus into your gas log set.
All gas logs that use propane require a safety pilot. The safety pilot on propane gas logs prevents propane gas from accumulating inside the home if someone were to turn on the gas without lighting a flame on the gas log set.

What are the Advantages of Gas Logs

• Gas logs cost a fraction of what wood logs cost per hour to operate.
• Since gas logs do not require electricity, they are a great source of heat and light during a power outage, not to mention very romantic!
• Gas logs burn cleaner than wood with no pollutants.
• Gas logs can be conveniently started at the turn of a valve, with an on/off switch, or the flick of a match.
• They offer enjoyment year after year without having to worry about cutting (or buying) and them stacking firewood.
• No more flying sparks and dirty ashes. Creosote build-up in the chimney, a common cause of fires, is also eliminated by the clean burning gas fuel.
• Real wood requires approximately 3 hours of burn time. Gas logs operate by a simple on/off valve and usually do not have limits to burn time.