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|  Fireplace FAQ's
What brands of gas fireplaces do you sell?
Regency Fireplace Products
Hampton
Excalibur Luxury Gas Fireplaces
Heat-N-Glo
Majestic / Vermont Castings
Superior Gas Fireplaces
R.H. Peterson Gas Logs
Is a gas fireplace right for me?
Choosing a fireplace can be a difficult decision. Should you choose wood or gas? There are many pros in choosing a gas fireplace. Gas fireplaces are: Cleaner than wood; Easier to light (just flip the switch); More control over heat output and flame height; Can be used to supplement the furnace in heating the home and to reduce heating bills; Excellent alternative for people with allergies (wood burning fireplaces are horrible for allergy sufferers).
What is a Direct Vent Fireplace?
A direct vent fireplace gets 100% of its combustion air from outside. It does not take warm air and oxygen out of your home or allow cold air and creosote smell into your house like a traditional wood burning fireplace.
What are some advantages to installing a Direct Vent fireplace?
A direct vent gas fireplace can be: Installed virtually anywhere in the home; Maintains your indoor air quality; Many direct vent products are efficient enough to be listed as furnaces; Eliminates the need for a chimney and chase, thus a less expensive installation; More authentic look due to sealed combustion chamber; 100% of combustion air comes from outside the home and 100% of the exhaust is expelled outside; Direct Vent does not interfere with indoor air quality – it doesn’t use room air for combustion air.
I already have a masonry fireplace. What are my options?
You have several options. You can install a gas log set which is ideal for warmer climates where additional heat is not necessary. These are also a great choice when you don’t plan on using your fireplace often. They are easy to use, burn clean, and there are no ashes for you to sweep up.
If you plan on using your fireplace throughout the winter, and prefer a unit that will provide you with much heat, we recommend a gas fireplace insert. These inserts are usually about 70% efficient and are often safer than gas logs.
Do gas fireplaces heat? If so, how large of an area will they heat?
Many gas fireplaces give off a significant amount of heat. There are decorative and heater rated gas fireplaces. Heater rated gas fireplaces can be operated with a thermostat. Most gas fireplaces have a range of 20,000 to 40,000 BTU output, at about 70% efficiency or more, and are capable of heating up to 1,000 sq/ft. in the average home.
Can I replace my wood burning fireplace or stove with a gas fireplace or stove?
We install direct vent gas inserts into existing wood burning fireplaces. In the case of a zero-clearance fireplace, we either install a direct vent gas insert or replace it with a direct vent fireplace. Woodstoves cannot be converted. We have replaced many woodstoves with direct vent gas stoves.
How much does it cost to operate a gas fireplace?
The average cost of a therm (100,000 BTU’s) of gas in the Monterey County area has been about 71 or 72 cents. The cost of a 25,000 BTU fireplace would be 0.18 cents per hour. The rates change throughout the year with summer being the least expensive and winter rates around $1.00. You can verify these rates by calling PG & E, at 1-800-743-5000. As you can see, it is not very expensive to run an efficient gas fireplace.
I am interested in a gas stove or fireplace; however, I am concerned I will get too much heat. What are my options?
There are many different gas stoves and fireplaces with different heating capabilities. Some allow thermostats, which turn the fireplace off when it reaches a certain temperature. On some of our Regency units, you can purchase an optional Heat Release Kit, which allows you to release the heat to the outside instead of putting it into your room. Very convenient when you want the look – but not the heat! Another option is to purchase an option Heat Wave Kit. This ducting option lets you heat two rooms with just your gas fireplace. It is a great idea for people in small homes!
Is it possible to heat two rooms with a gas fireplace?
Yes, it is. Many of our Regency fireplaces offer a special ducting function called Heat Wave. It is an optional add-on which allows you to divert the heat to one other room. A great idea for people in small homes, or as an alternative to an unattractive wall furnace!
We would like to convert our wood burning fireplace to gas. What do you recommend?
We usually recommend a sealed combustion gas insert. These inserts are usually about 70% efficient and are often safer than gas logs.
Is there a remote control available for gas fireplaces?
Yes, in addition to a basic on/off remote, you can get a more advanced remote that controls the room temperature or one that allows you to control the flame height and turn on and off the fan.
SAFETY
We just moved into a new home? How do we know if our wood fireplace is safe to use?
We recommend an annual inspection of your gas or wood fireplace. This is a simple procedure that takes approximately an hour for a qualified technician to perform. We charge $125.00 for this service. In addition to a yearly fireplace inspection, it is also a good idea to have a Chimney Sweep inspect your chimney. Please call us if you need to be referred to a local chimney sweep. | |
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