There are four popular fireplace options. What are they?

Wood Burning: A wood burning fireplace is either fueled by a manufactured product (pellets or petroleum based artificial logs) or wood. The efficiency is no better than 33% and the by-products are unknown.

Direct Vent Gas Fireplaces: Coaxial vent system of a pipe inside a pipe (generally 4"/7") the inside pipe is for exhaust, while the outer pipe brings in outside air for combustion. The design of these fireplaces allow for a completely sealed system that does not compromise inside air quality of your home. It also lets you vent a product horizontally (great for when an appliance is installed on an outside wall). Direct vent appliances are usually limited to a length of 40ft (with a maximum horizontal length of 15ft) that will allow an appliance to function properly.

Vented Gas Fireplaces: Uses air-cooled pipe (B-vent), or gas flex liners to vent appliances. These types of appliances use room air for combustion and exhaust through the B-vent pipe or flexible gas liner. Vented appliances are not as restricted in venting length as compared to direct-vent appliances and can utilize existing chimney systems by running a gas flex liner into existing chimneys and terminating with a raincap and flashing.

Vent Free Gas Fireplaces: No chimney systems are required and this product can be used almost anywhere in your home (except in bathroom, bedroom, spa room, mobile home, or recreational vehicle), but provisions for adequate combustion and ventilation must be provided (room size and btu's of appliance are the deciding factors of what btu size can be used for a particular installation). The appliance uses room air for combustion and exhausts to the room. These appliances are 99.9% efficient and the vent-free burner systems have an ODS pilot system, which ensures that the burner systems will shut down if oxygen in the room falls below acceptable limits.

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2. What is a universal firebox?

This is strictly a sheet metal box offered in several sizes and styles. Fireboxes are only available for vent-free applications. For use with vent-free applications. For use with vent-free gas log sets.

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3. What are gas logs?

Logs are available for vented or vent-free applications in propane or natural gas. They can be installed in approved fireboxes, vent-free or masonry fireplaces and zero clearance fireplaces. Kingsman offers a variety of styles with different features and benefits.

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4. What are gas stoves?

These units typically stand away from the wall and are very similar to a wood burning stove in appearance. These units are available for direct-vent, vented and vent-free applications.

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5. What are gas inserts?

Inserts are complete units that fit into existing fireplaces. They require no additions such as glass doors or screens, and they consist of a combustion chamber with gas logs. They are usually installed in an existing chimney - provided an approved flue liner is installed. Inserts are typically available for a vented or direct vent application.

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6. What is the difference between Ceramic Glass and Tempered Glass used in hearth products?

Tempered Glass is less costly than ceramic glass, but often has a shorter useful life.

Ceramic Glass is up to 10 times more expensive than tempered glass, but has an unlimited life span when cared for properly.

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7. Terms and definitions:

Input rate:

The rate at which gas is supplied to an appliance. This is usually mentioned in BTU per hour.

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Vent, Flue:

A passageway for transporting gases to the outside air.

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Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS):

This is a device used in ventless products that shuts off the flow of gas if the oxygen level in the room falls to 18%.

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Millivolt:

mv is 1/1000 of a volt. Millivolt's are generated by heat from the pilot burner flame. Thus no electricity is needed to power a millivolt valve system (a millivolt valve system will operate during power failures).

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Termocouple:

Heat from the pilot will generate 24mv to 30mv. This in turn holds the electomagnetic coil open, allowing gas to enter the valve body and hold a pilot flame. It also acts as a safety device that will shut off the gas supply to the main burner and pilot when no flame (heat) is sensed.

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Thermopile / Generator:

When heat is applied to the thermopile, an electric current is generated in the range of 450mv to 750mv. When the valve coil reaches the minimum required millivolts, the valve will open and gas will flow to the mainburner and ignite.

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14. Thermodisk:

A thermodisk is a temperature sensing device. When heat is applied to the disk, a bi-metal plate will bend. This allows the electric current to activate the blower motor and ensures continuity.

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Spill Switch/Safety Shut Off Device:

A temperature sensing device used on most vented appliances that will shut down the main burner and pilot if the unit has a blocked flue or if in a downdraft situation.

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16. Cast Logs:

Concrete based material. Glow is very minimal on logs. Dense material, holds heat in longer, and is less costly than fiber logs.

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Fibre Logs

Ceramic fibre compound. When flame impinges on the logs, it produces a red glow on the logs. Very lightweight and fragile material.

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