Category: Fireplaces & Stoves

Today’s modern wood-burning stoves do not harm the environment. In fact, burning wood is a sustainable and eco-friendly way to save considerable money while providing energy independence for you and your family!

THE ENVIRONMENTAL DEBATE:  ARE WOOD-BURNING STOVES SUSTAINABLE?

Throughout history, people have used deforestation to make space for crops, animal grazing, and obtaining wood for construction and manufacturing. Deforestation has changed landscapes. However, sustainable forestry practices are rising through education, public awareness, and government regulation.

It makes good sense to manage the harvest of older-growth forests while maintaining a stable wood supply for construction, the paper industry, and fuel requirements. Today, most wood harvesting companies are planting more trees than they harvest. They subscribe to balanced cutting practices to ensure this resource lasts forever. Did you know more trees are in the USA today than 100 years ago? The current estimate is that over 750 million acres in the USA are forested!

You can bet that prices will continue to go up for fossil fuels in the future! Petroleum, coal, and gas can take millions of years to form. And when extracted and used, there’s no way to replace it. However, burning wood is a renewable energy source, unlike coal, oil, and gas. If Mother Nature takes one down, she’ll replace it. If one gets cut down, we can replant two or three in its place!

You’ve likely heard that burning wood is “carbon neutral.” But just what does that mean? Wood gives off the same amount of carbon, whether it decays in the forest, landfill, or burned. As a tree grows, it will absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Eventually, the tree will release the carbon as the wood naturally decomposes or is burned.

Here’s another way to look at it: the amount of carbon from wood-burning is similar to the amount of carbon removed from the atmosphere and stored by a tree throughout its life span. One way or the other, the carbon is returned to the environment.

BENEFITS OF WOOD-BURNING STOVES:

Besides being sustainable, burning wood as a heating fuel has many benefits.

• Wood is a renewable resource.
• Burning wood reduces the carbon footprint.
• No reliance on fossil fuels to keep your loved ones warm.
• The ambiance and atmosphere created by a toasty fire soothes the soul!
• The radiant heat from a wood stove does not rely on electricity.
• Typical efficiencies of today’s equipment are 75% – 80%.

My experience has been that a new EPA-certified appliance will heat an area 3 – 4 times longer than an ordinary open-burning fire with the same amount of wood! If you’re in charge of the wood supply, you’ll agree that more heat from less wood is awesome!

WOOD STOVES:  DECENTRALIZED ENERGY & ENHANCED AIR QUALITY:

For centuries, heating with wood was the primary way for people to stay warm. There was little reliance on market volatility or any vulnerability to supply chain issues. We’re talking energy independence here. If more homeowners decided to heat with wood, there could be significantly less dependence on the energy grid and fossil fuels.

Using wood blown down by storms, reclaimed wood from construction sites, and scraps from building projects are great ways to save money! Stop and think how helpful this could be, especially during high energy demand. This makes wood burning one of the most sustainable fuel on the planet.

WOOD STOVES & CLEANER AIR:

Burning wood for heating purposes often gets a bad rap because old equipment can be a major source of pollution. Open burning in fireplaces, using homemade or outdated appliances, and poor burning practices contribute to environmental and health issues.

Let’s face it: breathing in smoke is not good for anyone’s lungs. Young children, older adults, or those with asthma or heart or lung disease are especially at risk and vulnerable to smoke. In addition to the smoke, be sure the wood is untreated and unpainted. Split, dry cordwood is what you want. Burning garbage, driftwood, and treated or painted wood will release toxic chemicals in the smoke.

The good news regarding air quality is that today’s modern wood-burning equipment, certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), burns wood exceptionally clean, even consuming the gases produced during combustion! When properly operated, these EPA-certified wood-burning stoves, inserts, and fireplaces are so effective, and emissions are so low that you’ll see little if any, smoke coming out of the chimney! And does the fire ever last a long time! Overnight burns are common.

Proper burning practices are essential. For proper sustainable wood-burning, use dry, seasoned wood. Regular appl

iance and chimney system maintenance will significantly reduce emissions and improve air quality.

GOOD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT?

We are fortunate that combustion technology and the performance of wood-burning equipment have been dramatically improved. Wood is a renewable resource with low emissions and high efficiency and heat output. Burning wood in a modern wood stove is a win for everyone! But you decide for yourself.

Let’s summarize the benefits of burning wood in a modern, highly efficient, EPA-certified appliance. Is wood burning sustainable? Yes, for the following reasons:

• Since wood is a renewable resource with solid management practices, we can actually “grow” more fuel, unlike gas, oil, or coal.
• Burning wood significantly reduces carbon emissions and improves air quality.
• Sustainable forestry practices will ensure a plentiful supply for future generations.
• High efficiencies mean more heat and longer burn times with less wood.
• Burning wood is a cost-effective alternative compared to other heating fuels.

Your gas fireplace is one of the most important amenities in your home. Gas fireplaces provide an amazing ambiance and wonderful warmth that everyone loves. And it seems obvious by all the family photos taken in front of it, your gas fireplace helps provide memories that will last a lifetime.

Here are several tips and suggestions that will help you use and maintain your gas fireplace correctly, as well as recognize common issues when it’s not operating as it should.

GAS FIREPLACE COMPONENTS:

First, let’s define the most common components of a gas fireplace. They include:

• Thermocouple: Small strips of metal that, when heated, will generate millivolts of electricity.
• Thermopile: Several thermocouples connected together that generate more electrical output than a single thermocouple. This provides the electricity needed to open the gas valve.
• Gas valve: This device allows gas to enter the burner.
• Gas burner: Mixes air and burns gas (natural or propane) to create realistic flames.
• Ignition system, IPI, or Standing Pilot: Ignites the gas, either with a pilot light or electronically once the valve is opened.
• Blower fan: Circulates air from the room through the fireplace’s convective heat chamber and pushes it back into the room.
• Ceramic glass front with safety screen.
• Firebox: The metal housing for the burner, logs, and flames.
• Logs or other media: Decorative material that enhances the flame presentation.
• Remote control, thermostat, or wall switch: Turn the unit on/off, adjusts the temperature and the fan.

CAN YOU MODIFY YOUR FIREPLACE?

Note that thermocouples and thermopiles are not interchangeable with each other.  Thermocouples are generally interchangeable with other thermocouples.  However, they come in different lengths. It’s important you have the correct length for your fireplace.

Thermopiles are about the diameter of a pencil and have wires coming out of the bottom that are routed to the gas valve terminals. Thermopiles are usually interchangeable with each other as well. However, we always recommend using original replacement parts.

Most logs are NOT universal or interchangeable. There are many fireplaces with different logs and other media options, such as fire stones or glass beads. However, logs must be placed in precise positions on the burner and are specific to the model of the fireplace. If logs break or show signs of wear, it’s best to replace them.

A gas fireplace can NEVER be modified to burn wood. This would be an extremely serious fireplace safety issue and not covered by your home insurance. On the other hand, a wood fireplace can be converted with a gas insert.

However, the firebox on a gas fireplace could be completely stripped of the gas supply line, the burner, and logs. Then, an electric insert could be installed. Electric inserts come in several sizes that could be safely installed into a gas fireplace. But never try to burn wood in anything other than a wood-burning fireplace, stove, or insert.

OPERATION OF A GAS FIREPLACE:

Gas fireplaces are turned on/off with a wall switch, remote control, or a wall thermostat. If the fireplace is being used as the primary heat, a thermostat on the wall or a remote control with a thermostat function might be a good choice. Instead of primary heat, my fireplace acts more as a supplemental heat source. So, I use a simple on/off remote control.

A gas fireplace is easy to light. When the thermostat calls for heat or the remote control or wall switch is pressed, the gas valve opens, and gas flows into the burner and is ignited by the pilot light. Fun fact:  furnaces, boilers, and water heaters all work the same way.

No electricity in the house? No problem for starting the fireplace, provided the batteries in your IPI ignition system are fresh or, with a millivolt system, the pilot light is lit.  Your fireplace will start up as usual and provide radiant heat through the glass front.

The blower fan on your gas fireplace will not operate when the power is out.  Fans require house current to run. The burner will ignite, but the fan will not move any air.

Direct-vented gas fireplaces are sealed combustion units. This means that air for combustion purposes comes from outside.  No air from inside the house is used for combustion. The “flue” or, more appropriately, the “direct vent co-axial pipe” can either be installed through a side wall or, vertically, through the roof.

COMMON GAS FIREPLACE TROUBLESHOOTING ISSUES:

Gas fireplace maintenance is important. It’s good practice to have gas fireplace components inspected once a year. Technicians can examine the gas valve and fittings electronically for any minute leaks, enhance the flames with ember material, and clean and inspect the glass and burner carefully.

There’s a special gas fireplace glass cleaner that’s used to routinely clean the glass front of your fireplace.  It’s more of a polish, and it does a great job cleaning off the soot, condensation marks, and other particles from burning natural or L.P. gas. Don’t use a window cleaner. Buy the good stuff. It’s about $12 – $15 a bottle and will last you several years. Just follow the directions on the bottle.

Another cleaning detail: keep the fan compartment free of pet hair and dust. Just vacuum and/or dust this space periodically.

We all know that gas is nothing mess with, so anything other than cleaning the glass or replacing glass gasketing should be performed by an industry-certified professional. They have the “three E’s” critical for gas fireplace safety:  the Equipment, the Experience, and the Expertise to adjust air-to-fuel settings, measure gas pressures, evaluate the venting system and more.

If the fireplace won’t turn on, doesn’t ignite, won’t stay lit, or is making an annoying beeping noise, it could be as simple as replacing the batteries in the receiver of your remote control.  Or, it may be something a bit more complicated.  Perhaps the thermopile or the circuit board needs to be evaluated.

INSTALLATION TIPS FOR SAFE AND ENJOYABLE USE:

A question that frequently comes up is, “Where should I install a gas fireplace?”  There are several factors, but the first consideration should be the venting profile.  If you’re planning a gas fireplace on an exterior wall or can run a vent pipe straight up through the roof of the house, It’s an easy decision.

If not, talk with an expert regarding the “profile” of the venting system before the project begins.  There are specific limits and relationships between the “rise vs. run” of the vent pipe.  That is, the overall height of the venting system and the horizontal distance the pipe can be installed.

Other points to think about for gas fireplace installations:

• Furniture placement
• Fire viewing angles
• Fireplace size
• Heat output
• On the floor vs. in the wall

Yes, WE LOVE FIRE®  handles the full installation of gas fireplaces and also specializes in servicing and repairing the equipment. Feel free to reach out with any questions or for expert advice!

Common locations where gas fireplaces are installed include:

• Living rooms
• Family rooms
• Bedrooms
• Offices
• Kitchens
• Bathrooms
• Dining rooms
• Waiting rooms
• Lobbies

There are a lot of folks around today who claim to be experts in their fields.  Because I’ve gooped some roofing tar on my roof, doesn’t make me a roofing expert.  Just as extending an outlet in my garage doesn’t qualify me to re-wire your home.

Trust certified professionals with the regular maintenance of your gas fireplace to ensure installations, repairs, and servicing are done correctly and safely. Routinely maintaining your gas fireplace keeps it efficient. Detecting issues early often prevents costly repairs later.

Keep your family and property safe by having your gas fireplace properly installed and serviced regularly.  Please contact us with any questions or comments regarding the use or maintenance of your gas fireplace.

The fireplace is the focal point of your living room, and the fireplace glass is the window to help you thoroughly enjoy the ambiance of the flames.  Here’s what you should know about keeping your fireplace glass clean.

SAY GOODBYE TO DIRTY FIREPLACE GLASS: CAUSES AND QUICK FIXES:

Fireplace glass maintenance is slightly different for gas vs. wood-burning fireplaces, stoves, or inserts.  So, let’s separately discuss each fuel type:

GAS FIREPLACES:

You click the remote on your gas fireplace, and by the time you nestle into your favorite chair, small water droplets are forming inside the glass.  Condensation on the inside of the glass on a gas fireplace is quite common and nothing to be too concerned about.  It can be a bit irritating, but nothing on the fireplace will be damaged.

Moisture forms on the inside of the glass on your gas fireplace, free-standing gas stove, or fireplace insert due to a quick temperature change. When the fireplace is off, the temperature inside the fireplace is very similar to the temperature in the room. But turn the fireplace on, and the heat quickly warms the air inside the fireplace.

Warmer air has more moisture than cooler air.  One of the by-products of combustion is water vapor.  As the water vapor in the warming air comes in contact with the cooler glass surface, condensation forms on the inside of the glass.  As the inside of the fireplace gets hotter, the steel, refractory, and logs in the fireplace begin to heat up, and the condensation will begin to evaporate, and the glass will clear itself.

Interesting stuff, right?  But what about that foggy white film that slowly builds up on the inside of the glass?  This is a different story.

By-products from the combustion process, including sulfur, can accumulate with the condensation on the glass.  If ignored over time, these deposits will build up and form a white, acidic film on the inside of the glass.  You will need to remove this periodically.

If the air/fuel adjustment is not set correctly on a gas fireplace, black soot will quickly build up on the glass and can accumulate on the logs as well.  This adjustment is best left to a fireplace professional.

WOOD-BURNING FIREPLACES:

With wood-burning equipment, soot and creosote building up on fireplace glass usually has to do with the fuel supply and poor burning practices.  Always burn dry, seasoned wood.  Dry wood burns more completely and with fewer by-products.  Greenwood has a much higher moisture content and creates considerably more smoke.  This smoke leads directly to creosote forming, not only on the fireplace glass and inside the appliance but also in the chimney.

Soot is a result of incomplete combustion.  Tiny soot particles occur when molecules from the smoke are heated to high temperatures.  Strong chemical bonds will hold and attach these particles to surfaces like fireplace glass.

YOUR FAST TRACK TO CLEAN FIREPLACE GLASS:

For crystal-clear fireplace glass, inexpensive products are available, depending on whether you’re burning wood or have a gas fireplace.

The first thing you’ll want to do is determine if cleaning the inside of the glass is a project you want to tackle. If the answer is “no,” visit our website to find your nearest WE LOVE FIRE® dealer. However, if this is something that you’re okay doing yourself, just plan a trip to our showroom. Dealers keep glass cleaners in stock. One type is designed for gas appliances, and another is for wood-burning appliances.

Do not use a regular window cleaner or spray. The correct cleaner for gas or wood-burning is not particularly expensive, so spend the money on the correct product. Depending on the size of the bottle, it’s only $10 – $20, and it will make this job considerably easier. It doesn’t take much, so a bottle will likely last four or five years!

GAS FIREPLACES:

The glass on your gas fireplace can be removed.  Each model is a little different, so dig out your owner’s manual for the correct procedure on how to detach it.  Typically, some clips or spring-loaded clamps allow it to be quickly removed.  Be careful not to bump the logs once the glass is off.  (Side bar:  never rearrange or reorganize the logs on your gas fireplace.  There are very specific positions the logs must be in when the fireplace is operating.)

Never try to clean hot glass.  Make sure the glass is cold.  You’ll want to put the glass from your gas fireplace on an old towel on the floor.  The glass and frame are large, so be careful while cleaning it.

Next, follow the directions on the cleaner.  Most glass cleaners for gas fireplaces come as a semi-paste, similar to car wax.  Read and follow the directions.  But basically, it’s:  rub it on and polish it off with a clean, soft rag.

The cleaner also provides a fine silicone film that prevents soot and creosote deposits from sticking to the glass.

WOOD-BURNING FIREPLACES:

The glass door on your wood-burning stove, insert, or fireplace can be swung wide open for cleaning purposes. Clean the glass before building a fire, but never clean hot glass.

For wood-burning appliances, open the door and put down a drop cloth, rags, or newspapers under it. Most wood-burning glass cleaners come in a spray bottle. Soot removal on fireplace glass can be a bit messy. Often, the cleaner will run down the glass and drip onto the floor. Be sure to protect the floor or hearth by covering it. Follow the directions on the bottle. Basically, spray it on and wipe it off.

Keep the glass clean on your wood-burning stove or fireplace with a hot fire, using only well-seasoned wood. People often find that on EPA-certified wood-burning appliances, glass that’s a bit dirty from long overnight burns will clean itself when they add more air to the firebox and increase the temperature.

EXTRA TIPS:

The glass in your fireplace is not like the glass in the windows of your home or your vehicle. Fireplaces will have tempered glass or ceramic glass. Both take high temperatures. However, ceramic glass is much more resistant to higher temperatures and quick thermal changes. It is also stronger than a tempered glass of the same thickness.

Today, manufacturers equip most gas models with ceramic glass, which can handle temperature up to 1,000°F. Manufacturers usually make bi-fold doors on wood-burning fireplaces with tempered glass.

It doesn’t matter what kind of glass you’re cleaning.  Both types of glass will get dirty, and they will break if you’re not careful.  Tempered glass is less expensive than ceramic.  The ceramic glass on a stove or fireplace can easily cost $300-$400 to replace, so easy does it!

And speaking of expensive ceramic glass, never take a razor blade to it. Ceramic glass has a microscopic coating of polycrystalline structures. A razor blade can actually get under this coating and remove it or cause it to peel or chip. Please use the cleaner per directions, and leave the single-edged razor blade in your toolbox or junk drawer!

One last tip: periodically inspect the gasket material on your gas fireplace glass and on your wood-burning fireplace, stove, or insert. Most gaskets last a long time, but damaged or worn gaskets can affect airflow and clean glass, so keep an eye on them.

KEEP YOUR FIREPLACE GLASS SPARKLING:

Clear fireplace glass enhances the look of the flames and embers.  Once you have your fireplace glass spotless, keeping it looking good is easier if you follow a few simple tips.

GAS FIREPLACES:

In a gas fireplace, stove, or insert, the inside of the glass will get dirty over time. Soot and small particles from combustion will begin to accumulate on the glass. Odds are, you won’t even notice it until you remove the glass and clean it! Just use the right gas fireplace cleaner, buff it out, and you’ll be impressed!

It’s like the inside of your car’s windshield.  You don’t notice how dirty it is until you clean it and find a fine film on the inside.  And then, presto!  You appreciate how clean glass improves your vision while driving.  Just like how you’ll appreciate that crystal-clear fireplace glass!

WOOD-BURNING FIREPLACES:

Here are half a dozen easy tips to use after you’ve cleaned the glass on your wood-burning fireplace, stove, or insert:

1. Smoke is Your Ally! Did you know that smoke is unburned fuel?  Today, new wood-burning appliances use a “reburn” system that burns all the fuel, including the smoke.  As a bonus, with proper burning practices, you’ll have more heat (greater efficiency) in your house and little smoke or creosote deposits in your chimney.
2. Burn the Right Kind of Wood.  Dry wood is critical!  Recently cut wood that has not been split, and stacked to let dry for several months will generate a lot of smoke and creosote.  Both lead to dirty glass. If unsure, inexpensive wood moisture meters are readily available online and at big box stores.  The moisture content of the wood you burn should be below 25%.
3. Get Your Fires Hot! Start your fire with dry, small kindling and gradually add bigger pieces.  Small, hot fires burn wood more completely, reducing soot and improving efficiency.  This also gives you more heat from your fuel.  Hot fires keep glass cleaner.
4. Airflow Is Your Friend!  Ensure your air control is open, especially when starting a new fire or adding wood.  Most new wood stoves and fireplaces have an ‘air wash system.’ This is basically an air curtain that moves in front of the glass, keeping it clean.
5. A Little Maintenance Goes a Long Way. Regularly inspect your stove’s door gaskets for a tight seal.  This helps the air wash system work properly.
6. Get Comfortable With Your Owner’s Manual. I know lots of guys who do not pay any attention to directions or manuals, so this is not really popular advice. But your owner’s manual is chock-full of useful information on how to get the most out of your wood stove or fireplace. Man up and read it. We guarantee you’ll learn something!

One quick note about many of today’s catalytic stoves: dark sooty glass is more likely to occur at lower temperatures for catalytic and hybrid catalytic wood stoves.  This is normal and nothing to worry about.  You can disengage the catalyst, adjust the airflow to raise the temperature, and get the air wash going.  The glass should then self-clean.

TOP FIREPLACE GLASS FAQS – ANSWERED!

• Fireplace glass on gas or wood models is not self-cleaning.  Use the correct glass cleaning product for your fuel type.
• All fireplace glass gets dangerously hot.  Let it completely cool down before cleaning it.
• Glass turns black on the gas fireplace because the air/fuel ratio is incorrectly adjusted.  Call in a professional.
• Condensation on a gas fireplace is not uncommon and will clear itself as the gas unit heats up.
• Hotter fires keep the glass on your wood-burning model much cleaner.
• ALWAYS burning dry wood means less smoke, less soot, less creosote, and more heat in your home!
• Never scrape ceramic glass with a razor blade.

Everyone knows the effect a fire can have on soothing your soul. With clean fireplace glass, you will enjoy the flames and glowing embers even more. Remember, if you need help getting your fireplace, stove, or insert to burn cleanly, the WE LOVE FIRE® dealer near you has expert advice and cleaning and maintenance products to make your life much easier. We look forward to seeing you!