Q: Please give me the pros & cons for AGA vented logs.  What is the BTU output and is a heat deflector needed to protect the mantel?
A: AGA Vented gas logs give you the look of a vented gas log set. The output of this log set (and vented sets) is determined by the fireplace it is installed in.  A heat deflector is not needed on AGA Vented Gas Logs.

Q: Do you suggest having a carbon monoxide (CO) detector installed when using gas logs?
A: Yes, I believe that you should have a carbon monoxide detector installed in every building that has a combustion appliance.  A combustion appliance is any appliance with a flame.  These include: gas furnace, gas hot water heater, wood fireplace, gas fireplace, vented and vent free gas logs, gas stove, gas range, gas dryer, and most importantly, if there is an adjoining garage with an automobile.  Follow the manufacturers instructions for mounting.  I personally prefer the digital readout CO detector by Nighthawk.  

Q: I got my logs put in. My question is how can I repaint the inside of the fireplace to a desirable color? Do I have to use a special paint or will the gas logs not make it hot enough to matter?
A: Please be aware that with vent free gas logs (if you choose that route) cannot have the firebox painted. The vent free logs heat the paint higher than the 1200 degree F. limit. This will make the paint carry through the house with the air currents and deposit the paint residue on everything. Vented gas logs do not have this problem due to the lower temperatures and the exhaust gases going to the atmosphere.

Q: I would like to be able to use gas logs for decoration as well as a source for heat, and it seems that the unvented type would work the best although I am concerned about the claim that the fire isn't as realistic.... if I opened the damper slightly would the fire become more realistic dependent upon how far I opened the vent or is it a design difference between the vented and un vented logs themselves?
A: The fire on the Peterson pages are accurate as to what to expect from both vented and vent free. Damper position would not help flame pattern, that is the limitations on burner and cleanliness required by the product safety listing. Opening the damper will lower the heat output for those days when full heat is not wanted.

Q: I have a center chimney with three working fireplaces....could I still burn wood in the kitchen fireplace either while the gas logs were burning or not?
A: Gas and wood cannot be mixed in the same flue. But can be in the same chimney. Unless chimney is over 75 years old or not built to code, you will not have a problem. If you have one hole coming out the top of your chimney for all three fireplaces, then you have a problem, if you have three (which I suspect), then you have no problem, if unsure, call a certified chimney sweep to do an inspection.

Q: Can you please tell me the best place to put my CO detector? I have a two-story house, bedrooms on the second floor, gas furnace, water heater and dryer in the basement, gas range on the first floor, and will soon have gas logs on the first floor as well. Right now the CO detector is next to my bed, sort of by default.
A: In my opinion, it should be a digital readout Nighthawk placed at eye level. CO has a .97 specific gravity so it mixes floor to ceiling well with air currents, but I feel you will look at it more at eye level. As far as placement in the house. I recommend one on each level. Read owners manual as far as what not to place it close to, like the furnace.

Q: Can someone tell me what types of heat gives off carbon monoxide? Gas &- oil. - yes, electric no, wood??? Thanks
A: Carbon monoxide is given off when incomplete combustion takes place. Combustion appliances (or vehicles) can be fueled by: gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene, LP gas also known as propane, natural gas, oil, wood, alcohol, and the like. If there is a flame present, carbon monoxide is possible if combustion is not complete.

Q: I recently moved into a house that appears to have vented gas logs. The fireplace has a chimney so I assume the gas logs are vented. 1. Is there a way to be sure of what I have? 2. If my current gas log set is vented could I replace the vented gas logs with vent free gas logs? If so, do I need to do anything special?
A: Vent free gas logs will have tags or metal plates attached to them for identification. If your gas log set does not have tags, it is probably a vented set. If you wanted to swap to vent free, you would remove your old vented set and replace it with a vent free burner and logs for that burner. There are no parts that would swap from the vented to the vent free set.

Q: What sized gas line should I run for gas logs?
A: The size of the gas line varies by the BTUs needed for the gas log set and the distance of the gas line run. It also varies by fuel, propane verses natural. Follow this link for a chart of gas ling sizes: http://www.FireLogs.com/GasLine.htm.

Q: What are the specific functional differences between vented and non-vented sets ?
A: Vented have a better looking flame and consumes more gas (90,000+- BTUH) vent-free heats approximately 800 square feet and consume up to 40,000 BTUH. But the flame does not look as good. Great looks and low heat or good looks and great heat, that is the question!

Q: I have a wood fireplace and want to buy gas logs, I was told that the gas line has to down the chimney through the damper to the logs. I was wondering if is this a proper way to do it?
A: No it is not right. Never run the gas line into a high heat area. Go find another installer that can run the gas line out at the floor of the fireplace where is should be. Be sure to get a building permit if required and have it inspected. Follow all manufacturers instructions.

Q: Can we run the gas line to our fireplace and install gas logs ourselves, or do we need a professional to do that?
A: Even though detailed instructions come with the log set, it is our policy to only recommend professional installation. 

Q: I have gas logs and was told to keep the glass doors open while the thing was on.....is that right?
A: Yes, your glass doors must stay open while the gas logs are burning. You can close them immediately after turning them off.

Q: I have a Peterson gas log set. There are small hairline cracks in a log. I was wondering if this is a problem? Do we need to watch it for the cracks getting bigger. The man that installed the logs told us how to temper the set on a low heat.
A: The cracks do not pose a problem. However, your logs are warranted for life. Peterson is a great company, they don't want you to have broken logs in your fireplace.

Q: Should I open the damper when the gas logs are used ?
A: If vented, the fireplace damper must stay fully open when in use. This is the same position used with a wood fire. Vent free gas logs on the other hand are different. The damper can be fully closed letting all the heat into the room. The damper can also be used to regulate the amount of heat produced into the room. In other words you can open the damper to let some or most of the heat go up the chimney when you want to use it as a decorative log set.

Q: I have a wood stove. Can I install gas logs in this unit if the firebox of the stove meet the minimum requirements of the gas log installation requirements.
A: No. Gas logs can only be used in open front fireplaces. To put one in a closed combustion wood stove would be an explosion hazard. The flames could go out due to lack of air. When door is opened to see what is wrong - air goes in to ignite the raw gas. There goes the house and maybe the neighbors. Serious matter. Do not do it.

Q: I have a gas log set in a fireplace originally built for wood. The fire goes out. It burns fine for less than one hour. Why does the fire go out? The pilot light also goes out. Should I use a grate to hold the logs? Should I use lava rock (the product sold for grills)?
A: If the fire goes out within 10 minutes, then the thermocouple is cooling off too much when the logs are started. The solution is to increase the pilot flame adjustment. If it will not adjust higher, replace the thermocouple. If too small a gas line is installed, it will also cause this and would have to be increased to solve your problem. If the log set burns more then 20 minutes and then goes out, it is from overheating. Is there 3" between the valve and the side of the firebox? Is the shield on the gas valve? The thermocouple could be placed wrong thereby heating the cold junction on the thermocouple. You should use the grate that came with the log set. You should use only accessories for the log set, nothing for a grill.

Q: Is it possible to burn BOTH wood and gas in a "standard" fireplace insert or is that a No, No ?
A: It is a No, No!!! Let me explain. A wood stove is a controlled combustion product. This means air is restricted to increase burn time. This cannot be done on a gas appliance, a air starved gas appliance does not burn properly. It is possible to starve the appliance of air to the point combustion that the fire goes out. Then when the door is opened to check it, air rushes in, kaboom. It is an explosion hazard and should not be attempted.

Q: We don't have natural gas out where I live, so everything's electric. Everything stays warm, though, and I only use the fireplace for ambience and maybe some light-duty toe warming. Firewood is a mess, though. It soots up everything (the fireplace hearth and surround are snow white imitation marble), and is a pain to clean up. Since the fireplace backs up to the garage, I'm wondering if I could switch to artificial gas logs and run a line through the wall to a BBQ-type propane tank in the garage. Just a standard 20 pound tank. Would this work, or is it a stupid idea?
A: First, a smoking fireplace with wood is still a smoking fireplace with gas logs, it will not cure your problem. Second, Propane cylinders are not allowed indoors, even a garage.  Third, is set of gas logs consuming 90,000 BTU per hour of gas would burn on the gas grill cylinder for only 4.8 hours. See this FAQ on smoking fireplaces. Let's get your fireplace to stop smoking, then choose which fuel you want to burn in your fireplace.

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Last modified: August 13, 2010