How do I know if my gas fireplace is not working properly?
Here are a few signs that your gas fireplace is not working correctly and may need some maintenance. First, if your gas fireplace pilot light refuses to stay lit, that’s a sign of a big issue.
Should you convert your propane fireplace to natural gas?
Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. A propane fireplace is nice, but when the propane is gone, so is your fire. You can avoid this issue by converting the fireplace to natural gas.
How do I find the model number of my fireplace?
You need to get the right kit for your fireplace model. To find your model number, remove the decorative panel at the bottom of your fireplace and look for a metal plate. Called the rating plate, this plate provides crucial information about your fireplace, including the model and serial number.
How do you light a gas fireplace with power?
If power is actively supplied and gas enters your fireplace, simply turn the on/off unit, wall switch or remote control to “on” to ignite your main burner. Also, read – how to light a gas fireplace with electronic ignition.
How do I know if I have natural gas or propane?
One important difference between propane and natural gas is their density. Propane is heavier than air and natural gas is lighter. This means that in closed spaces (like homes) if there is a leak, propane will be concentrated on the floor level, while natural gas will be located higher, at the ceiling level.
How do I know what type of fireplace I have?
Each fireplace and insert has a rating plate which contains your model number and serial number. Gas and wood burning fireplaces have a rating plate in the control compartment area, under the smoke shield or on the firebox side column.
Can propane be used for natural gas fireplace?
Gas Logs are either made to burn Natural Gas or Liquid Propane. Because these two gases burn differently, the burner systems must be made specifically for the type of gas that you will burn. So you cannot use a Natural Gas burner with Liquid Propane or visa versa.
What type of gas does a gas fireplace use?
natural gasUsing natural gas or propane, gas inserts burn a real flame that emulates the look of a traditional fireplace without the hassle of burning wood.
What are the different types of gas fireplaces?
There are three main types of gas fireplaces to consider, Direct Vent gas fireplaces, Vent-Free gas fireplaces and B-Vent gas fireplaces, that differ in their installation flexibility, features and efficiencies. Another option to consider is an open-hearth Wood-Burning fireplace combined with a vented gas log set.
How do I know if I have a vented or ventless gas fireplace?
A vented fireplace has attractive yellow and orange flames that lick upward around the sides of the ceramic logs. An unvented fireplace, by contrast, has much less striking flames. These flames tend to be smaller and bluer. As a result, an unvented gas fireplace won't create quite the same illusion as a vented one.
Are propane and gas fireplaces the same?
There is a difference between the ways these two gases burn, so the burner systems must be made for the type of gas you want to burn. The biggest differences are in the burner orifices and safety pilot options. For example, a burner for liquid propane gas cannot be lit with a match.
Can a fireplace be propane?
Versatility: A propane fireplace or freestanding stove is not only charming, it's also a heat source that will keep your living space warm even when the power is out. No black-outs with propane! Efficiency: A propane fireplace runs at around 80 percent efficiency.
What is the difference between a gas insert and a gas fireplace?
Gas fireplaces are very similar to gas inserts. They are made the same way, with the box-within-a-box setup. However, the difference between gas fireplaces vs. gas inserts is that a built-in gas fireplace doesn't require an existing fireplace or chimney.
How to tell if a fireplace is natural gas or propane?
When you are in person, the easiest way to tell what fuel a fireplace uses is by looking at the serial tag or rating plate. These tags are usually hanging onto or connected to the fireplace. Look towards the bottom of the fireplace and remove the faceplate. Inside of there will either be a tag hanging on the gas valve or a sticker on the bottom of the appliance. That is where you will find the info about whether it is a natural gas fireplace or propane gas fireplace. NG or Nat will tell you that it uses natural gas and LP lets you know that it is propane.
How to find the fuel type on a gas fireplace?
If you are unsure of how to open the faceplate or access panel to view the build tag, you can also look in the owner's manual. The owner's manual will list information for both fuel types. Though, if you look a the front of the manual, some manufacturers will affix a fuel type sticker to the manual shipped with your fireplace. From there, the manual will tell you everything you need to know about fuel, operations, and functionality of your specific fireplace. If you are shopping online, this process will be pretty straightforward. The name of the fireplace usually indicates the type of fuel it uses. It's very important to know which type of fuel a gas fireplace uses before you buy or before you switch the fuel type. Not everyone will have easy access to natural gas and for some, using propane gas may be awkward due to the setup of your fireplace.
Who answers NFI customer questions?
All customer questions are answered by our NFI Certified Specialists free of charge!
Can I switch from one gas fireplace to another?
In other scenarios, if you are considering switching from one gas to another, it may not be possible depending on the type of fireplace you have. You should always consult with a licensed installer before planning big changes like that. If you have any questions about gas fireplaces, please give our NFI certified technicians a call at 800.203.1642
What are the similarities between natural gas and liquid propane?
Similarities. Liquid propane and natural gas share some characteristics. Both are clear and naturally odorless, and both are fossil fuels. And, like most heating fuels, the heating capabilities of the fuels are measured in BTUs or British Thermal Units.
How does propane go from gas to liquid?
Under the right amount of pressure and at about -50°F in temperature, propane goes from its gas state to a liquid. This allows for larger amounts of propane to be stored in small areas. A liquid propane tank should be inspected regularly, especially for portable tanks or older tanks.
What is Liquid Propane?
Liquid propane is a gas that stands between natural gas and petroleum fuel. Propane is usually mixed with natural gas or petroleum. And, it is formed from the same long-dead organisms under high pressure as the other fossil fuels, but only becomes a viable fuel during the petroleum refinement process. When burned, propane creates water and carbon dioxide. But, an excess or lack of oxygen can have a severe effect on the output.
What is Natural Gas?
Natural gas is one of the Earth's cleanest fossil fuels available. Being both odorless and colorless in its natural state, this gas produces mostly carbon dioxide, water vapor, and small amounts of nitrogen oxides when burned. This gas forms deep in the Earth, from long-dead organisms that have been put under high pressure.
Why does my propane tank freeze up?
This prevents gas from flowing to the appliance. In this case, you will have to wait for things to unfreeze. It's not easy to say how long you will wait for your regulator to thaw out. It depends on ambient temperatures and humidity. With natural gas, this is not a concern, because there isn't a tank supplying the fuel.
Why should propane tanks be upright?
Propane tanks should be kept upright to protect the integrity of the tank and should only be lifted from the integral handle or moved via a dolly. Propane Tanks 101. Liquid propane gets its name from how it is transported in tanks.
How many inches is natural gas in water column?
This is measured in Water Column (WC). Most often, natural gas is 7 inches WC, where liquid propane is 10-11 inches WC.
How do I know if I have A Gas Fireplace?
The best way to find out if you have a gas fireplace is by looking at the venting on the exterior of your home or by looking at any literature that came with the fireplace itself. If you have a direct vent gas firebox, it will require either natural gas or propane to function.
What is the modern look of a gas fireplace?
Modern Look: gas fireplaces provide a sleek, modern look that is perfect for your home. They come in many shapes and sizes to fit any aesthetic you are trying to achieve from rustic charm with logs piled high or modern chic with glass doors allowing the flames to be seen glowing through them! The best part is that they are usually able to be converted into a wood burning fireplace when you want to change your look!
What is a gas fireplace?
A Gas Fireplace is a fireplace that uses natural gas, propane or mixtures of both as the fuel to create flames. It’s very easy to tell if you have one installed in your home because they are typically located on exterior walls and feature glass doors which allow homeowners to admire their beautiful flame patterns while closed up inside the home.
What does it mean when a fireplace pilot is on the burner?
If there is a metal plate with “PILOT” written on the burner tube, you have a manual ignition system and will need to learn how to light your fireplace pilot.
How many pipes does a gas fireplace have?
The other type of gas fireplace is a room-vented model, which will have two pipes on the side of it. The first pipe vents exhaust gasses outside while another one allows you to attach your flue for natural or propane gas.
What is decorative fireplace?
A decorative fireplace refers to the type of appliance it is. A gas fire place creates its flame through an electrically-powered heating element, also known as a burner or pilot light. This produces what you would expect from any modern hearth: flames and heat! Natural gas fireplaces are the most common type of gas fireplace.
What is a power vent fireplace?
For homes without an existing vent or chimney, power vent fireplaces are the answer to your heating needs with no installation required outside of your home. This unique feature makes it easier than ever for you to enjoy gas heat where you want it, when you want it. Powered by electricity or natural gas (for models that are dual fuel), power vent fireplaces operate with the simple flip of a switch on your remote control. A single wall-mounted box replaces the need for an exterior chimney and connects directly to your home’s central heating system supplying heat where you need it most.
How long does a gas fireplace last?
Ultimately, most gas fireplaces, regardless of if they are propane or natural gas, will have a lifespan ranging from 15-25 years.
Where is the model number on a gas fireplace?
For gas fireplaces, like propane and natural gas, you will most likely find this plate in the control compartment area located either under the smoke shield or on the firebox side column.
What is the material of a natural gas burner pan?
The burner pan material also differs here. Instead of vermiculite, natural gas burner pans in vented natural gas log sets are often covered in silica sand. This allows the gas to disperse more evenly and effectively throughout the sand before ignition for maximum results.
What type of fuel does a fireplace use?
You might be able to ascertain what type of fuel the fireplace uses by assessing its components. For instance, a propane-fueled fireplace will use vermiculite in the pan, which often looks like tan or black pebbles or small rocks. Conversely, a natural gas-fueled fireplace will have silica sand in the pan, which is much finer than vermiculite.
How many BTUs in a cubic foot of propane?
One cubic foot of propane = 2,516 BTUs compared to one cubic foot of natural gas = 1,030 BTUs. In one hour, a 100,000 BTU natural gas furnace burns around 97 cubic feet while a propane furnace burns only 40 cubic feet in an hour
What is the abbreviation for a gas fireplace?
You can find the information regarding what gas type is used for your fireplace on the serial tag. If you see the abbreviation NG , then it is a natural gas system, and if you see the abbreviation LP, then it is a liquid propane system.
How much does an electric fireplace cost?
This is a bit pricier than the average cost of an electric fireplace that ranges from $600 – $1,750, but it is significantly cheaper than wood-burning fireplaces that average around $8,500 – $22,000.
How does gas delivery work on a fireplace?
Gas delivery is controlled by the size of the orifice. The orifice looks like a short, fat bolt and has small hole in the middle of the bolt head.
How to reopen a gas line?
Wrap the gas supply pipes with pipe tape and reattach the regulator assembly. Reinstall the protective plates over the regulator and reopen the gas supply line.
How to get natural gas to my home?
Natural gas remains in its gaseous state and is delivered to the home through a pipeline, so deliveries aren’t required, but having the infrastructure in place to receive the fuel is. This infrastructure might include costs like: 1 Digging up your yard to bring in a pipeline 2 Converting your appliances to natural gas 3 Hiring a contractor to help with the updates
Why is natural gas harder to detect?
Furthermore, though some companies that supply natural gas add a scent like sulfur so that you can more easily detect a leak, natural gas leaks can be harder to detect because in its natural state the fuel is odorless.
How many BTUs is a cubic foot of propane?
One cubic foot of propane equals 2,516 BTUs, while one cubic foot of natural gas equals 1,030 BTUs. That means, propane is more than twice the energy of natural gas. While the cost per gallon is less for natural gas, you’ll use more of it to heat the same appliances. If you get two times the heat from propane, naturally, you’ll use less fuel.
How much does propane cost?
One million BTUs of natural gas is roughly 11.20 gallons of propane. Which means for the same amount of fuel, you’ll pay $6.23 for natural gas and $26.99 for propane.
Why are natural gas lines so flammable?
But due to the infrastructure (and bureaucratic red tape) that comes with natural gas lines, leaks can be challenging to identify and fix. This is because utility companies and the public utility commission need to come to an understanding of how to fund repairs or upgrades before taking action.
What is the importance of choosing a fuel for your home?
When selecting a fuel for your home, it’s important to weigh its safety, the cost, how efficient the fuel is, and what the environmental impact is. Below you’ll find everything you need to know about the advantages and disadvantages of natural gas and propane, for each of the aforementioned considerations.
Which is better for cooking, propane or gas?
Propane. Because propane delivers more BTUs for your dollar, it’s often the choice fuel to run your home appliances more efficiently. It’s also typically better for cooking, especially if you utilize an outdoor barbeque, as it’s more cost-effective for high-heat grilling.
How to Turn off a propane or Gas Fireplace Valve?
Next, you will find a knob. Try to turn the knob to the off position for at least 5 minutes or rotate counter clockwise until ON unit is in 6 o’clock position.
Where is the Gas Valve for my Fireplace?
This is where a knob that controls gas flow can be turned on or off. Typically, the gas valve for a fireplace is found on the control panel.
How do you tell if the Gas Valve is On or Off?
To tell if it is on, check if the valve is either parallel or turned a quarter unit, so it is perpendicular. If the gas valve is parallel to the incoming gas line, it is on. If you want to stop the gas flow, turn the gas valve a quarter turn, perpendicular to the incoming gas line. In this position, the gas valve is off.
Is a Faulty Gas Fireplace Valve Dangerous?
Yes, a faulty gas fireplace valve is dangerous. Gas leak in your house is dangerous and can cause fire, so you should never repair a gas fireplace problem yourself. This can be very dangerous. You should immediately call a professional and have them deal with the issue.
Do Gas Fireplaces need a Shut-off Valve?
Gas fireplaces require a shutoff valve. These are required by law and it must be located outside of the firebox. The law goes further, stating that each appliance is required to have shutoff valve separate from the appliance that must must be installed “upstream” on the walls other rooms from the device it serves. If you are a fraid on accidentally turning on the fireplace, you could turn the gas shutoff unit for the fireplace.
