Price Shoppers Beware
When shopping for a gas log set there are several things to consider.  A cheap price usually means something is missing or the quality is low.  The higher priced log sets have more detail to their logs and better burner systems, producing a bigger and nicer flame pattern.  

Remember, Good things are seldom "cheap" and cheap things are seldom "good".

•  How realistic are the logs?   If you take a good look at the picture (which will show full-size when clicked on) you will see that the logs are very detailed including the charred look and grain of the wood.  Cheap log sets look fake.  Count how many logs are in the set since many sets from other companies consist of only four logs.

• How Big is the Flame?  While flame size can vary depending on each homes gas pressure, typically you will see a flame similar to the picture shown.  Many gas log sets have a small flame due to the poor burner design.  To cut costs many stores sell the least expensive burner that typically produces a small or fake looking flame.
• Will I Need A Safety Pilot?  With a vent-free set the safety pilot is included, most vented sets have an optional valve or safety pilot, or wall switch/remote control option.  Pick the option that suits your needs.  For vented logs we suggest you purchase the safety-pilot or remote option (remote option includes safety pilot).  With a standard gas valve you will need to light the fire each time you use the log set versus the safety-pilot where all you need to do is rotate the knob and the fire will light.  If using LP (propane) then you must use a safety pilot valve.

Vented Gas Logs
  A vented gas log set simply means that you will need to vent the gas fumes up the chimney.  While vented log sets are very popular due to their large flame pattern and realistic look, they are the least efficient since most all the heat is going up the chimney.  Flame size is typically larger since vented sets usually burn more Btu's of gas.  A vented gas log set must be installed in a wood-burning fireplace and ran with the damper wide open.  Vented log sets have the option of connecting to a manual on/off gas valve which is lit with a match, or can be connected to a manual safety pilot or a millivolt pilot valve.

  Almost all gas log sets are sold with no valve and are purchased and installed separately.  See the section below for additional information on gas valves.

BTU Input Rating
(average vented log set)

  Vent-free gas logs are available in two types of logs, ceramic fiber logs and concrete refractory logs.  The ceramic fiber logs will glow after about 15 minutes of use giving a more realistic burn where the concrete refractory logs will not glow at all but are more durable and intricate in their detail.

  All vent-free gas log sets come complete with a gas valve but you may have a choice on either a manual safety pilot gas valve or a millivolt gas valve.  See Picking a Gas Valve for more information.

Vent-Free gas log sets are for use in wood-burning fireplaces or approved vent-free firebox enclosures.  Glass doors must be open when burning.  With adequate combustion and ventilation air the damper may be closed for vent-free use.  The damper may be slightly opened for reduced venting.  Check local codes and ordinances for permitted uses.  Vent-free appliances are illegal in Minnesota and Canada, for instance.

BTU Input Rating
(average vent-free set)

Measuring Your Fireplace

Your log set should be properly sized to your fireplace using the following guidelines:

Measure your fireplace taking the front width (A), the rear width (B) and the depth (C). The log set size you can use in your fireplace should meet the minimum dimensions.

"A" - Minimum 2" to 6" on each side of the nominal set size.  In other words, if you are planning to use a 24" log set, the front opening dimension of your fireplace (A) should be at least 28".

B" - Not less than nominal set size.  In other words, if you are planning to use a 24" log set, the rear dimension of your fireplace (B) should be at least 24" wide.

"C" - Minimum 12" to 14" (16" to 18" for see-through fireplaces).

Be careful when measuring a Pre-Fab fireplace, typically you will need a 36" fireplace (A dimension) for a 24" log set.

EmberAir Grate Heater The EmberAir Grate Heater can be used with either a vented gas log set or in a wood burning fireplace.  The hollow titanium tube is typically routed up and over the rear of the fireplace grate so the heat from the fire warms the tubing.  Thermostatically controlled with a two speed blower.  Click here for more info or to order.
Model 5CF-EGRATE	Width 26"	Depth 17"

Gas Log Heater The Gas Log Heater allows you to slide the burner pan from your existing gas log set under the rear hollow tube of the heater grate.  When the gas fire heats up the hollow grate assembly the fan automatically comes on forcing up to 25,000 BTU's of heat per hour into your home.  Can be used most vented gas log sets and is designed for use in a masonry fireplace.  Rheostat and Thermostatically controlled.  2 Year Warranty. Click here for more info or to order.
Model	Width	Depth
5TH-GL-2017	20"	17"
5TH-GL-2420	24"	20"

Cozy Grate Heater The perfect companion for any masonry fireplace.  Tired of loosing all the heat up the chimney?  Get up to 40,000 BTU's of heat from your wood fire with the Cozy Grate Heater.  When the wood fire heats up the hollow grate assembly the fan automatically comes on forcing up to 40,000 BTU's of heat per hour into your home.  Rheostat and Thermostatically controlled.  3 Year Warranty.  Click here for more info or to order.
Model	Width	Depth
5TH-TR-17	20"	17"
5TH-TR-20	22"	20"
5TH-TR-22	24"	22"

Gas Log Testing Laboratories
  Most municipalities do not require any special approval on a gas log set, however, some do.  The state of Massachusetts and the city of Los Angeles are particular about what they will approve.  You should always check with your local city or township to see if there are any requirements that need to be met before purchasing you new gas log set.  You may find that your city may require a RADCO, or AGA, or ANSI, or CSA approval before they will pass the inspection.  Each gas log set we carry will list the approval if it has one, some don't.  That doesn't mean they aren't safe, it only means the company hasn't tested this particular log set with an outside testing firm.  You will find that a gas log set that carries a label from RADCO or AGA, etc. will cost more than an identical set that isn't approved.  If you don't need the approval for you town then it isn't necessary to pay the extra money if you have an option.

RADCO
The RADCO approval tests gas logs for safety.  The log set does not necessarily need a safety pilot assembly.

AGA or ANSI
"ANSI" stands for American National Standards Institute. It is a standards organization that approves the development of standards for gas hearth products, as well as many other products in the US.  The AGA or ANSI standard approves the gas log set only if it has a factory installed safety pilot assembly.

CGA
CGA, Canadian Gas Association is a standards organization for Canada which approves and holds the gas safety standards for Canada.

Testing standards are changing rapidly in the Hearth Industry.

Note:  All gas log sets should be installed by qualified service personnel, typically available in the Yellow Pages.  Read Owner's Manual supplied with set before installing and using log set.