How to Choose the Right Gas Logs for Your Home

Switching from the traditional system of firing woods to the use of gas is a decision you may want to consider because of its numerous advantages. Gas logs offer safety at a low cost and are mess-free. They also save you more money, protect your environment, and improve the quality of your indoor air. Keep reading to find out how to choose the right set for your home.

Tips for Choosing Gas Logs

When you want to buy gas fire logs, you need to consider the following:

1. The Log Style

There are two styles, and each has advantages and disadvantages.

The Vented Style

This style is specifically for a fireplace that previously utilized wood as fuel and has a fully functional chimney. Therefore, the gas log will replace the natural wood. It looks and burns like real wood, producing high, golden flames.

Remember that if you must choose this style, you should already have a chimney. Also, the damper of your chimney must remain open all the time. This will prevent the accumulation of toxic by-products of combustion such as carbon monoxide.

Pros

• It gives a natural and full flame appearance.

• It has a big flame height.

• There is no limit to the BTU.

• The burners are standard, and ANSI certified.

• It has a large ember bed to give it a realistic appearance.

• You can arrange the logs to burn in a pleasant manner.

Cons

• It is just about 10 percent efficient.

• You need to have an operational chimney and a damper.

• Much heat is lost because the damper must remain open.

The Ventless Style

This style does not require any vent or chimney to operate. It burns at almost 100 percent efficiency and does not leave much gas after combustion. As a result, the flame is smokeless and clean.

The flames from this style are usually blue and smaller than those of the vented style. Although it can still give you that realistic fire appearance, the flames won’t be as realistic as the vented version. Because this style does not require a chimney, the logs may produce an odor during combustion.

This will intensify all odors already in your home such as air fresheners, perfume, scented candles, dust, pet dander, or incense.

Pros

• It does not require any vent.

• Consumes less gas

• Allows more heat to circulate in your home

• It is almost 100 percent efficient.

• It has an ODS to detect oxygen depletion.

• The burners are factory tested and assembled and ANSI certified.

Cons

• The flame is unnatural.

• You cannot modify the burners because they are factory-assembled.

• It increases the humidity in your home.

• It may lead to lung irritation if you or anyone in your home has severe allergies or lung conditions. You can click here to read more about the ventless style.

2. The Log Material

Typically, a gas log is produced from a refractory cement mix or ceramic fiber, so it can withstand extremely high temperatures. There may be steel rods inside the log to reinforce it and prevent it from cracking or bending, even after prolonged exposure to heat.

Any log that is made with refractory cement retains its details and color for a longer time, whereas a ceramic fiber log will decolorize after a short period. Additionally, the refractory and ceramic materials are painted to depict the natural wood color, marking, and pitting.

3. The Log Size

The manufacturer decides the log size, so you need to check the recommended clearances and sizing requirements before buying. If you get the wrong size, it will overheat the firebox and gas valves. This may lead to a permanent damage to the fireplace, the log set, and even your home.

To get the right log size, you need to know how to measure the firebox. You can do this by measuring the height, depth, rear width, and front width of the firebox.

4. Your Preferred Control Option

There are different options:

Safety Pilot Kit (Manual)

The kit is a valve that has a safety set and a thermocouple that senses flame. You can ignite it with a lighter or matchstick. Also, the safety set will shut the valve if there is no more flame.

Safety Pilot Kit (Modified)

This type has a valve with a motor attachment. It allows you to attach a remote control to your log for easy operation.

Match-Lit

This is a very affordable and easy to control option. You only need a lighter or matchstick to ignite it. It is only available for the vented style that uses natural gas.

Millivolt Valve

This is like the safety pilot kit, but it has a thermopile that produces a very large millivolt current. You can connect a remote control, thermostat, timer, or wall switch to the system.

Electronic Valve

This option allows you to use a valve switch, remote, or wall switch to control the system. Some may allow you to use your main power supply, but the system is mostly battery-operated. You can also check out https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Gas-Fireplace to learn how to maintain a gas fireplace.

Conclusion

Choosing the right log for your gas-fueled fireplace increases the aesthetic appeal of your home. It also sets a positive vibe within the space. We hope that the tips shared will help you choose the right log for your home.