Everything you need to know about Gas Logs

---

• Introduction to Gas Logs
• Gas logs compared to wood.
• Can I install gas logs in my fireplace?
• Vented -vs- Ventless
• What size gas logs do I buy?
• How do I measure my fireplace for gas logs?
• Do I need to worry about building codes?
• Natural gas logs -vs- liquid propane logs?
• The difference between Standard & See-Thru logs?
• Gas log remote controls and other options.
• Peterson Gas Log Brochure (.pdf)

 

---

Introduction to Gas Logs

The first thing that you need to know about Gas Logs is that there are a lot of questions that need to be answered before you can even begin searching for the right logs. Questions such as; "do you want vented or ventless logs". "Are you burning natural gas or propane". "Do you want a remote control". "Do you want your remote control to turn the logs on and off or to adjust the flame...or to have a thermostat?". "What type of fireplace do you have...masonry, prefabricated, ventless?". "How wide is the fireplace in the middle?". "How deep is the fireplace?". "Are there any building codes you need to be aware of?". "Are the gas logs you've seen online even legal in your city?". "Do you care?"..."Are you having a nice day?" and on and on...we hope you get the point.

 

All of these questions need to be answered in order for you to purchase the right gas logs for your fireplace. So it is really too complicated to be done online...yet that is exactly what we do. However, we do all of our business over the phone, which gives you the opportunity to talk to one of our gas log experts who will know what questions to ask you so that you can be sure the logs you buy from us will not only be safe and legal for your home, they will look fantastic and perform beyond your expectations..

We have put together some answers to common questions on this page, but we strongly encourage you to call and talk to our gas log experts who can put this all in perspective and help you decide what type of gas logs will fit safely into your fireplace...and most of all...which ones will look the best and give you that warm cozy feeling you are looking for!

Talk To a Gas Log Expert: 1-800-201-1193

Back to Top...

 

---

How does burning gas logs compare to burning real wood?

With all the talk about skyrocketing fuel costs, it still makes sense to burn R. H. Peterson Gas Logs.

Here are the results from a recent survey performed in October 2005. The comparison uses a range of 55,000 to 85,000 btu's per hour consumption of natural gas burning a Peterson Gas burner system. The wood cost was calculated using seasoned firewood at the rate of 18-23 lbs per hour. Figures were supplied by local Gas Utility Companies using October 2005 heating rates and local firewood distributors.

 

Summary: R. H. Peterson gas log burner systems provide instant on/off heat and cost less to use per hour than firewood. With normal fireplace usage this amounts to hundreds of dollars in savings over the winter.

National Survey of Fireplace Fuel Costs
R. H. Peterson Real Fyre and Hallmark Gas Logs vs. Seasoned Firewood

City	Ave. Cost of Natural Gas per Therm (100,000 BTUs)	Ave. Hourly Cost of Burning Gas Logs	Average Cost of Wood per Hour	Average Savings when Burning Peterson Gas Logs
Birmingham, AL	$1.84	$1.29	$1.94	34%
Chicago, Il	$1.2	$0.84	$2.64	68%
Dallas, TX	$1.40	$0.95	$1.54	36%
Denver, CO	$0.98	$0.69	$1.17	41%
Houston, TX	$1.33	$0.93	$1.28	27%
Kansas City, MO	$0.92	$0.64	$1.29	51%
Los Angeles, CA	$1.39	$0.97	$1.34	28%
Las Vegas, NV	$0.75	$0.53	$1.24	57%
Minneapolis, MN	$1.22	$0.85	$1.29	34%
Nashville, TN	$1.47	$1.03	$1.37	25%
Philadelphia, PA	$1.40	$0.98	$1.29	24%
Phoenix, AZ	$1.09	$0.76	$1.63	53%
San Francisco, CA	$1.79	$1.25	$2.28	45%
Salt Lake City, UT	$1.28	$0.90	$1.45	38%
Seattle, WA	$1.12	$0.78	$1.48	47%

Other reasons to choose R. H. Peterson Gas Logs:

1. The convenience of having instant and efficient, cozy heat with the ability to safely turn off your fire when you go to bed or leave the house. No sparks, smoldering embers or creosote build-up eliminates dangerous chimney fires.
   
2. Gas logs end the buying, storing and hauling of firewood, and best of all, no messy clean up of ashes. No chimney cleaning, bugs or termites, either.
   
3. Burning Peterson Gas Logs is a healthful option. They produce 35-40% fewer emissions than firewood and emit no particulate matter that harms the environment. Gas logs have proven to be environmentally friendly, keeping our air cleaner, while protecting our forests. An added bonus, cleaner air can mean allergies and asthmatic conditions aggravated by wood fires are eliminated when burning gas logs.

These are just a handful of reasons why it makes more sense - and costs fewer cents - to burn Real-Fyre Gas Logs from RH Peterson Company!

Back to Top...

 

---

What type of fireplace is required for me to install my gas logs?

Vented Gas Logs Require a Wood Burning Fireplace, Ventless (or Vent Free) Gas Logs can be installed in either a wood burning fireplace, or a ventless fireplace that is rated for aftermarket ventless logs:

Masonry Fireplaces: A typical masonry fireplace will have a chimney that is built from bricks that is lined with an oval shaped flue liner. If your damper is a wide rectangular piece that opens and closes with a lever and your fireplace is capable of burning wood, then you have a masonry woodburning fireplace that is designed to use either vented or ventless gas logs. If you purchase vented logs, you must burn the logs with the damper open.

Prefabricated Woodburing Fireplaces: A Prefabricated (or zero clearance) wood burning fireplace is a metal box that is lined with refractory panels and has a round metal chimney anywhere from 8" to 15" in diameter. The metal box and pipe are built-in to the home with 2x4 construction and the chimney outside the house is usually covered with stucco, siding, or sometimes brick veneer. If you have a round damper that is 8" in diameter or larger and your fireplace is capable of burning wood, then you have a prefabricated woodburning fireplace that is designed to use either vented or ventless gas logs.  If you purchase vented logs, you must burn the logs with the damper open.

Ventless Fireplaces: Ventless (or Vent Free) fireplaces are similar to prefabricated wood burning fireplaces except that there is no chimney at all. Some ventless fireplaces come with factory installed gas logs and burner systems which cannot be removed or replaced without causing serious safety issues. Others are simply a black metal box that is designed to accommodate an aftermarket ventless gas log. If you have the latter type, then you can use any of the ventless logs on our site. Important Note: You cannot install vented logs in a ventless fireplace!

Vented Gas Fireplaces: Vented Gas Fireplaces are built-in to your home just like real wood burning fireplaces, except that the flue that is a much smaller (usually 4" to 8" in diameter) and cannot handle the heat produced by burning real wood. All gas fireplaces will come with factory installed gas logs that cannot be modified or changed in any way. If you do not like the way your gas fireplace burns, you will need to replace the entire fireplace. Important Note: You cannot install any of the gas logs on our web site in this type of vented gas fireplace. Doing so creates an extreme safety hazard.

Direct Gas Fireplaces: Direct Vent Gas Fireplaces are like vented gas fireplaces, except that the flue that is may be vented directly out the back. All direct ventgas fireplaces will come with factory installed gas logs that cannot be modified or changed in any way. If you do not like the way your gas fireplace burns, you will need to replace the entire fireplace. Important Note: You cannot install any of the gas logs on our web site in this type of vented gas fireplace. Doing so creates an extreme safety hazard.

Back to Top...

 

---

Vented - VS Ventless...which one is better?

Vented Gas Logs Require a Wood Burning Fireplace, Ventless (or Vent Free) Gas Logs can be installed in either a wood burning fireplace, or a ventless fireplace that is rated for aftermarket ventless logs. Ventless gas logs will produce more heat, while vented gas logs will look much more realistic. Read more below:

Vented Gas Logs:

"Fully Vented" gas logs and must be burned in a fireplace that is capable of burning real wood and must be burned with the damper open. The reason for this is that they do not burn the gas cleanly and create exhaust that is very similar to burning a real wood fire. This exhaust needs to be able to go up the chimney. The real beauty of vented gas logs is that they produce substantially more yellow flame than ventless logs which makes them look far more realistic. The downside is that most of the heat goes right up the chimney.

 

However, In most cases, you can offset this heat loss by slightly closing the damper...but you must be careful that the exhaust from your logs is not coming into the room because, just like burning real wood, it contains Carbon Monoxide. A good way to test this is to turn on your gas logs with the damper slightly closed. Hold a lighter or candle in front of the fireplace opening near the top. If the flame from the lighter (candle) is being drawn in toward the fireplace, then you are OK. If the flame is standing still or pushed out toward the room, then your fireplace is not drafting enough and you must open the damper more.

Positive Features of Vented Gas Logs:

1. Extremely realistic flame pattern that looks like a wood fire.
2. Flame is much taller than ventless logs
3. Flame dances and wraps around logs like real wood.
4. Does not require a CO2 detector
5. Since the damper is open, most of the smell will go up the chimney

Negative Features of Vented Gas Logs:

1. Less heat than ventless logs (probably won't heat your room)
2. Uses slightly more gas than ventless logs

Ventless Gas Logs:

Ventless gas logs (often referred to as "Vent Free" gas logs) have specially designed burners that burn the gas cleanly and produce almost no exhaust...somewhat like the way a gas range in a kitchen works. Since there is little or no exhaust, they can be burned with the damper closed.

The beauty of this type of system is that 99.9% of the heat produced by the gas logs goes into the room, so they produce substantially more heat than their vented counter-parts. However, there are many negative features commonly associated with ventless logs that you must be aware of before you decide to purchase them:

Positive Features of Ventless Gas Logs:

1. Much better heat output than vented gas logs
2. Less pollution
3. Slightly less gas consumption

Negative Features of Ventless Gas Logs:

1. Since the byproduct of burning gas cleanly is water, ventless logs will introduce excess moisture into your home which can result in mold or mildew.
2. You must be careful not to burn your ventless logs for extended periods of time with windows closed, otherwise they will deplete the oxygen in your home.
3. If you burn your ventless logs for more than an hour or so, you must crack open a window to allow air into your home to replace the oxygen burned by the ventless logs. This will introduce cold air into the room and offset some of the heating benefits that ventless logs claim to have.
4. Ventless logs produce an odor that many people equate to the smell of burning kerosene. So if you have a sensitive nose, you may not be able to handle the smell and will be greatly dissatisfied with ventless logs. On the other hand, we've heard some people who like the smell because it reminds them of their childhood days at Grandma's house.
5. Ventless logs are not legal in California as well as some cities and municipalities. However, you can still purchase ventless logs from us if you live in California...you will just have to burn them with the damper open (which really defeats the purpose).
6. Ventless logs are required to have an ODS (oxygen depletion system) as well as a CO2 detector...which might tell you that there are some risks involved in operating them if these systems fail.
7. The flame pattern with ventless logs pails in comparison to vented logs. Because the gas must burn cleanly, the flame height is very low and most of it is blue.
8. Also, you will find that the flame does not dance around like a real wood fire and very little of the flame actually touches the logs. The reason for this is that when the flame touches the logs, it gets cooled off and does not burn cleanly and starts to produce soot and exhaust gases.

Bottom Line: We highly recommend that you purchase vented gas logs. You will be much happier with realistic appearance and high burning real-wood-like flame. We only recommend ventless logs when maximizing the heat output outweighs all of the other negative aspects.

Back to Top...

---

How do I determine what size gas logs to purchase?

Clearance Requirements: Each gas log burner system has a minimum clearance from the side walls of your fireplace. Burners with safety pilots require more clearance than those without. For gas logs with a safety pilot, the required clearance is due to air space that is necessary in order to prevent your control valve from overheating and melting. The most common mistake made by people who purchase gas logs without performing the correct size calculations is to install the largest logs they can fit in their fireplace ignoring any warnings or recommendations about leaving this critical air space for the burner.

We Find The Correct Size For You: We have designed this web site in a way that ensures you end up with the correct size gas logs based on the dimensions of your fireplace and the type of burner system that you select. We do this by performing complex calculations which compare your dimensions to over 4700 possible gas log configurations and finding those that fit properly. No other web site can currently perform these calculations...so they take a chance that you will order the wrong size. Read about How To Measure further below.

Calculation Examples: For a Fireplace that measures 42" x 28" x 20". Figure 1A uses a gas log with an adjustable flame remote control valve, while Figure 1B uses a gas log with No Safety Pilot.

 

Figure 1A
Gas Logs with Variable Flame Remote Pilot
Recommended Size = 16"

How the calculation is performed for Figure 1A:
Our site first calculates the width of your fireplace measured 7" back from the front of the opening. This is the approximate location that the burner system shown in the picture will be installed for the largest size gas logs that will fit. We then find the required clearance for the pilot system that you select, which is 2.5" in the example below. Next, we find the additional width added on by the safety pilot. We then calculate D by adding A and B. Now if you take the required clearance plus the pilot size and then doubling it, you can subtract that number from the Center Width to determine the maximum size burner that will fit in the remaining space. In this case, the largest burner that will fit could be only 16" wide. And since we have logs and burners that are available 16" wide, this would be the largest recommended size. Although these logs may appear small in this fireplace, this is the largest size that will offer you the added safety and convenience of this burner system.

 

Figure 1B
Gas Logs with No Safety Pilot
Recommended Size = 30"

 

How the calculation is performed for Figure 1B:
Figure 1B below shows the same fireplace with a standard burner that has No Safety Pilot. Since there is no pilot that requires air space, we just need to find the largest size logs that will fit the space comfortably. In this case the Recommended size will end up being much larger than the first example and will ultimately look better, but won't have the added benefits of the remote control safety pilot. When we do this calculation, we allow only 1" on each side of the logs then find the remaining available space. By deducting 2" from the Calculated Center Width, we would have 35" left for the logs and burner. We then find the closest available size that is less than or equal to 35"...which in this case is 30". So we arrive at a recommended size of 30" for this type of application...Although 36" logs are in fact available and could possibly be installed, they would over-crowd the fireplace and would not look as good as the 30" Model.

Conclusion: We have illustrated the above examples so that you can see there is no simple way to determine just what size gas logs you need. You must perform these calculations to take the risk out of your purchase. We do not recommend purchasing gas logs from any dealer who does not take the above parameters into consideration. You will find that most manufacturers do not cover problems under warranty if their products are not installed per the parameters laid out in their installation manual.

For a more graphical explaination of the required clearances, please click on the image below which is provided by the manufacturer.

Back to Top...

---

How to measure your fireplace for gas logs!

Measuring is very simple...basically we just need the Front Width, Back Width, and Depth of the fireplace floor. Measure only the useable space. We say this because some Prefabricated or Metal Fireplaces have an area where the mesh curtain hangs that is several inches wider than the actual useable floor space inside (See Figure 2B). Also, if you have a mesh curtain or glass doors, be sure to measure the depth from behind either of these, since this is the useable space for the logs. Otherwise, you may end up with logs that hamper the opening and closing of your screen.

Figure 2A and Figure 2B show examples of how to measure for gas logs.

How to Measure a Masonry Fireplace

You're even better off if you measure
just the floor of the firelace!
Figure 2A

How to Measure a Prefab or Metal Fireplace

A lot of fireplaces are like this,
so make sure you notice if yours is too.
Figure 2B

Back to Top...

---

What are the differences between Certifications?

Our Gas logs fall under 3 different classes: Non-Certified (No Approval Rating), RADCO approved, and ANSI Certified. Some states require a certification for gas logs and others don't. Be sure to check with your local building department if you are unsure about the requirements for your municipality. If you receive your gas logs and subsequently find that they are not legal in your city, you may not be able to ship them back once they have been installed.

Non-Certified: Non-Certified logs are generally very large and use too many BTU's to pass any type of certification. However, they are still considered safe and legal in many cities and states. If you have a large fireplace (say over 45" wide), you will have a hard time finding "Certified" gas logs big enough to fit nicely, so we have a great selection of Uncertified gas logs for you to consider. Our Non-Certified logs are available in sizes up to 60"!

RADCO: RADCO is a commonly accepted certification that imposes some restrictions yet is widely accepted in many states including California. Most of the gas logs on our site that are under 90,000 BTUs will be available in RADCO approved versions. RADCO approved logs are available in sizes up to 30".

ANSI: ANSI (American National Standards Institute) is the most widely accepted certification for gas logs. ANSI certification has very strict qualifications and in most cases requires that the gas logs have a safety pilot that has been factory installed and tested. There are also limitations to the BTU input as well as the actual placement of the logs on the grate. Many states require ANSI approval, so you will be happy to find that we have over 1,000 ANSI approved log and burner combinations for you to choose from in sizes up to 36".

Massachusetts: If you live in Massachusetts, you need to purchase special gas logs from a local dealer that are approved only in your state. None of the gas logs on this site are approved for installation in Massachusetts.

California: California accepts both RADCO and ANSI approved logs

New York: In most cities accepts ANSI approved gas logs only.

Other States: Almost all other states accept the ANSI approved logs...and many states will accept RADCO approval while others do not require any certification. Again, be sure to consult with your local building department before purchasing gas logs from any dealer.

Back to Top...

---

What should I know about Natural Gas and Liquid Propane?

Most importantly...Liquid Propane always requires a safety pilot, whereas Natural Gas does not. The reasons are explained in more detail below.

Natural Gas: Since Natural Gas is lighter than air, it can be used without a safety pilot in many cities, providing the damper is permanently propped open. Propping the damper open will prevent allow the gas to escape up the flue in the event that someone turns on the gas without lighting the logs. Natural gas is typically used in homes where Natural Gas is already plumbed throughout the home. If you have Natural Gas in your home, but do not have it plumbed to your fireplace, be sure to have this done by a certified plumber. The plumber needs to know the BTU input of the gas logs that you purchase so that the correct diameter line can be run from the gas main or other connection. Also, if you already have natural gas plumbed to the fireplace, the amount of BTU's that the line can handle may be less than the logs consume...which may result in lower than expected performance.

Liquid Propane: Since Liquid Propane gas is heavier than air, all gas log systems that use Liquid Propane are required to have a safety pilot. This prevents the gas from puddling in the home in the event that someone turns on the gas line without igniting the fire. Liquid Propane is commonly used in areas where Natural Gas is not available to the home. If you do not already have gas plumbed to your fireplace, then you will want to have a certified plumber or Liquid Propane expert install the gas line. Make sure that this is done to code for your area.

 

Be sure to consult with your local building department if you are not sure of any requirements before purchasing gas logs from any dealer.

Back to Top...

---

What's the difference between Standard and See Thru!

Standard Fireplaces:

Fireplaces where the logs cannot be seen from the back side. This includes your typical fireplace as well as an "L-Shaped" fireplaces that are open on the front as well as the left or right side....and...3 sided bay style fireplaces that have 2 short sides and 1 long side. Standard gas logs have a single burner that causes the flame to come up only in the front and middle. The rear bottom log is smaller than the front bottom log and the grate is also narrower in the back. They are made this way because most standard fireplaces get narrower toward the back.

Single Sided	L-Shaped
3 Sided Bay

 

See Thru Fireplaces:

Fireplaces where the logs can be seen from both front and back. A true see thru fireplace is open between 2 rooms. However, any fireplace where the logs can be seen from both front and back would use a see thru gas logs. A 3 sided peninsula style fireplace that has 2 long sides and 1 short side would use a see thru gas log. See thru gas logs will have a special burner that causes the flame to come from the front, back, and middle of the logs. The logs and grate are also the same width in both front and back.

See Thru

3 Sided Peninsula

Back to Top...

---

What makes outdoor gas logs different than indoor gas logs?

In the past, there was no difference between outdoor gas logs and those used indoors. However, things have changed now with the introduction of the Stainless Steel Outdoor Gas Log burner systems that R. H. Peterson developed specifically for use in outdoor fireplaces. Until now, gas logs would last a couple years exposed to the elements before the burner system would begin to rust and stop working. Now, with the new Peterson Stainless Steel outdoor burners, you can enjoy your logs for a lifetime, which makes Peterson the best gas log on the market for your outdoor fireplace.

See Outdoor Gas Logs Here!

Back to Top...

---

What are the different control options?

Important Note: Liquid Propane always requires a safety pilot, whereas Natural Gas does not. The reasons are explained in more detail below.

Match Light: Match light systems do not have any type of safety pilot. You start the fire by lighting a long lighter or match and holding it inside the fireplace just above the burner while you turn on the gas. The gas valve should be located either in the wall or floor. If your gas valve is inside the fireplace, be sure that it is legally installed. Most cities require that you at least have a cut off valve outside the fireplace that is in reach. Match light burners are substantially less expensive than other options, but are not legal in many cities.

Manual Safety Pilots: Manually controlled gas logs have a safety pilot that stays lit all of the time (it can be turned off during the off-season). The safety pilot attached to the burner will have a knob that you turn to light the fire. This knob works as long as the safety pilot is lit. You cannot use a remote control with a manual safety pilot. Manual safety pilots are less expensive than remote control pilots because they use a less sophisticated system. This is also the least expensive way to operate gas logs with Liquid Propane.

Remote Safety Pilots: A remote capable safety pilot operates like a manual safety pilot with a knob or switch to turn on the fire. However, you can also purchase a separate remote control or wall control to turn the logs on as well. In most cases the remote control is sold separately. Some remote capable controls only turn the fire on and off while others can adjust the flame height as well. The variable flame remote controls are more expensive.

Electronic Ignition Remote Systems: Electronic ignition systems are the latest technology. These types of systems turn the gas on and off electronically and do not have a standing safety pilot. There is no wasted gas or noise from a gas pilot when the logs are not burning. This is the most expensive type of system, but the most desired.

Back to Top...

---

What's the difference between Refractory Ceramic Logs and Refractory Cement Logs?

The material that your logs are made of can make a tremendous difference in the amount of heat that they produce, how much they glow, and how long they last. In our opinion, refractory ceramic logs are the best. Read more below to compare the differences and decide what's best for you.

Refractory Ceramic: Refractory ceramic has a greater heat radiating capability and will last for many years. Refractory ceramic is a mixture of powdered ceramic and cement. This mixture is poured into a rubber mold and then left to dry for a day or so. Once the logs are dry, they are colored with a special heat resistant paint. Some logs have more hand painted details than other...and will look more realistic and cost more. On our web site, these are generally referred to as "Designer" logs.

The key manufacture of high grade Refractory Ceramic logs is R. H. Peterson. Their molds produce the most realistic bark and wood details...and with their hand painted details, you will find a much larger variety of woods with very realistic appearances.

Refractory Cement: Refractory Cement logs are generally the least expensive logs and are sold at mass merchants, discount stores, home centers, discount websites and the like. They are made using a heat resistant grade of cement...similar to what a mason would use for the mortar when building the inside of a fireplace. This material does not radiate very much heat.  Logs like this may look realistic when they are new and painted, but they tend to crack and crumble after a short period of time...sometimes after the first use. We do not recommend or sell any logs that are made this material.