| Answers to questions about gas |
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What is a Direct Vent fireplace?
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A direct vent fireplace is designed to draw combustion air from, and
to expel combustion gases directly to, the outside through a double-walled
steel pipe.
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What is a fireplace Insert?
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This type of fireplace is designed to be installed into an existing masonry
fireplace and makes use of the existing masonry chimney.
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What does Zero Clearance mean?
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It means that combustible materials (eg. framing materials) can be placed directly
against the sides, back, top and bottom of the fireplace. Materials cannot be
placed against or near the front of the fireplace as this is where the heat radiates
from.
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What is a Ventless fireplace?
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This type of fireplace uses a clean burning fuel that produces no toxic gases and
does not required a chimney.
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What is a BTU?
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"British Thermal Unit" - technically speaking it is the amount of heat required to
raise the temperature of 1 lb of water by 1 degree fahrenheit. However, it is
useful for comparing the energy inputs and outputs of various fireplace models.
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Is there a difference between propane and natural gas?
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Natural gas contains approximately 35,600 Btu per cubic metre and propane
contains approximately 24,000 Btu per litre. Natural gas is usually supplied
to your home by a pipeline, whereas propane is usually provided in tanks which
you rent from a propane supplier.
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How much gas will I use?
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Propane:
A fireplace with a propane input rating of 24,000 Btu/hour will use one litre
of propane per hour. A 420lb propane cylinder contains 364 litres of propane
and will allow the fireplace to operate for 364 hour (call your local propane
supplier to get your cost for a 420lb cylinder).
Natural Gas:
A fireplace with an input rating of 35,600 Btu/hour will use 1 cubic metre of
gas per hour (call your local natural gas supplier to get your cost per cubic
metre of gas).
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What is the difference between Tempered & Ceramic glass?
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Tempered glass reflects heat, whereas heat can radiate through ceramic glass. Therefore,
ceramic glass will allow more heat to pass into the room.
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Will a fan improve the heating?
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Yes. Heat radiates from the front of the fireplace into the room. Additional heat
from other parts of the fireplace can be blown into the room using a fan.
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Do I need a CO2 detector?
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A CO2 detector is recommended.
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Do I need a building permit?
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A building permit is not required for the installation of a gas fireplace.
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How long does it take to install a fireplace?
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About 1 day to install the basic unit and then another 2-3 days for finishing
(depends upon the type of finishes chosen)
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How is the fireplace turned on/off?
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Fireplaces can be controlled by a simple on/off wall switch, by a remote
control or by a thermostat.
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Can a fireplace be controlled by a thermostat?
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Yes.
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Will the fireplace operate during a power outage?
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Yes. Gas fireplaces will operate without external electricity (except for
any fans that may be installed).
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What happens if the pilot light goes out?
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Modern gas fireplaces are designed to halt the flow of gas if the pilot
light goes out, therefore gas will not flow into your house if the pilot
light goes out.
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What do I do if my question is not answered by this FAQ?
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See the Contact Us section for information on how to
ask Hubert Heating for more information.
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