Common signs that your fireplace is a gas fireplace include:
- There’s a bed of media commonly in the form of logs, coals or pebbles that’s made from ceramic and therefore fake imitations of the real thing.
- A control knob or set of control knobs can be found somewhere on the fireplace, typically underneath the firebox, and may indicate a gas fireplace with gas and/or pilot light symbols.
- You can see an ignition system.
How do I know if my gas fireplace is not working?
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. The cause of this can be a broken thermopile. A more severe cause of this issue is faulty wiring. The second sign of an issue is a rotten egg smell.
How do I know if my propane tank is on or off?
If the gas valve is parallel to the incoming gas line, it is on. Turn the gas valve on the propane tank by pushing ignitor to verify spark at pilot area if it is not in this position. If you do not see a red or black spark ignitor button, you do not have a manual ignition system.
Should I install a gas or electric fireplace in my home?
Since about 48% of homes in the United States, particularly in the South, use natural gas, installing a natural gas fireplace will be the best choice for most homeowners. It is typically easier to connect your natural gas fireplace to your gas main or install a new line which is often an easy and cost-efficient process.
What is the difference between a natural gas and propane fireplace?
Arguably the most significant difference when installing a natural gas or propane fireplace is their fuel source, meaning where the gases are stored. In the case of propane, this fuel is compressed into a liquid form, often referred to as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which is then stored in tanks of varying sizes.
How do I know what kind of gas 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 a natural gas fireplace run on propane?
It is possible to convert a natural gas fireplace to propane gas and it usually involves changing the orifice and regulator. However, the ability to convert gas fireplaces comes down to the manufacturer and model of the fireplace. For best results, consult the manufacturer and a professional fireplace installer.
What happens if you use propane on a natural gas fireplace?
Running propane through an orifice designed for natural gas and lower pressure will result in an overly large flame and soot. The flame will be bigger and may cause damage and even an explosion. This is because the orifice jet designed for natural gas is larger than the one for propane.
How do I change my gas log from propane to natural gas?
Step 1: Prepare Your Work Space. To convert your fireplace, the first thing you must do is turn off the gas and electrical power to the unit. ... Step 2: Replace the Burner Orifice. ... Step 3: Convert the Pilot. ... Step 4: Change the Control Valve. ... Step 5: Document the Change.
Is there a difference between propane gas logs and natural gas logs?
Propane gas logs usually use vermiculite in the burner pan whereas natural gas logs use a special grade of silica sand.
What type of gas does a gas fireplace use?
Using natural gas or propane, gas inserts burn a real flame that emulates the look of a traditional fireplace without the hassle of burning wood.
How much does it cost to switch from propane to natural gas?
This substantial cost difference may lead homeowners to consider converting from propane to natural gas once natural gas becomes available in their neighborhood. The conversion process can be complicated, and the cost can range from under $1,000 to more than $5,000.
How do you hook up a propane tank to a gas fireplace?
The propane is fed to the fireplace via a gas hose line. The hose line is attached to the propane tank with a gas hose pressure regulator valve. The regulator valve is installed by screwing it into the propane tank valve. This makes propane tanks easy to replace once they have run out of fuel.
How do you hook up a propane tank to a gas fireplace?
The propane is fed to the fireplace via a gas hose line. The hose line is attached to the propane tank with a gas hose pressure regulator valve. The regulator valve is installed by screwing it into the propane tank valve. This makes propane tanks easy to replace once they have run out of fuel.
Can you use a propane regulator for natural gas?
Propane regulators and natural gas regulators are not interchangeable, though they both operate in the same fashion. A natural gas regulator is comprised of five components: set screw, spring, rod, diaphragm and valve.
How much propane does a gas fireplace use?
The simple answer is, a propane fireplace uses about one gallon of propane per 100,000 BTU. So, if you have a propane fireplace that is rated 50,000 BTU, you can expect to use one gallon of propane every two hours.
Can a fireplace be propane?
Propane fireplaces offer homeowners true versatility. They can be installed indoors or out, are more energy efficient, environmentally friendly, convenient to use, and easier to install than wood-burning models.
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
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 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.
How do I Know if my Fireplace is Leaking Gas?
You cannot see gas hence you have to be extra careful and watch out for the signs below.
How do you Inspect a Gas Fireplace?
You have to check all parts of the fireplace starting with the exterior then the interior. Start by checking how the unit is mounted on the frame. Make sure there are no gaps on the fireplace frame.
Will a Carbon Monoxide Detector Detect a Gas Leak?
NO, carbon monoxide detectors cannot detect a gas leak. This is a common misconception. If you want to detect a gas leak use a natural gas detector. However, nowadays some manufacturers combine the two detectors in one device. Purchase a device that is indicated it can perform both works.
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.
