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C o n t ro l s
A variety of controls are available for natural gas fireplace equipment. Most use a simple, continuously burn-
ing pilot light to ignite the flames. To start a fire, you turn a valve, flip a wall switch or use a remote contro l .
Also available are spark ignitions that re q u i r e no electricity, electronic ignitions and units controlled by a ther-
mostat. Some gas fireplace equipment has several temperature levels so that you can "fine-tune" your com-
f o r t.
E n e r gy Use
In terms of energy consumption, natural gas fireplace equipment is rated by the amount of British therm a l
units (Btu) used in an hour (Btu/hr). The larger the number, the more fuel is used and the more heat it will cre-
ate. Most vented gas log sets and fireplaces are in the 20,000 to 60,000 Btu/hour range. Unvented pro d u c t s
have an upper limit of 40,000 Btu/hour.
Residential natural gas prices are usually stated in units called "therms." One therm equals 100,000 Btu. So if
your gas log set burns at the rate of 25,000 Btu/hr, and a therm of gas (100,000 Btu) costs 69 cents (the national
average for 1999, according to the U.S. Department of Energy), it would cost about 17 cents to use your gas
f i r eplace for one hour.
Steps for Selecting Gas Fireplace Pro d u c t s
1. Consider whether you want a "decorative" or space heating model. The fireplaces with additional heating
capability are usually more expensive because they have additional technology.
2. Decide where you want to place your natural gas hearth product. Then read the descriptions below to
d e t e r mine what kind of equipment is best for you.
3. Check out your venting options and your local building code re q u i r ements for venting natural gas fire p l a c e
equipment.
4. Compare purchase and installation prices and operating costs.
5. Be sure the models you are considering are design-certified by a nationally recognized laboratory that tests
to national standard s .
6. Have your new natural gas fireplace equipment installed by a professional.
Types Of Gas Fireplace Equipment
T h e r e are four basic types of natural gas hearth equipment:
• gas logs for existing fire p l a c e s
• inserts for existing fire p l a c e s
• complete fireplace units
• stoves
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