Monessen Hearth Outdoor Gas Fireplace Controls, Energy Use, Types Of Gas Fireplace Equipment

Controls

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 control. Also available are spark ignitions that require 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- fort.

Energy Use

In terms of energy consumption, natural gas fireplace equipment is rated by the amount of British thermal 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 products 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 fireplace for one hour.

Steps for Selecting Gas Fireplace Products

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 determine what kind of equipment is best for you.

3.Check out your venting options and your local building code requirements for venting natural gas fireplace 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 standards.

6.Have your new natural gas fireplace equipment installed by a professional.

Types Of Gas Fireplace Equipment

There are four basic types of natural gas hearth equipment:

•gas logs for existing fireplaces

•inserts for existing fireplaces

•complete fireplace units

•stoves

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