Gas Logs Growing in Popularity

Fans of gas logs are increasingly finding themselves surrounded by new converts daily.

Today's Sacramento Bee features an article titled, "Modern gas fireplaces offer increased efficiency, more options." The gist of the piece is this: more home builders and home owners are switching over to gas fireplaces, opting to bypass using wood in the fireplace for better efficiency and more choice in terms of placement and design.

Gas logs in particular are mentioned in the article:

"Gas logs give the look of a full fire for a lot less – $300 to $600. These logs are a popular option for otherwise unused fireplaces."

If you have a fireplace you wood in and you want to step it up in the areas of efficiency and mess (come on -- you know you're sick of cleaning up those wood chips), gas logs are definitely the way to go.

Fireplace FAQs

Here are some of the most common questions we get asked about fireplaces:

Can a fireplace that burns wood be converted over to gas?

Yes, and this is becoming more popular as natural gas is cheap and burns cleaner. Just make sure a professional handles the work.

Will a fire place increase the value of my home?

Exactly how much depends on your location, but in general, fire places could produce a 130% return on your investment should you decide to sell.

What is the cost of heating a gas fireplace?

It depends on how much you will use your fireplace, but using natural gas can save you up to 75%.

Guardian Chimney is New York fireplace pros. Find out more about how we can help you at www.ChimneySafetyAuthority.com. 

Preparing Your Fireplace for Winter

Soon enough, it will be time yet again to pack away the shorts and flip flops for the sweaters and snow boots. Yes, old man winter is coming back to town, and your fireplace should be ready for his arrival.

So, what should you do? You should have had in the spring or fall called for chimney cleaning services, to avoid damage your chimney during the season. Old soot and creosote needs to be cleaned annually.

Other things you should to prepare:

• Install a chimney cap to keep out birds and rodents from taking refuge in your chimney
• Begin to gather firewood and store it in a dry place. Or save money by purchasing a gas fireplace log
• Have the fireplace damper inspected to ensure it properly opens and closes
• Have the mortar and tuckpointing examined.

New Jersey fireplace experts Guardian Chimney can make sure you’re set for winter. Contact us today at www.GuardianChimney.com. 

Measuring Fireplace Logs

If you want to install a gas fireplace log, you’ll need to know the size of your fireplace. Measure only the usable fire place space.

• Masonry Fireplaces: Measure the back width, depth and front width
• Prefab/Metal Fireplace: Measure the back width, depth and front width, but do not measure the edge as it cannot be used.

Guardian Chimney is New York fireplace logs experts. Learn more about what we can do at www.ChimneySafetyAuthority.com. 

Fireplace Logs FAQs

Here are some of the more commonly asked questions we get about fireplace logs:

What’s the difference between a vented gas log and a vent free gas log?

Vented gas logs are the most popular gas log type, but they must be installed with a chimney limiting heating efficiency. Vented logs resemble a real wood fire more than their vent-free counterparts.

Vent free gas logs don’t require you to have a chimney, and are an efficient source of primary heat. They are equipped with sensors that detect when oxygen is depleted, and may require special permits to be obtained. They are unable to be positioned, unlike vented logs.

Can I install gas logs in my fireplace?

With few exceptions, most gas logs are not safe to place in gas fireplaces, as they were designed for wood burning fireplaces. Vented logs can be installed in any wood-burning fireplace. Ventless ones can be installed in any wood-burning fireplace, must be burned with the tamper closed.

How does a gas log safety pilot work?

It’s basically the same premise as a safety pilot for other appliances. The pilot has a valve body attached directly to the burner, with two separate, gas-controlling valves. When lit, the thermocouple is used to power an electromagnet to hold the pilot valve open.

New Jersey fireplace logs installer Guardian Chimney can make sure your home is prepped for the cold months. Contact us today at www.GuardianChimney.com. 

More Chimney Sweep Facts

We love interesting chimney sweep facts and superstitions. Here are some more of our favorites about chimney sweeps:

• Wear a top hat like an old time sweep, and you’ll receive good luck.
• Sweeps used to tie with rope a goose and lower it to clean the chimney. (Note: Guardian Chimney does not sweep chimneys with geese).
• Shake a sweep’s hand or touch his coat and the good luck he has will rub off on you.
• Children would steal bristles from a sweep’s brush and carry them around for luck.
• An old wives tale suggested that once a chimney fire occurred, the chimney is cleaned. (Note: This is not true).

If you want to see a professional New York chimney sweep in action, enlist the services of Guardian Chimney by visiting www.ChimneySafetyAuthority.com. 

Chimney Sweep Facts

We chimney sweeps have an interesting profession. We’re so interesting, in fact, that there are a number of interesting chimney sweep facts out there. Here are some of our favorites:

• It’s lucky to meet to a sweep by chance. If you make a wish when you see one, it will come true.
• Lucky is the bridge who sees a sweep on her wedding day.
• The patron saint of chimney sweeps is St. Florian.
• It’s good luck to kiss a sweep.
• When you see a sweep on top of a home, you’ll know that home has been blessed.

Need luck and a New Jersey chimney sweep? Contact Guardian Chimney today by visiting www.GuardianChimney.com.