Frequently Asked Questions 

## Should I have any type of inspection done to my fireplace, stove or insert? Can I install a fireplace, stove or insert myself? What does it mean if a stove has a catalytic combustor or convertor? What does Direct Vent mean? What does it mean if a fireplace is Unvented or Vent-Free? What is a fireplace insert? What does Natural draft (B-vent) mean? What is the difference between Vented and Vent-free logs? What is a Zero-Clearance Fireplace? My fireplace smokes a bit when I start a fire. How do I fix this? My fireplace is drafty. How can I correct this problem? My fireplace smokes constantly. How can I correct this problem? I tried that. Lack of air isn't the problem. What now? Can I improve air flow without opening a window? Do the glass doors need to be closed if I use an outside air kit? Does my fireplace need glass doors? Should I leave the glass doors open or closed? Doesn't the solid glass panel keep me from getting heat out of my direct vent gas fireplace? How do I clean the glass doors? How do I clean the brass trim? What is Creosote? What is a flue? How often should I have my chimney cleaned? Does Leonard's Stone & Fireplace offer a chimney sweep service? What kind of wood should I burn in a wood burning fireplace? Frequently Asked Questions http://www.leonardsstoneandfireplace.net/faq.html

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## What stoves qualify for the new 30% tax credit(up to $1500)? Can an old traditional stove become a clean burn unit by just simply changing some parts? What does BTUs mean? Where can I purchase parts or accessories for my fireplace/stove/insert? I live in a warm climate and want the look of a great fire but don’t want heat. What are my options? Why do I have blue flames? How much gas does the pilot light use? Can I shut the pilot off in the summer? Can gas hearth products burn either natural gas or LP gas? How do I clean my gas logs? My pilot stays lit for a few minutes then goes out. Can you help me? What sort of maintenance do gas logs require? Who will install the gas line for my gas fireplace? What happens if I lose electricity?

Should I have any type of inspection done to my fireplace, stove or insert?
Yes. We recommend annual service of your fireplace by a qualified serviceperson. This will ensure that yo ur appliance is functioning properly. Call us at 817.293.2204.
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## Can I install a fireplace, stove or insert myself?
Installation of our hearth products must be done in strict accordance with local or national building codes, and the unit's installation manual. We recommend th at our products be installed by our trained profession als.
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## What does it mean if a stove has a catalytic combustor or convertor?

It is a device used on some wood stoves to increase 

### Frequently Asked Questions http://www.leonardsstoneandfireplace.net/faq.html

2 of 10 1/31/2012 11:05 AMcombustion efficiency by lowering flue gas ignition temperatures.
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## What does Direct Vent mean?
An appliance with a sealed, specifically designed v enting system, that draws combustion air from outdoors and exhausts its combustion products to the outdoors, eliminating the need for a standard chimney system. A glass panel in direct vent units is critical to kee ping the combustion system sealed from the home.
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## What does it mean if a fireplace is Unvented or Vent-Free?
It is an appliance that draws combustion air from i nside the home. The appliance is designed to burn so efficiently that it eliminates the need for venting . By using the latest in technical advances they offer t he most economical means to provide supplemental heat and they are fully operational during power outages

. They are available in a variety to products rangingfrom gas log sets to fireplaces and stoves. They are ful ly approved by the leading testing agencies.
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## What is a fireplace insert?
Fireplace inserts are heating units that retrofit i nto an existing fireplace (masonry or factory-built). Theyburn wood, gas or wood pellets and offer superior effici ency. Fireplace inserts utilize the existing chimney, tho ugh a flue liner or other modification may be necessary. Vent-free fireplace inserts require no chimney or flue modification. Most have blowers to circulate the he at. Inserts are used to change an existing non-efficien t fireplace into an efficient, heat producing zone he at.
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## What does Natural draft (B-vent) mean?
It is a gas-burning appliance that takes in combust ion air from the home and vents byproducts of combustio n outside the home.
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## What is the difference between Vented and Vent-free logs? Frequently Asked Questions http://www.leonardsstoneandfireplace.net/faq.html

3 of 10 1/31/2012 11:05 AMVented units have a spectacular flame pattern, but are decorative only. Vent-free models offer high effici ency but may not be permitted in some areas (check with your local building official or Leonard's Stone & Fireplace before installing any unit). Whether you want the look of a small split pine campfire or massive oak logs, there is a gas log insert set for you.
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## What is a Zero-Clearance Fireplace?
It is a factory-built fireplace that is constructed so that it can be placed, safely, with close clearances to combustible materials.
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## My fireplace smokes a bit when I start a fire. How do I fix this?
If the problem corrects itself once the fire gets g oing, you've simply got a cold chimney. Cold air sinks. Y ou can probably feel the air coming down when you arrange the wood. You need to warm the chimney up. Roll up some newspaper tightly and light the end. H old your makeshift torch up the flue so the lit end is past the damper. This should help warm the chimney enoug h to reverse the draft. You'll be able to hear the re versal when it happens.
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## My fireplace is drafty. How can I correct this problem?
The most likely cause is a poorly sealing damper. S pend some money on a high quality fireplace damper for a tight seal. You'll recover the cost in your heating bill after two or three winters.
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## My fireplace smokes constantly. How can I correct this problem?
One usual reason a fireplace will smoke is lack of air. It's easy to check if the problem is lack of air. Just o pen a nearby window to create a draft and see what happen s. If this is the problem, the air coming in the windo w will feed the fire and allow it to burn hotter and clean er, sending smoke up the chimney. In an airtight home, you may need to open a window just a smidge any time yo u have a fire. An upstairs window is best. 

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## I tried that. Lack of air isn't the problem. What now?
Another equally likely problem that's a little hard er to check for is blockage. Shine a flashlight on the da mper to make sure that it is opening fully. Shine the li ght up the chimney to see if you can see any blockage. You may need to get on the roof and shine the light dow n the chimney as well. Remove any leaves or birds' ne sts or whatever else you see. If this doesn't work, it' s time to call the chimney sweep and get a professional opinion.
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## Can I improve air flow without opening a window?
Yes. If your house is too airtight to get a good fi re going without opening a window, you can install an "outsi de air kit." This kit is just what it sounds like. It draws in air from the outside to help the fire burn. You can keep all your windows closed. You can purchase this kit from Leonard's Stone and Fireplace.
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## Do the glass doors need to be closed if I use an outside air kit?
No. You can leave the doors open if you like. But s ince the air kit provides all the air the fire needs, yo u can also close the doors. You've increased your options

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## Does my fireplace need glass doors?
Glass doors are standard on some models and optiona l on others. They may be operable, a decorative panel or a sealed panel depending on the application. They a re composed of tempered or ceramic glass in metal fram es with or without gaskets. The majority of glass used is of the tempered variety and if broken, shatters into numerous little pieces. Ceramic glass is able to withstand much higher temperatures up to 1200 degrees. It is more fragile than tempered glass and found on heater-rated products but not limited to t his use. Gas units that use B-vent may have operable gl ass doors or a decorative glass panel. Direct-vent gas units have sealed glass panels as no room air is used for combustion. 

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## Should I leave the glass doors open or closed?
When you're just starting a fire, you want the glas s doors to be all the way open. The fire needs plentyof air so that it can burn hot and clean. A cool fire will produce more smoke and creosote buildup in the chimney. Once you can see embers (glowing coals) in the wood, it's safe to close the glass doors partia lly to control the fire. When the fireplace is not in use,keep the glass doors closed (and the damper too!) You'll save on your heating bill.
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## Doesn't the solid glass panel keep me from getting heat out of my direct vent gas fireplace?
On the contrary, the glass panel keeps warm room ai r which your furnace has already heated from going up your fireplace flue. Direct vent fireplaces are exc ellent sources of zone heating by bringing room air in the bottom grill, heating and returning it to the room through the top grill.
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## How do I clean the glass doors?
You can actually use a little ash from your firepla ce to do the job. Just take a rag or sturdy paper towel, get it moist, dip it in a bit of ash, and use it to clean the windows.
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## How do I clean the brass trim?
Do NOT use any sort of polish or metal cleaner. Thetrim on fireplaces usually has a lacquer coating that ca n be stripped off with harsh cleaners. Stick to simple s oap and water.
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## What is Creosote?
It is deposits of condensed wood smoke in the chimn ey and connector pipe resulting from incomplete combustion. It can ignite and cause a chimney fire.
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## What is a flue?
A flue is another name for the fireplace chimney or venting system.
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## How often should I have my chimney cleaned?
At least once a year, maybe more. A good rule of thu mb is that the chimney should be swept after each cordto cord and a half of wood used. Have a chimney sweep come out midway through winter and inspect the system. He can advise you whether there's enough buildup to justify cleaning the chimney twice a yea r. Back to Top 

## Does Leonard's Stone & Fireplace offer a chimney sweep service?
We do not offer a chimney sweeping service but you can give us a call at 817.293.2204 and we will be happyto recommend someone to you.
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## What kind of wood should I burn in a wood burning fireplace?

Use seasoned hard wood. "Seasoned" wood is wood tha t has been dried out for at least half a year, preferably a year. It's opposite, green wood, will produce a coo ler, smokier fire that's bad for your chimney. Hard wood s are woods like oak, maple, beech, and ash. They bur n hotter than pine, spruce, birch, or redwood. Do NOT use wood that has been painted or had finish applied. T his could release toxic fumes into your home.
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## What stoves qualify for the new 30% tax credit(up to $1500)?
The 2009 Economic Stimulus legislation signed into law by President Obama includes a 30% tax credit (up to $1,500) for the purchase in 2009 and 2010 of a 75%-efficient biomass-burning stove as measured usi ng a lower heating value. The tax credit provisions ar e extended improvements of the legislation that passe d in October 2008. The major changes are an extension of the credit to 2010 and the increase on the credit from $300 to 30% of the total cost. While the new tax cr edit takes effect immediately, the Internal Revenue Serv ice 

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7 of 10 1/31/2012 11:05 AM(IRS) has not issued the guidelines for determining what stoves meet the efficiency requirements to qua lify for the credit or how a manufacturer will qualify t heir products. These guidelines are expected by very soo n, however the credit applies to all qualifying stovessold in 2009. Once the IRS guidelines are issued, wood and pellet stove manufacturers will test their stoves a nd will notify their retailers about their models that qual ify. STATUS: As of May 19, 2009, the IRS has not yet published its guidelines on stove efficiency qualifications.
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## Can an old traditional stove become a clean burn unit by just simply changing some parts?
No, this can not be done.
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## What does BTUs mean?
British Thermal Unit, the primary heat measurement unit used by the hearth industry. It is the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of 1 lb. o f water by 1 degree F.
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## Where can I purchase parts or accessories for my fireplace/stove/insert?
Give us a call at 817.293.2204 and we will be happyto help you. Please have the make and model of fireplace/stove/insert.
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## I live in a warm climate and want the look of a great fire but don’t want heat. What are my options?

Too much heat can be an issue even in colder climat es. There are several gas fireplace models which allow you to control the heat coming into the room. You have the option of redirecting the heat totally out of your home, or to other parts of your home. Electric fireplacesare also available in a heat or no heat operation mode. We will be happy to assist you in making this decision

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## Why do I have blue flames? Frequently Asked Questions http://www.leonardsstoneandfireplace.net/faq.html

8 of 10 1/31/2012 11:05 AMThis is normal in the first few minutes of operatio n. If after the first 30 minutes of full burn you still h ave blue flames, an adjustment may be needed on your unit. For assistance with this, give us a call at 817.293.220 4.
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## How much gas does the pilot light use?
A pilot light will burn 800 to 1500 BTUs/hr. Your monthly gas bill should include your exact cost per "therm" (100,000 BTUs). Based on this rate you can calculate the cost for your area to operate a pilotlight.
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## Can I shut the pilot off in the summer?
Yes, or you can safely leave it burning. The pilot helps keep the moisture from inside the firebox, which is caused by the humidity in the air. Keeping the pilo t on will also extend the life of the thermopile and thermocouple and keeps insects out of the burner tu bes.
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## Can gas hearth products burn either natural gas or LP gas?
They can burn one or the other, but not both. You n eed to be sure the gas hearth appliance you have is setup for the type of gas fuel you intend to burn. Conver sion kits are available which will allow a unit to be ch anged to match the proper fuel type.
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## How do I clean my gas logs?
Never, ever wash your logs. Remove the logs careful ly from the fireplace in a box, take them outside and use a soft brush or vacuum to clean them. Make sure you replace the logs exactly as they were originally pl aced.
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## My pilot stays lit for a few minutes then goes out. Can you help me?
This may indicate flame is not reaching the tip of the thermopile or thermocouple due to low gas pressure, which may be caused by operating the set without fu lly opening the fireplace key valve. This may also be 

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9 of 10 1/31/2012 11:05 AMcaused by too much heat hitting the base of the thermopile on millivolt systems, or may indicate a worn or defective pilot assembly. Please verify that the fireplace key valve is fully open, or contact Leona rd's Stone & Fireplace for repair or replacement.
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## What sort of maintenance do gas logs require?
Vented gas logs do not require regular maintenance. However, it is a good idea to have valves, pilots a nd gas connections on your set periodically inspected by a hearth professional. Although it is not required maintenance, annually refurbishing the ember materi al and cleaning of the logs will help maintain your se t's beauty and realism. Vent-free gas log sets should b e inspected annually by a qualified hearth profession al.
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## Who will install the gas line for my gas fireplace?
Leonards's Stone & Fireplace does not install gas l ines. A licensed contractor or plumber can install your g as line. Check your local yellow pages.
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## What happens if I lose electricity?
Gas fireplaces with standing pilots will still operate during a power outage. Blowers will not operate in an outage. Millivolt control switches, i.e. remote con trols, wall thermostats, wall switch kits and the on/off r ocker switch will turn your fireplace on during a power o utage.
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