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

1 of 10 1/31/2012 11:05 AM
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 your

appliance is functioning properly. Call us at

817.293.2204.

Back to Top

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 that

our products be installed by our trained professionals.

Back to Top

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 AM
combustion efficiency by lowering flue gas ignition

temperatures.

Back to Top

What does Direct Vent mean?

An appliance with a sealed, specifically designed venting

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 keeping the

combustion system sealed from the home.

Back to Top

What does it mean if a fireplace is Unvented or

Vent-Free?

It is an appliance that draws combustion air from inside

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 the

most economical means to provide supplemental heat

and they are fully operational during power outages.

They are available in a variety to products ranging from

gas log sets to fireplaces and stoves. They are fully

approved by the leading testing agencies.

Back to Top

What is a fireplace insert?

Fireplace inserts are heating units that retrofit into an

existing fireplace (masonry or factory-built). They burn

wood, gas or wood pellets and offer superior efficiency.

Fireplace inserts utilize the existing chimney, though 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 heat.

Inserts are used to change an existing non-efficient

fireplace into an efficient, heat producing zone heat.

Back to Top

What does Natural draft (B-vent) mean?

It is a gas-burning appliance that takes in combustion

air from the home and vents byproducts of combustion

outside the home.

Back to Top

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 AM
Vented units have a spectacular flame pattern, but are

decorative only. Vent-free models offer high efficiency

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.

Back to Top

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.

Back to Top

My fireplace smokes a bit when I start a fire.

How do I fix this?

If the problem corrects itself once the fire gets going,

you've simply got a cold chimney. Cold air sinks. You

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. Hold

your makeshift torch up the flue so the lit end is past

the damper. This should help warm the chimney enough

to reverse the draft. You'll be able to hear the reversal

when it happens.

Back to Top

My fireplace is drafty. How can I correct this

problem?

The most likely cause is a poorly sealing damper. Spend

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.

Back to Top

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 open a

nearby window to create a draft and see what happens.

If this is the problem, the air coming in the window will

feed the fire and allow it to burn hotter and cleaner,

sending smoke up the chimney. In an airtight home, you

may need to open a window just a smidge any time you

have a fire. An upstairs window is best.

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

4 of 10 1/31/2012 11:05 AM
Back to Top

I tried that. Lack of air isn't the problem. What

now?

Another equally likely problem that's a little harder to

check for is blockage. Shine a flashlight on the damper

to make sure that it is opening fully. Shine the light up

the chimney to see if you can see any blockage. You

may need to get on the roof and shine the light down

the chimney as well. Remove any leaves or birds' nests

or whatever else you see. If this doesn't work, it's time

to call the chimney sweep and get a professional

opinion.

Back to Top

Can I improve air flow without opening a

window?

Yes. If your house is too airtight to get a good fire going

without opening a window, you can install an "outside

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.

Back to Top

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 since

the air kit provides all the air the fire needs, you can

also close the doors. You've increased your options.

Back to Top

Does my fireplace need glass doors?

Glass doors are standard on some models and optional

on others. They may be operable, a decorative panel or

a sealed panel depending on the application. They are

composed of tempered or ceramic glass in metal frames

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 this

use. Gas units that use B-vent may have operable glass

doors or a decorative glass panel. Direct-vent gas units

have sealed glass panels as no room air is used for

combustion.

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

5 of 10 1/31/2012 11:05 AM
Back to Top

Should I leave the glass doors open or closed?

When you're just starting a fire, you want the glass

doors to be all the way open. The fire needs plenty of

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 partially 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.

Back to Top

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 air

which your furnace has already heated from going up

your fireplace flue. Direct vent fireplaces are excellent

sources of zone heating by bringing room air in the

bottom grill, heating and returning it to the room

through the top grill.

Back to Top

How do I clean the glass doors?

You can actually use a little ash from your fireplace 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.

Back to Top

How do I clean the brass trim?

Do NOT use any sort of polish or metal cleaner. The trim

on fireplaces usually has a lacquer coating that can be

stripped off with harsh cleaners. Stick to simple soap

and water.

Back to Top

What is Creosote?

It is deposits of condensed wood smoke in the chimney

and connector pipe resulting from incomplete

combustion. It can ignite and cause a chimney fire.

Back to Top

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

6 of 10 1/31/2012 11:05 AM
What is a flue?

A flue is another name for the fireplace chimney or

venting system.

Back to Top

How often should I have my chimney cleaned?

At least once a year, maybe more. A good rule of thumb

is that the chimney should be swept after each cord to

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 year.

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 happy to

recommend someone to you.

Back to Top

What kind of wood should I burn in a wood

burning fireplace?

Use seasoned hard wood. "Seasoned" wood is wood that

has been dried out for at least half a year, preferably a

year. It's opposite, green wood, will produce a cooler,

smokier fire that's bad for your chimney. Hard woods

are woods like oak, maple, beech, and ash. They burn

hotter than pine, spruce, birch, or redwood. Do NOT use

wood that has been painted or had finish applied. This

could release toxic fumes into your home.

Back to Top

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 using

a lower heating value. The tax credit provisions are

extended improvements of the legislation that passed 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 credit

takes effect immediately, the Internal Revenue Service

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

7 of 10 1/31/2012 11:05 AM
(IRS) has not issued the guidelines for determining

what stoves meet the efficiency requirements to qualify

for the credit or how a manufacturer will qualify their

products. These guidelines are expected by very soon,

however the credit applies to all qualifying stoves sold in

2009. Once the IRS guidelines are issued, wood and

pellet stove manufacturers will test their stoves and will

notify their retailers about their models that qualify.

STATUS: As of May 19, 2009, the IRS has not yet

published its guidelines on stove efficiency

qualifications.

Back to Top

Can an old traditional stove become a clean

burn unit by just simply changing some parts?

No, this can not be done.

Back to Top

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. of

water by 1 degree F.

Back to Top

Where can I purchase parts or accessories for

my fireplace/stove/insert?

Give us a call at 817.293.2204 and we will be happy to

help you. Please have the make and model of

fireplace/stove/insert.

Back to Top

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 climates.

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 fireplaces are

also available in a heat or no heat operation mode. We

will be happy to assist you in making this decision.

Back to Top

Why do I have blue flames?

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

8 of 10 1/31/2012 11:05 AM
This is normal in the first few minutes of operation. If

after the first 30 minutes of full burn you still have blue

flames, an adjustment may be needed on your unit. For

assistance with this, give us a call at 817.293.2204.

Back to Top

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 pilot light.

Back to Top

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 pilot on

will also extend the life of the thermopile and

thermocouple and keeps insects out of the burner tubes.

Back to Top

Can gas hearth products burn either natural

gas or LP gas?

They can burn one or the other, but not both. You need

to be sure the gas hearth appliance you have is set up

for the type of gas fuel you intend to burn. Conversion

kits are available which will allow a unit to be changed

to match the proper fuel type.

Back to Top

How do I clean my gas logs?

Never, ever wash your logs. Remove the logs carefully

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 placed.

Back to Top

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 fully

opening the fireplace key valve. This may also be

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

9 of 10 1/31/2012 11:05 AM
caused 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 Leonard's

Stone & Fireplace for repair or replacement.

Back to Top

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 and gas

connections on your set periodically inspected by a

hearth professional. Although it is not required

maintenance, annually refurbishing the ember material

and cleaning of the logs will help maintain your set's

beauty and realism. Vent-free gas log sets should be

inspected annually by a qualified hearth professional.

Back to Top

Who will install the gas line for my gas

fireplace?

Leonards's Stone & Fireplace does not install gas lines.

A licensed contractor or plumber can install your gas

line. Check your local yellow pages.

Back to Top

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 controls,

wall thermostats, wall switch kits and the on/off rocker

switch will turn your fireplace on during a power outage.

Back to Top

|Home| |Heating Products at-a-Glance| |Wood Burning Fireplaces| |Gas/Propane Fireplaces| |Electric Fireplaces| |Freestanding Stoves/Inserts|

|Outdoor Living| |Gas Logs| |Stone Veneer| |Vendor Links| |Venting Options| |Hearth Accessories| |Showroom Pictures| |Directions| |Contact Us|

|Frequently Asked Questions| |Current Specials| |Tools, Tips & Buying Guides| |Site Map| |News|

Copyright © 2009 Leonard's Stone & Fireplace

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

10 of 10 1/31/2012 11:05 AM