Gas Inserts/Fireplaces (Direct Vent)

Gas fireplaces and inserts differ very greatly from a traditional wood burning fireplace. They typically have a sealed glass front to prevent any mess made and contain the flame to prevent animals tails or children from touching the direct flame. This is the safest most contained style of unit. Most direct vent fireplaces come as either an insert or gas fireplace. The difference is a gas insert is meant to be installed inside an existing fireplace. A direct vent gas fireplace does not require an existing fireplace structure and can be installed typically directly on a floor. Aesthetically both style fireplaces look the same and typically have similar options. The primary difference is installation application. Both give significantly more heat than a traditional open fireplace. With a direct vent fireplace you can normally either install it going up and then out the wall horizontally or you can also run a chimney pipe vertically as well. Depending on the scenario will depend which route makes more sense. We offer both new installation as well as replacement of existing.

Ignition Types:

• Match lit ignition: Match light which you must light a match to light the pilot. Once you light the pilot it will stay lit until you manually turn off. This is the same with piezo ignition.

   

  Pros

  -Lowest cost

  -Good option for builders, flippers, rental

  Cons

  -Have to have match in order to light

  -Have to turn pilot on and off manually

  -Pilot runs continually which results in wasted fuel each year

  -No electronics to add remote in future

• Piezo Ignition which is more similar to a grill where you turn the knob to pilot  then push the igniter in and it will light the pilot without a match.

   

  Pros

  -Medium cost

  -Do not need any tools to light pilot

  Typically has electronics to add a remote

  Cons

  -Have to get on ground to turn on pilot on and off manually

  -Pilot runs continually which results in wasted fuel each year

• The third option is you can choose and electronic or IPI Ignition. This is the best of the three because with this option you never have to light the pilot. With this option when you push the button on your remote you it will not only turn the fireplace on but also light the pilot simultaneously. When you turn the unit off it will also turn the pilot off. This can greatly impact savings each year of gas burned versus the other options with the pilot running continually. This is the most expensive option, however it is also the best if you will be there long term. Each year you can save up to $200 a year in wasted gas from the pilot running. As each year passes you will recoup more and more of your initial investment in the unit.

   

  Pros

  -Cost less than other options to operate since pilot does not run continually. Over other options money saved on fuel can help cover initial higher up front cost.

  -Can turn pilot on and off from your couch

  -No tools required to turn on pilot

  -Always comes with a remote to operate not only the pilot but also the fireplace itself.

  Con

  -Highest cost

In addition to ignition types on different gas inserts/fireplaces effecting the price of the burner the other factor to the cost is the control type. What this means is how you switch the unit from pilot to actually turning on the fireplace. Which control type you pick can not be changed once you select a burner. Control types are as follows below:

Manual: Each time to turn the fireplace on and off from pilot you will turn a knob or flip a button manually on the fireplace itself. These can either just have on and off or they can also have a dial that you can adjust the flame. This option does not have a remote or the electronic to ever add one.

On/Off Remote: This option will just turn the fireplace either on or off from pilot. This is a medium price option but is very convenient compared to the manual option.

Variable Flame Remote: With this option you are able to not only turn the fireplace on and off you can also vary the flame height to either have a larger flame with more heat or smaller flame with less heat. This gives you more control over the amount of heat you receive from your fireplace. Not only does it give you control over the heat but adjusting the flame height can also help save on gas cost by turning the flame to the lowest setting.

Brands Offered:

• Majestic

• Regency

• Astria

• Enviro