How Do Gas Fireplaces Work?

Fireplace Set Up

Gas fireplaces have a brick or metal firebox just as a wood burning fireplace and a chimney flue which vents exhaust to the outdoors. In lieu of wood logs most gas fireplaces have a faux log set made of cement that the gas flames surround to give the naturalistic appearance of a wood burning fire. Some gas fireplaces are fronted with glass doors and vents while others are open to the room. In modern fireplace applications the cement logs are often forgone for other stones, lava rock or even glass shards giving a contemporary appearance.

Gas Line & Ignition

Gas fireplaces are fueled by a permanent natural gas line piped into the side of the firebox which maintains a pilot light not unlike a gas stove. To turn "on" the fire and put it in full combustion mode you turn an automatic ignition valve located on the front of the fireplace or at an adjacent location on a nearby wall. The fire will burn until the ignition valve is put into the off position, the gas flow constricted, and returning to the pilot light status.

Installation & Maintenance

Gas fireplace hook-ups do require professional installation by a plumber but are very low maintenance in operation over the long term. While they do not produce soot or smoke like a traditional fireplace they should be cleaned at least one a year to remove dust and any debris that got on or into the firebox and to make sure the pilot and burners are clean, that the vents are clear and the chimney is properly drawing up exhaust, the door is operating well and the door glass is clean.