Fireplace Terms Explained

Information that can help you understand fireplace terminology.

British Thermal Unit (BTU) – This is the heat measurement unit that is predominately used by the hearth industry. The term refers to the amount of heat that is necessary to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree.

B-Vent – This type of vent is also commonly known as a natural vent. It refers to an appliance that burns gas, taking in combustion air from inside the home and venting the by-products of combustion to the outside.

Builder Series – These beautiful and efficient fireplaces have been specifically designed for contractors and builders. They are usually very economical.

Cabinet – When you have either a direct vent or vent-free fireplace which is vented through the wall and installed on the floor of a room you have the option of adding wooden trim called a cabinet. You can install fireplace cabinets in both walls and corners and they encase the entire fireplace. They typically run between 13 to 28 inches deep.

Catalytic Combustor – This device is used with wood burning stoves. Its purpose is to reduce the ignition temperature for smoke.

Catalytic or Non-Catalytic – You get an increased rate of combustion with wood burning stoves or fireplace inserts that contain a ceramic honeycombed chamber that has been treated with a metal catalyst such as platinum or palladium. This helps to burn away small particles and gases that would normally be discharged into the air. Woods can burn for a longer period of time at lower temperatures with the use of a catalytic combustor. Combustion occurs in the firebox with non-catalytic wood stoves. Non-catalytic wood stoves generally need less maintenance and are less expensive.

Chase – While a chase will sometimes house the appliance, it is typically a structure that surrounds portions of the chimney.

Circulating Firebox – Allows a fan to be installed through louvers at the top and bottom. The louvers of a circulating firebox can not be covered.

Clearance – This is the amount of space that is required by both fire and building code between the stove, chimney, or smoke pipe and materials that could easily catch fire such as carpets or wooden furniture. These clearances are important to observe in all circumstances, even when there is a barrier constructed of plaster or masonry material between the furniture or carpets and the stove, chimney, or smoke pipe.

Direct Vent – This system makes a standard chimney unnecessary as it both draws combustions air from the outdoors and exhausts the by-products of combustion to the outdoors. The combustion system needs to be properly sealed from the home, usually through the use of a glass panel. This seal both protects the quality of the indoor air and maintains the high efficiency of the unit.

Electronic Ignition – This type of system requires some form of electricity to ignite, either from a battery or a standard 110 volt outlet.

EPA Regulations – These are regulations published by the government that dictate the amount of particulate matter that is acceptable for a wood burning fireplace to emit. All products sold after July 1, 1992 must follow these regulations: catalytic units can emit no more than 4.1 grams per hours of particulate matter, while non-catalytic units can emit no more than 7.5 grams per hour.

Firebox – This is the area where combustion primarily occurs, as well as where the fuel for the unit is located in a solid fuel appliance.

Hearth – We hear this term most often in connection with fireplaces, referring to the floor of the firebox. This is not the same as floor protection; it is the foundation on which fires rest for both heating and aesthetic purposes.

High-Efficiency Wood-Burning Fireplace – These fireplaces offer a nice blend of both energy efficiently and elegance, and have been approved by the EPA.

Inserts – These units are designed to provide you with greater efficiency in your fireplace. They are placed inside an existing masonry or factory built fireplace and typically burn gas, wood, or pellets.

Mantel (Flush Mantel) – This is another option for finishing either a ventless or direct vent fireplace. These mantels are usually constructed from stone, marble or wood, typically framing a fireplace rather than encasing it. As they do not need to encase the fireplace they are usually only between 1 3/4 to 2 1/2 inches deep. Mantels are a good option when the fireplace is installed on the outside wall or inside the wall of a house.

Manually Controlled – This allows you to control the height of the flame only at the fireplace unit.

Mid-Efficient, Heat-Circulating, Wood-Burning Fireplace – These models typically give you a great view of the fire, while adding efficient warmth and style to your home.

Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) – This is a safety device that monitors the amount of deadly carbon monoxide (CO²). When dangerous levels are detected the flame monitoring device is automatically activated. The fire is extinguished before a dangerous situation can arise. This is accomplished by reducing the oxygen levels which cause the pilot flame to become unstable and lift off the thermocouple tip.

Pellet Burning – Pellets are made entirely from sawdust. This sawdust is a byproduct of various manufacturing processes and would ordinarily just end up in the trash.

Radiant Fireboxes – This type of firebox has a facing from either brick, stone, or tile than can cover above and below the fireplace opening. They are sometimes also referred to as flush face fireboxes.

Remote Ready – These units have either a wired or wireless remote that can be used to control the unit. While you can turn the unit on and off, you will not be able to adjust the size of the flames with the remote. Remotes are usually sold separately and are not recommended for models with vented gas logs.

Surround – These are typically placed between the fireplace and a wooden mantel, typically constructed from either tile or marble. While some manufactures will refer to a fireplace cabinet as a cabinet surround, the truth is that surrounds are usually not used with surrounds.

Thermostatically Controlled – This thermostat is set to check the temperature of the fireplace, not the room. A remote ready unit with a thermostat will provide greater versatility.

Variable Flame Height – This allows you to turn the unit on and off and adjust the height of the flame through the use of a remote control. You can purchase models that are also thermostatically controlled.

Vent-Free – This type of appliance burns gas and does not need a flue. You should always consult your local building codes prior to installing a vent free appliance as they are not permitted in all locations. They will provide greater efficiency if they are installed.

Zero Clearance Fireplace – You can place this fireplace safely next to combustible materials such as carpets and furniture. They are always factory built.



 

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