Majestic Gas Fireplaces

Majestic fireplaces are among homeowners’ most beloved interior decor pieces worldwide. These majestic fixtures have been around for decades, providing more than just a source of heat and beauty – they provide an atmosphere of timeless sophistication and comfort.


When we look at a majestic fireplace, we can’t help but be taken back to unique and memorable times. From cozy country homes to stylish urban apartments, majestic fireplaces offer a sense of warmth and hospitality that transcends any age or style. They also evoke a feeling of nostalgia, reminding us of days spent cuddling around the fireplace on cold winter evenings.


The grandeur of a majestic fireplace begins with its design. The shapes and colors of these features vary greatly and create a unique visual statement in any room. Many feature intricate details such as hand-cut tiles, elaborate mantel carvings, and elegant stone hearths. Some models even feature gas logs and remote controls, perfect for those who don’t have time to tend to a real fire.


Although majestic fireplaces are often considered luxuries, they can bring practical benefits to any home. They provide warmth and ambiance during cold winter while adding value to a home’s resale price. They also monitor energy usage, saving homeowners money on their energy bills.


Finally, majestic fireplaces can be beautiful conversation pieces. Its presence can bring people together and give them something to discuss. Visitors will be drawn to its charm and enjoy learning about its history and craftsmanship.


Majestic fireplaces are genuinely a timeless asset to any home. Their eye-catching beauty and practical benefits make them a worthwhile investment for any homeowner. No matter your style, there will surely be a majestic fireplace to fit your needs – one that will provide years of comfort and enjoyment.


Fireplace Efficiency

Your fireplace operates by introducing the right combination of fuel, air, and heat. After the fireplace is running, the next concern is efficiency. More specifically, how completely is the energy burned, and how much heat does the fireplace produce? This is broadly known as efficiency. Theoretically, efficiency is calculated by dividing heat output by heat input.

Factors Affecting Efficiency

Efficiency is affected by temperature, turbulence, and time. These factors also impact heat transfer efficiency. Every substance needs a minimum combustion efficiency for a fire to start and continue. High temperatures ensure all the fuel is burned, leaving nothing harmful in the area. Turbulence is obtained when the fuel molecules collide with the oxygen molecules. Your fireplace gas valve and flu adjusted appropriately ensures that this mixture is optimized for your safety. Finally, time refers to the time needed for the fuel gases to remain in the high-temperature combustion zone. This is known as residence time in the industry. As complete efficiency is approached, the only byproducts of the combustion should be water vapor, carbon dioxide, and non-combustible ash. Although complete combustion is always desired, a fireplace is not adjusted to achieve this goal.

Combustion efficiency is only half of the equation. The other half is the fireplace’s efficiency in transferring heat to the rest of the room. This is referred to as transfer efficiency. It is possible to have one and not the other. Heat transfer efficiency is mainly a concern for free-standing stoves, as gas fireplaces are primarily considered for recreational and aesthetic purposes. That said, this isn’t always the case with the new fireplaces or older ones equipped with the suitable fireplace blower. A good blower creates convection, which helps transfer the heat away from the appliance.

A fireplace will not work correctly if the venting is too short, too long, or has too many curves. As a result, the sizing and placement of the venting system must be carefully planned during installation.

Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS)

Disclaimer: Diagnosis and repair should only be undertaken by qualified personnel.

As noted in previous posts, complete fuel combustion requires sufficient air. Without the right amount of oxygen, incomplete combustion will occur and produce a dangerous amount of carbon monoxide. The American National Standards Institute mandates that unvented gas heaters be automatically turned off when the specified oxygen level is not achieved. The oxygen depletion sensor or ODS pilot system controls the automatic shut-off.

The ODS system is part of the pilot assembly designed to regulate the flame performance. The pilot flame is consistent only within a very narrow range, so if oxygen drops below the acceptable level, the flame will lift off the thermocouple, which reduces the millivolt signal going to the gas valve.

The following conditions can cause an improperly adjusted flame:

  1. If the flame lifts or blows off the pilot hood, this is an indication that you have too much gas pressure.
  2. A small and weak flame indicates that the gas pressure is too low.
  3. Debris in the primary air opening produces a large yellow-tipped flame through the natural gas orifice.

To adjust the pilot, one must complete adjustments according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If the pilot is adjusted properly, a steady blue flame will engulf the upper one-third (some appliances require 1/2 to 3/4 – refer to manufacturer instructions) of the thermocouple /thermopile.

Gas flows to the ODS pilot via a precision-bored orifice that pulls in primary air via the air shutter and is then ignited by the spark discharge from the spark electrode of the piezo igniter. When ignited, the pilot burner ignites the main burner, heats the thermocouple that powers the gas control valve, and shuts off gas flow when the oxygen around the appliance drops below a predetermined level. The system should be set to shut down if the oxygen level reaches 18 percent.

Incomplete Combustion

During a combustion process, hydrogen and carbon atoms of the gas come in contact with the oxygen atoms. Heat is introduced to the mixture, increasing the molecular speed of the gas and oxygen molecules. The speed causes the molecules to collide with enough energy to break old bonds and create new ones. Molecules then release additional heat, resulting in a self-sustained combustion. Carbon dioxide (CO2) and water vapor (H2O) are new products produced.

Incomplete combustion is due to inadequate oxygen in the air-to-fuel mixture. This can be caused by one or all of the following.

  1. An inadequate primary air setting.
  2. Cooling of the flame by the flame contacting the log
  3. Inadequate secondary air due to poor venting resulting from a blockage in the venting system or an inadequate amount of air in the room.
  4. Or, lack of heat due to flame impingement.

The results of incomplete combustion can include poor equipment performance, sooting, and carbon monoxide production, which can be life-threatening.

Carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless, tasteless, toxic, and combustion-able at high temperatures. It mixes with the blood and reduces its ability to carry oxygen to the tissues and organs of the body. Symptoms include nausea, dizziness, flu-like symptoms, and chronic fatigue. The CO2 concentration and your health and age determine the effects. High levels of CO2 can lead to brain damage, organ failure, and death.

Aldehydes are also produced from incomplete combustion. This can occur from flame impingement and contaminated air (lint, dust, hair). The result is a strong, pungent odor. If aldehydes are detected, you can also be sure that CO is present. Please note that CO can be present without aldehydes.

Denver Gas Fireplace Repair

Denver has no shortage of gas fireplaces available for installation and repair. A gas fireplace can bring warmth and a cozy atmosphere unique to an open flame as a home refresher or to add ambiance to your living space. However, due to the technical aspects of these appliances, repairs can be costly and time-consuming, so it is essential to ensure you’re getting the best service for the job.


Fortunately, finding a reputable and reliable Denver gas fireplace repair service provider is not as complex as it may seem. Organizations such as the National Fireplace Institute (NFI) are a great place to start when looking for a qualified and experienced repair technician. This organization designs and distributes educational materials to the hearth and fireplace industry members to help ensure quality and safety. Their website also lists certified and qualified individuals who have taken their training classes, helping to create a network of knowledgeable professionals who can provide the best repair services.


Once you’ve identified a few potential candidates, it’s essential to research them further. Ask friends and family for recommendations, read online reviews, and check their website and social media pages. A good Denver gas fireplace repair company should be able to answer any questions and provide information on their services. Make sure to ask about any warranties they may provide to ensure your investment is protected.


Ultimately, proper maintenance is vital in ensuring your gas fireplace functions properly for years. Regular inspections and cleanings and investing in yearly maintenance are essential for keeping your appliance running and preventing costly repairs. Remember only to hire certified and qualified professionals with the necessary experience and expertise to diagnose and fix any issues. With suitable attention, your gas fireplace will stand the test of time and bring comfort and beauty to your home for many years.


Heatilator Gas Fireplace

When deciding on a fireplace for your home, you may want to consider a Heatilator gas fireplace. These are reliable, efficient, and attractive fireplaces that can provide warmth and comfort to your house.

Heatilator gas fireplaces come in a variety of styles and sizes. You can choose from traditional designs, contemporary types, and more. Many of these fireplaces are equipped with features to make them even more user-friendly. This can include remote controls, thermostats, and timers. You can also find fireplaces with self-lighting capabilities to make lighting the flame easier. The fireplaces have various finishes and colors to match any decor.

Not only are these fireplaces attractive, they are also designed to be very efficient at heating your home. Many Heatilator models are rated to produce up to 99.9 percent efficiency. This means that most of the heat generated by the fire is sent into the room, which keeps energy costs low. Furthermore, these fireplaces typically have large viewing areas to enjoy the flames without worrying about the heat escaping through the chimney.

Heatilator gas fireplaces are also easy to maintain. Most models feature a self-cleaning system that uses hot air to burn off the ash, soot, and other debris. In addition, the fireplaces are designed with ceramic logs that do not need to be replaced or cleaned. These features simplify the maintenance process and make keeping your fireplace running smoothly easier.

Heatilator gas fireplaces are an excellent option for homeowners looking to add a warm and inviting atmosphere. With their attractive designs, efficient heating abilities, and user-friendly features, Heatilator gas fireplaces can be a great addition to any room.

Denver Gas Fireplace Installation

Gas fireplaces have become a popular feature amongst homeowners in the Denver area. Not only do they offer a warm and cozy atmosphere to any room of the home, but the installation of a gas fireplace can be a relatively simple project for a homeowner with some DIY experience. Plus, gas fireplaces are both environmentally friendly and more cost effective than traditional wood burning fireplaces. For a successful gas fireplace installation in Denver, there are several important steps that must be taken.


The first step is to ensure your home is adequately equipped to handle a gas fireplace. You must install one if you don’t have a pre-existing vent or flue. This step should be completed by a professional with the necessary experience installing vent systems, especially if your home has existing gas lines. A professional will also be able to advise on the best type of gas fireplace that would fit your house’s layout and determine if a ventless version of a gas fireplace would be an appropriate choice.

Once the vent has been installed, you can begin the installation process. The installation of a gas fireplace is much like installing any other type of heating appliance. You’ll need to measure correctly, mark where the new fireplace must go, install framing and enclosures around the unit, and attach it to the existing gas line. It’s important to remember that some states require the work to be completed or supervised by a licensed technician.

Once the installation has been finished, you should have your newly installed gas fireplace inspected and tested. This is critical to ensure your family’s and home’s safety, as gas leaks can be hazardous. Any issues should be addressed quickly, and all safety precautions should be observed. Additionally, once-a-year maintenance should include thoroughly cleaning, inspecting, and testing all gas fireplace components.

Gas fireplaces are a great addition to any home in the Denver area. With proper installation, maintenance and testing, a gas fireplace can be a safe and reliable heat source for many years.

Heat and Glo Fireplace Troubleshooting

Heat and Glo fireplaces offer a convenient, cost-efficient way to heat homes. They are typically low maintenance and provide years of reliable service. However, like any appliance, problems can sometimes arise, which require troubleshooting. This article will discuss typical Heat and Glo fireplace troubleshooting techniques and provide valuable tips for resolving fundamental issues.

An issue that can arise is a pilot light that won’t stay lit. There could be a faulty thermocouple or other obstruction in the gas line if the pilot light keeps going out. The thermocouple should be replaced and any obstructions removed to ensure proper operation. It is also essential to check for gas leaks and adjust the flame size.

Problems with the ignition system can cause Heat and Glo fireplaces to fail to work correctly. Ignition systems can become defective over time, so checking for any signs of wear and tear before attempting to repair them is essential. If the system is malfunctioning, then it may need to be replaced. In some cases, adjusting the connections can help restore operation.

Finally, issues with improper venting can cause excessive fumes to accumulate in the home. Venting is an integral part of the operation of Heat and Glo fireplaces. Ensuring it is correctly installed and regularly maintained will help prevent this problem. It is also essential to check for any obstructions that may reduce air intake, such as lint or debris.

In conclusion, proper Heat and Glo fireplace troubleshooting can help solve many common issues. Regularly inspecting and cleaning the air filter, checking for gas leaks, replacing defective components, and adequately maintaining the venting system are all essential steps for optimal performance. Referring to the owner’s manual for instructions specific to the model is also vital. With some care, these fireplaces can provide many years of reliable use.

Fireplace Venting Systems

There are four main types of venting systems used by gas fireplaces. The four main types are as follows:

  1. B-Vent
  2. Direct Vent
  3. Vent Free
  4. Outdoor (Ventless)

The following describes each of the four major venting systems in more detail:

B-Vent:
The B vent always exits the exhaust of the gas fireplace vertically. This means the exhaust goes from the gas fireplace to the roof. The oxygen for this type of fireplace is typically pulled from the room. The oxygen can also be removed from the side of the building or home. The B vent fireplace was commonly found when gas fireplaces were first introduced.


Direct Vent:
The Direct Vent system is more common in newer homes. This venting system is also referred to as a sealed combustion system. This means that everything that happens in the fireplace box exits to the outside of the home or building. No oxygen is pulled from the room for this gas fireplace. The exhaust for the direct vent can leave the house either vertically or horizontally out the side of the home. In all cases, there is one tube or vent for the exhaust and another for the oxygen. The incoming oxygen is the combustion air for the pilot light and the main burner.


A Direct Vent system can also have a power vent. The power vent is installed externally or in line with the venting system. The power vent is also configured not to let the fireplace run unless a draft is being created.


Vent Free:
Vent Free gas fireplaces do not have a vent for the exhaust or combustion of oxygen. A Vent-free fireplace pulls its oxygen from the room and pushes the exhaust to the room, too. This type of gas fireplace also has a sensor to shut down the fireplace when the room’s oxygen drops below eighteen percent. If this happens, the pilot light will immediately turn off. In turn, the main burner will also turn off.
A Vent Free gas fireplace is illegal in many places due to safety concerns.


Outdoor Gas Fireplace – Ventless:
This type of fireplace typically does not have a vent for the oxygen or exhaust and is only safe to run outside. They differ from a vent-free fireplace in that they do not have an oxygen sensor to shut the fireplace off since the oxygen out is generally unlimited. This fireplace is also designed to withstand the harsh outdoor elements.

Loving My Customer

Recently I arrived at a customer in Denver who explained that another company had come to fix their fireplace and it did not go well. The other company dissembled their fireplace and then said it could not be fixed. The solution was to have the customer buy a new fireplace that would cost $4,500. As you can imagine, this customer was quite distraught. After an exchange of words, the other company just left – without even putting things back together. This is a good example of not loving your customer.

 

So, here I am. The fireplace is in a million pieces and it’s pulled apart so that I cannot even run diagnostics to narrow down the problem. This is worse case scenario for me. The problem is massive and another company already called it quits. That said, the customer called Gas Fireplace Doctors and if we can’t make things right – who can?

 

With that I started reassembling the fireplace so that I could run diagnostics. This entailed reconnecting all the wires, gas lines, and chimney flue. Unfortunately, I found that the other company had also left with some important parts, which made my job a little more difficult.  Putting the aforementioned pieces back together wasn’t too bad. The biggest problem was trying to figure out how the front of the fireplace  was assembled. There were a ton of trim pieces and brackets that all looked very similar and could possibly fit in many different ways. After about an hour I figured it out and could start my diagnostics.

 

First I tested to see if there was gas and that the gas pressure was adequate. I then ensured there was no gas leaks. Next I checked to see if we had spark. We did. Finally, I lit the pilot. Unfortunately, every time I depressed the pilot button the gas would shut off and so would the pilot light. As a result, I tested, cleaned, and adjusted various components and determined that the gas valve needed to be replaced.

 

This gas valve was built in Canada and had to be special ordered. Once received, I returned to the job and pulled the entire fireplace apart so that I could complete the repair. The new valve was a retro-fit meaning it was not exactly like the old gas valve. This entailed installing a new sparker and gas valve mounting bracket. Getting these parts installed was difficult due to the tight space. After several hours I got everything back together and tested the system. Did it work? Yes – if I bypassed the switch. After some more tinkering I got the switch to work, too.

 

In summary, this job was  difficult and time consuming. In the end, the customer got a really good deal and we were happy to help. It felt great to save the customer thousands of dollars and to help re-instill their confidence in humanity.

 

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