Read and learn some of the key phrases used in the gas log fireplace industry to get a better understanding of our products.
Appliance
For our products, an appliance is used to describe our Gas log fireplace. Elsewhere though, it is also used to describe stoves, a variety of heaters, furnaces and boilers.
Efficiency
Described as the percentage of heat that goes into a room space instead of being vented out through a chimney or flue.
BTU (British Thermal Unit)
This is an industry-standard measurement, describing a unit for measuring energy: whereby calculating the amount of energy required to increase the temperature of 1 pound of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit.
KWH
Kilowatt per hour (equals 1000 watts per hour). This is an energy measurement for electricity.
Firebox
The inner chamber of a fireplace where the combustion process takes place.
Flue
A flue describes the venting mechanism to extract byproducts from the firebox through the chimney and then outside. The ability to vent effectively while ensuring a minimum of heat loss is its main purpose.
Damper
This is the mechanism that is used to reduce or close the opening between the firebox and the flue.
Pilot Light
This is a small gas flame that ignites the main burner to produce fire in the gas fireplace.
Bellows
This is an accessory used to blow more air into a fire, increasing combustion and thereby producing a stronger flame.
Thermostat
A thermostat is an automatic device for regulating the temperature in an indoor space. It does this by adjusting the gas fire rate of a gas fire appliance, either by heating (increase) of cooling (decrease).
Remote Control
Much like controlling a television, a wireless handheld remote control allows the user to manage the different settings of an appliance from across the room.
Safety Shutoff
The safety shutoff device is designed to shut off the gas supply to the pilot or main burner when there is an ignition failure.
Clearance
Clearance refers to the measurement when installing appliances such as an inbuilt fireplace. The clearance must be a minimum distance (an air space) between the appliance and any form of combustible surface, i.e. wall, carpet etc.
Zero Clearance
Zero clearance refers to how close a fireplace can be to a combustible surface when installing (such as a wall of wood framing). Zero clearance appliances feature more insulation than other gas or wood fire appliances, making it unnecessary to establish a clearance measurement (see clearances).
Surround
This includes the area along the top and sides surrounding the fireplace itself. A surround may also include by definition: both the mantel and hearth.
Mantel
This is the protruding shelf above the fireplace. It is made in different materials such as cast iron, wood or stone. It also comes in a variety of sizes and shapes.
Hearth
Made from granite, tiles and slate, the hearth is the slab which sits at the bottom of the fireplace. Generally, they are suitable for wood fire or gas fire appliances, though the dimension coverage of the hearth will need to match the dimensions of the appliance.
Insert
A fireplace insert is a self-contained appliance that is designed to fit into an existing fireplace. The purpose of an insert is to improve upon the efficiency of a traditional fireplace. Inserts come in a variety of sizes and there are models that are suited for both wood fire and gas fire appliances.
Air Vent
A small grill which is placed in the wall of your room. The vent is a requirement by law where front-facing gas fires are fitted. Australian Standard AS5601-2004.
Would you like to learn more? Read our guide on choosing a gas log fireplace here.
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