More and more people are opting for gas fireplaces. This is because some states are implementing restrictions when it comes to burning wood in a natural fireplace, maintaining wood-burning fireplaces can be time-consuming and costly, and gas is clean and provides a lot of warmth. If you are ready to begin the process of having a gas fireplace installed, here are four fireplace installation tips that you will want to follow.
Know How You Will Vent Your Fireplace
Gas fireplaces need to be properly vented. Venting a gas fireplace helps to ensure carbon monoxide does not build up in your home and lead to anyone being sick. Typically, a gas fireplace is vented between the wall that the fireplace is placed on and an outside wall. However, gas fireplaces can also be vented through a roof. An installation company can work with you to determine the best place to vent your fireplace and work to properly vent it.
Learn Where Your Gas Line Is and Who Will Bring It To the Fireplace
In order to operate a gas fireplace, you need a gas line. This is something that should be installed and hooked-up prior to your gas fireplace being installed. One of the questions that you should ask a gas fireplace installation company is whether they will bring the gas line to the fireplace, or whether you need to call the company who installed the gas line to bring it to the fireplace for you.
Discover If Your Fireplace Requires Electricity to Run
One of the biggest myths out there pertaining to gas fireplaces is that they solely run on gas. While some do use gas only, many others are connected to electricity as well. The power that is supplied by electricity may help the unit to ignite a spark or can provide ambient lighting when the fireplace is not in use. If the gas fireplace you selected uses electricity, you need to ensure that there is an electrical outlet nearby, and one that can withstand the amount of heat that the fireplace gives off.
Find Out What the Framing Dimensions Are
The final thing that you need to do prior to having a gas fireplace installed is to learn what your framing dimensions are. In addition to knowing what the framing dimensions are, you should also take the time to learn the required distances for combustible materials for the mantel, hearth and similar facing materials. You want to ensure that you have enough space for the gas fireplace that you are looking to install, while also ensuring that you are following code for framing and fireplace materials.
Deciding to have a new gas fireplace installed in your home is a big decision. While installation companies will help you with the installation process, there are things that you need to do on your own to ensure the process goes off perfectly. Taking the time to learn where you will vent your fireplace, discovering where your gas line is and who will bring it to the fireplace, finding out if your fireplace uses electricity to run and measuring out the framing dimensions and the required distances for materials are all important to ensuring your fireplace is properly installed.
