What is a Thermocouple versus a Thermopile? – Fireplace Experts
Thermocouples and thermopiles in the hearth industry are flame-sensing devices used on gas fireplaces, stoves, and gas logs. Both convert heat from the pilot flame into electricity, but they serve different functions and produce different power levels. Thermocouple = safety signal; thermopile = operating ability. Thermocouple: A thermocouple is a small safety sensor that generates […]
What are Andirons and How Do Firedogs Protect My Fireplace?
If you’ve ever seen decorative metal supports inside a traditional fireplace, you’ve likely been looking at andirons, also known as fire dogs. These classic components have been used for centuries to hold firewood in place, improve how a fire burns, and add visual character to a masonry fireplace. How do Andirons Work? Andirons sit in […]
What Does Clearances to Combustibles Mean? – Fireplace Experts
What is Clearance to Combustibles in the Hearth Industry? More air space creates more insulation increasing the overall safety of your installation. Clearance to combustibles is the required minimum air space between heat-producing appliances such as wood stoves, fireplaces, and chimney pipes, and any material that can burn. This distance protects wood framing, drywall, flooring, […]
What are Firebricks & Refractory Panels and How to Fix Them?
What Are Fireplace Bricks? Fireplace bricks are refractory firebricks, high-density clay blocks engineered to withstand extreme heat and repeated thermal cycling. They line the combustion chamber of a fireplace and protect structural components from damaging temperatures. What is the Difference Between Firebrick and Fireplace Refractory? There are two distinct types of heat reflector with different […]
Can I Upgrade the Old Fireplace My Builder Put In?
If you have a builder-grade fireplace, chances are it’s inefficient and pulling warm air out of your home instead of heating it. The good news? You can upgrade it into an efficient heat source. Here’s how to get started, based on your fireplace type and code requirements. 1. Identify Your Fireplace Type Masonry Fireplace: Built […]
What is NFI Certified? (The Top Safety Standard for Fireplaces)
Our family-owned Pennsylvania fireplace shop invests heavily in NFI’s education and certification for our team. We believe the best path to a safe fireplace install is high quality knowledge from experienced hearth professionals. We care about installing fireplaces safely and efficiently in the best way possible. The National Fireplace Institute makes this possible with their […]
What is a Fireplace Insert and When Do You Need One?
Gas Fireplace Insert What is a Fireplace Insert? Fireplace inserts are metal boxes that slide into a pre-existing fireplace rated to burn wood. If you do not have an existing fireplace, an insert is not the best option for your project. Inserts are sealed systems that improve the efficiency of your existing fireplace. These energy-efficient […]
What is NFPA 211? A Standard to Keep Your Fireplace Install Safe
National Fire Protection Association 211 NFPA 211, officially titled “Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances,” is the definitive national fire safety standard published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). This comprehensive document establishes minimum requirements for the design, installation, inspection, maintenance, and repair of chimneys, fireplaces, venting systems, and solid fuel-burning […]