Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a BTU
The heating values of natural gas and liquid propane (LP) are measured in British thermal units (BTUs). A Btu is defined as the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. Appliances are rated at BTUs per hour for both input and output.
2. Which units will operate safely during a power outage?
A gas appliance that has a pilot flame will continue to produce heat without electricity. The blower will not work, but you will get radiant and convection heat. These gas units have been tested for safety without power. If power outages are a common occurrence in your area, it is very important to look for a stove made from heavy-gauge metal. Wood stoves, of course, require no electricity to function, so power outages will have no effect on their operation. Pellet stoves require electricity for both the fans and the auger, so they will not run during an outage. Battery back-ups are available, or you can run one with a generator.
3. Which manufacturer makes the best stove?
Unfortunately, there is no black-and-white answer to this question. All of the manufacturers we do business with are highly reputable and stand behind their products. There are so many variables that will affect your stove choice, including the style you like, the amount of space you're heating, whether you are looking for primary or supplementary heat, what your venting requirements are, etc.
4. Is my stove legal to operate during a burning ban?
Modern gas stoves burn so cleanly and efficiently that they are exempt from EPA emissions standards. The EPA requirement for wood and pellet stoves is 4.5 grams of particulate matter per hour. All of the units we handle fall far below that mark, and all of our pellet stoves have tested at less than one gram per hour. They are all certified EPA Phase II, which is the newest and strictest standard.
5. What is the difference between catalytic and non-catalytic combustion?
Both of these terms refer to the method used to reduce emissions and increase efficiency in wood stoves. Catalytic combustion has been used for years. It is very similar to what has been put on car exhaust systems to help them meet emissions standards. It is a chemical that makes the combustor ignite the gases that would have gone up the chimney as smoke. The gases are burned, creating more heat, as well as a cleaner burn and higher efficiency. A non-catalytic combustion system includes tubes that inject air into the firebox at strategic places and times to encourage more complete combustion. This system keeps the door glass clean, by injecting air to keep the smoke off the window, making it much more enjoyable to watch the fire. Non-catalytic is the newest technology in wood stoves.
6. Can I install a new stove using my existing chimney?
You may or may not be able to. In order to pass inspection, the venting has to be the same system all the way up, and has to be U.L. listed for the stove you are installing. If you call us at 1-250-563-7066 Monday through Friday between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, we can help you determine if your existing chimney would be compatible with the units you are considering.
7. What is an outside air kit, and how do I know if I need one?
An outside air kit is for wood or pellet stoves only. It attaches to your stove and goes either out through the wall or down through the floor into a crawl space. This draws combustion air from the outside, rather than drawing in room air. Colder air makes for better combustion, making your stove work more efficiently and burn cleaner. In a direct vent situation, the combustion air comes from outside through the direct vent pipe. A zero-clearance fireplace can be framed into the wall where no fireplace existed before. It requires no footing or foundation. The clearance to combustible framing for the back, top, bottom, and sides is zero inches. The front of the fireplace is designed to radiate heat, so combustible items such as furniture need to be kept well away, usually about 48".
8. How difficult is installation?
Pellet stove installations are probably the easiest because they vent straight out the wall or through an existing wood stove flue. The most difficult part is to cut an 8" hole with a circular saw.When you call us at
1-250-563-7066, our technicians will be able to determine exactly what venting components you need.
Wood stoves are also fairly easy installations, particularly if you are going into an existing chimney. The hardest part is making sure you satisfy the clearances to combustibles and hearth pad requirements. After you measure from the bottom of the flue, give us a call and we can put together the exact venting package you need for your situation.
Gas stove installation is a little bit more involved. The venting is comparable to a wood stove. We do recommend that you call an HVAC-licensed gas fitter to hook up the gas, clock the unit in to your meter, and make the final air adjustments.
9. What is a zero-clearance fireplace?
A zero-clearance fireplace can be framed into the wall where no fireplace existed before. It requires no footing or foundation. The clearance to combustible framing for the back, top, bottom, and sides is zero inches. The front of the fireplace is designed to radiate heat, so combustible items such as furniture need to be kept well away, usually about 48".