Gas Fireplaces

Benefits of a Gas Fireplace

While wood-burning fireplaces provide cozy warmth and ambiance, they can’t beat the ease and efficiency of gas fireplaces. Here are a few benefits of choosing a gas fireplace for your living space:

• You don’t need to worry about chopping, splitting, or stacking logs and the mess that goes along with them.
• Speaking of mess, there are no ashes, smoke, or chimneys to clean.
• The fire does not need to be tended to and will not die out.
• You can start, adjust, and stop the fireplace with a remote control, and a wall thermostat can maintain a specific temperature setting in the room.
• You can get as much as 75 to 99 percent of a fuel’s energy back as heat instead of the 10 to 30 percent for wood fires.
• Gas fireplaces can be placed almost anywhere in your home as long as there is a gas line.

Frequently Asked Questions About A Modern Gas Fireplace

What Types of Gas Fireplaces Are Available?

Gas fireplaces come in three types: inserts for retrofitting a wood-burning fireplace with something more efficient, log sets that sit in existing fireplaces, and built-ins for those who want a brand-new fireplace. Napoleon sells each type of gas fireplace and will walk you through the key features of each kind so that you can make the best decision for your living space.

Built-in gas fireplaces are reliable heat producers that fill your room with warm air and radiant heat. Each type of built-in gas fireplace has different models that vary in size, heat production, and style.

What is a Built-in Gas Fireplace?

A built-in gas fireplace does not require an existing fireplace or chimney. Rather, vented units with fixed glass panels cycle air and exhaust directly through an exterior wall opening. Vent-free gas fireplaces have a fixed metal screen or glass panel and exhaust into the room.

Does a Gas Fireplace Require a Chimney?

Not every indoor gas fireplace requires a chimney. Ventless fireplaces are a convenient option when you don’t have an existing chimney since they don’t need any venting. Direct-vent fireplaces are another option that vents directly through an exterior wall. Many people prefer vented fireplaces because they remove combustion by-products from the home for safety reasons. Built-in gas fireplaces can be installed with or without an existing fireplace and come in both vented and vent-free models. With this variety, there’s likely a gas fireplace to suit your needs.

Can You Convert a Wood-Burning Fireplace to an Indoor Gas Fireplace?

Yes, you can convert a traditional wood-burning fireplace to a natural gas fireplace. This is a popular option for homeowners who want the convenience of gas but already have a wood-burning fireplace. The process involves installing a gas insert into the current fireplace opening. The insert is a sealed combustion system that either uses the existing chimney for venting (with a direct-vent insert) or doesn’t require any venting at all (for ventless models). While converting to gas can be an affordable way to upgrade your fireplace, it’s important to hire a qualified professional to ensure the job is done safely and correctly. A professional can also help you choose the right type of insert for your space, considering factors like heat output, efficiency, and venting requirements.

How Efficient Are Gas Fireplaces?

One of the major advantages of a modern gas fireplace is its efficiency compared to wood-burning models. Gas fireplaces convert most of the fuel they use into heat, meaning less energy is wasted. The efficiency of a natural gas fireplace can vary depending on the type. Direct-vent fireplaces are among the most efficient, with up to 85% of the gas being converted into heat. They draw air from outside for combustion and vent exhaust gases directly outdoors, ensuring that no warm indoor air is lost. Ventless fireplaces can achieve efficiency ratings as high as 99% since all the heat generated stays inside the room. However, because they vent into the living space, it’s important to use them according to the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure safe operation.

Is a Natural Gas Fireplace Safe?

Safety is a key consideration when it comes to natural gas fireplaces. When installed and maintained correctly, gas fireplaces are generally very safe and come with important safety features like automatic shut-off valves, oxygen depletion sensors, and glass fronts to prevent accidental contact with the flames. Having your fireplace installed by a licensed professional ensures it meets local building codes and manufacturer specifications.

Napoleon prioritizes safety by including features like an automatic shut-off mechanism that monitors performance and shuts off the fireplace if it detects problems like overheating or flame loss. Our innovative triple-paned Glass Guard system keeps the exterior glass warm but safe to touch, making it suitable for homes with kids or pets. This design also eliminates the need for a traditional metal screen, providing a clear view of the flames while ensuring your fireplace remains a safe and stylish centerpiece in your home.

How Does Napoleon’s Heat Management System Enhance Comfort?

Napoleon’s Heat Management System is designed to maximize comfort in your home, regardless of the room’s layout. The system works by allowing you to control the flow of heat, giving you the flexibility to direct warmth where it’s needed most or to divert it away from sensitive items like TVs, artwork, or electronics.

The core of this system involves using specially designed vents and ducting that can either channel the heat into specific areas of the room or, in some cases, redirect it to different parts of the home. For example, if you have a TV mounted above the fireplace, the Heat Management System can be set to minimize the heat reaching that area, protecting your electronics from overheating. Alternatively, if you want to evenly distribute warmth across a large room or concentrate it in a smaller space, the system allows you to adjust the settings to achieve the desired effect.

Can I Control My Gas Fireplace With My Smartphone?

Absolutely! With the eFIRE app, controlling your Napoleon fireplace is as simple as a tap on your smartphone or tablet. You can adjust the flame height, blower speed, and even the color and brightness of the LED accent lights, all from your device. The app also features timers that can automatically turn off the fireplace, which is especially convenient when you’re heading to bed or leaving the house. Plus, you can customize the app’s interface to prioritize the features you use most, making it a highly personalized and convenient tool.

What’s The Night Light™ Feature?

The Night Light™ feature in Napoleon fireplaces adds a soft, ambient glow to your room, even when the flames are off. This is perfect for those warmer months when you want to enjoy the cozy ambiance of a fireplace without the added heat. You can adjust the brightness to suit your mood or the time of day, whether you prefer a gentle nightlight or a more vibrant glow. This feature ensures your fireplace remains a beautiful focal point year-round.

What are Alternatives to Traditional Logs?

One of the great things about gas fireplaces is that they don’t have to look like a traditional wood-burning fireplace and can be customized to fit the style of your living space. One way you can update your gas fireplace is by switching out conventional logs with gas chips, coal, or stone. All these options can be further customized by choosing colors for them.

Personalizing your Napoleon fireplace is easy with their wide range of media kits, offering something for every style and taste. Whether you love the rustic look of Driftwood Logs, the natural beauty of Birch Logs, or the modern flair of colored Glass Embers, there’s an option to fit your aesthetic. You can easily mix and match elements like logs, rocks, and glass beads to create a fireplace that not only warms your home but also serves as a stunning visual centerpiece. These media kits allow you to transform your fireplace into a unique expression of your personal style, adding both warmth and artistic charm to your living space. The ability to customize the look of your fireplace means that it can evolve with your decor over time, so it always complements your home’s design.

What Maintenance Does a Gas Fireplace Require?

To keep your gas fireplace in good condition, it’s important to schedule an annual inspection and cleaning by a certified technician. During this visit, the technician will clean the burner, inspect the gas lines, check for leaks, and ensure that the ventilation system is functioning properly. This yearly maintenance not only extends the life of your fireplace but also helps prevent potential safety hazards, such as carbon monoxide leaks or inefficient burning.

You can also take simple steps to keep your fireplace looking and running well. Regularly dust the exterior surfaces and wipe down the glass with a suitable cleaner to remove any soot or residue build-up. This not only keeps your fireplace looking clean but also ensures that you always have a clear view of the flames. Also, if your fireplace has decorative elements like logs or rocks, it’s a good idea to gently clean around them to prevent dust accumulation, which can affect the appearance and even the performance of the fireplace.

Transform your living space with the warmth and style of a Napoleon gas fireplace. Whether you want a modern centerpiece or a cozy, rustic ambiance, there’s a model designed to fit your home perfectly. Experience the blend of innovative technology and timeless design that only Napoleon can offer.