Gas log installation specialists for Colonialtown North

The listing behind a vented log set

Section 602.1 of the Florida fuel gas code covers decorative appliances made for approved solid fuel-burning fireplaces. It asks for an ANSI Z21.60 listing and an installation that follows the manufacturer's instructions, and the listing is printed on the set and on its manual cover.

That makes the manual part of the rule. Burner position, damper opening, media and log placement all come from it, so our installers read the manual for your exact set before unpacking anything.

The oxygen depletion safety system

The state fuel gas code requires, in section 621.6, unvented room heaters to have an oxygen-depletion-sensitive safety shutoff system. On vent-free log sets, it is usually built into the pilot, often called an ODS pilot.

One vent-free manual explains that the ODS shuts the heater down if there is not enough fresh air and cuts off main burner gas if the flame goes out. A set that keeps shutting off is telling you something about the air in the room, and our pros never bypass the system.

A little smoke on the first burns

New ceramic logs and fresh factory coatings need to burn in. One vent-free manual says slight smoking may occur during initial operation as the logs cure and the heater burns off manufacturing residues.

The same manual says the heater is designed to be smokeless, so if the logs appear to smoke after that, turn it off and have a qualified technician look at it. Our installers run the first burn with you and explain what is normal.

Decorative sets and room heaters

The standards tell you what each kind of set is for. Vented sets are listed to ANSI Z21.60 as decorative appliances for installation in solid-fuel fireplaces, while vent-free sets are listed to ANSI Z21.11.2 as unvented room heaters.

That difference shows up in the rules around them, from the damper to the room size to the thermostat. Our pros explain which one matches what you want from the fireplace before recommending a set.

When the log set pilot keeps dropping out

When a log set pilot lights and then drops out, one maker's troubleshooting table points to several parts. Our technicians check each one before recommending a repair.

Pilot parts are specific to the valve, so replacements come from the set's own parts list.

• A valve that will not hold
• A pilot hood bent away from the thermocouple
• A bent or kinked pilot line
• A loose, cracked or worn thermocouple
• Excessive downdraft in the chimney