Gas log installation in South Lake Conway Villa

A burner that shuts down partway through

When a log set goes out after running a while, one maker's troubleshooting table lists several causes, each with its own fix. Our technicians check them in order before recommending new parts.

Most of these are found and fixed on the first visit, and the estimate says which one it was.

• Gas pressure too low or too high
• Logs out of position
• Soot in the flue, fireplace or damper area
• A fireplace too small for the burner
• A pilot flame lifting off its sensor
• Debris or lava granules on the burner ports

Tightly built homes and vent-free sets

Newer and heavily sealed homes can hold too little outside air for an unvented heater. One vent-free manual says its heater shall not be installed in a confined space or in unusually tight construction unless provisions are made for additional air.

It defines unusually tight construction by features such as a continuous vapor retarder, gasketed or sealed openings and caulked joints around windows and doors. Our pros ask about the home's construction and recommend a vented option where the air supply is doubtful.

Where local rules limit vent-free sets

Vent-free sets are not allowed everywhere. One manual notes that state and local codes in some areas prohibit the use of vent-free heaters, and that some codes allow operation only in a vented configuration.

Before a vent-free set is recommended for your address, our crew confirms what applies there and whether your homeowners association or building has rules of its own. When the answer is unclear, the estimate says so and offers a vented set instead.

Propane tanks stay outdoors

Propane log sets come with a clear rule about the tank. One vent-free manual says not to place propane supply tanks inside any structure and to locate them outdoors.

Tank placement and sizing are your propane supplier's call. Our pros note what they see during the inspection and point out anything that looks inconsistent with the manual, so it can be raised with the supplier before the set goes in.

A log set that has been under water

Flood water ruins gas controls. One vented set manual says a set with any part that has been under water stays off until a qualified service technician has inspected it and replaced every part of the control system and every gas control that got wet.

The same manual warns that attempted operation may result in fire or explosion. Our technicians follow that rule even when a wet set seems to light, and they list the replacement parts on a written estimate.