Dakota Hearth, Inc.
200 9th Avenue SE
Watertown, South Dakota 57201
Phone: 605-886-5944
Toll free: 877-728-2064
Email: sales@dakotahearth.com
Copyright 2006 Dakota Hearth, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. I have a wood-burning fireplace. Can I install a gas fireplace?
A. Yes. We sell gas inserts that will fit either a factory built or hand-crafted fireplace.
Q. What is a direct vent fireplace?
A. It's a sealed gas fireplace in which fresh air is pulled into the house through a pipe in the flue and burns in the combustion chamber. The exhaust gases exit through a different pipe, vented through either an outside wall or at the roof. This system minimizes heat loss through the chimney and is 70% efficient. And no combustion byproducts will spill or backdraft into your living space, making a direct vent fireplace safe for bedrooms and bathrooms.
Q. Can I control the heat coming from a gas fireplace?
A. Yes. The models that have a thermostat control allow you to set the temperature you want, and the fireplace turns on and off accordingly. Most of our gas fireplaces have a high/low heat control knob, and the flame height changes with the setting. But some of our models have a bypass system that lets you lower the heat without reducing the flame height.
Q. Will my gas fireplace run without electricity?
A. Yes! Most direct vent fireplaces have a standing pilot, which doesn't need electricity to run. If your fireplace has a fan, however, it won't run without electricity.
Q. My family room isn't very big, but I want to put in a fireplace. Do these fireplaces take up a lot of space?
A. No. We have many models to choose from—you can tuck them into a wall between two rooms or even in a corner.
Q. Can I convert my gas fireplace from liquid propane to natural gas?
A. Yes. All that's needed is an orifice change from one fuel to another.
Q. Can I install my own fireplace?
A. We have qualified, experienced installers, but if you do it yourself, make sure you check with the building code supervisor first. And we recommend that you hire a licensed gas technician to hook up the gas.
Q. What does "zero clearance" mean?
A. Zero clearance means that zero inches are required between the fireplace and combustible materials (drywall, wood, paper, etc.). That means we can install your fireplace right up against an interior or exterior wall. But, because metal expands when it heats, we allow 1/2 inch clearance when we measure for an installation.
Q. My mantel is too hot to touch. Is this dangerous?
A. No, not if your fireplace is installed properly. ANSI standards allow surrounding combustible materials to reach 117 degrees above room temperature. So if your living room is at 68 degrees, the mantle can be as hot as 185 degrees.
Q. What do I do if my fireplace can't be vented through the roof?
A. Most direct vent fireplaces can be vented either vertically or horizontally, so you can vent it through an outside wall.
Q. Do you have corner fireplaces?
A. We have several beautiful fireplaces and cabinets that are designed for corner installation.
Q. What's a flue?
A. Same thing as a chimney or vent.
Q. What's a normal hearth height?
A. Most hearths are four to eight inches.
Q. What size tank do I need for a gas fireplace?
A. We require using at least a 100 gallon tank or larger. Do NOT use a twenty pound cylinder—they can cause problems in cold weather.
Q. What's the difference between steady state efficiency and AFUE?
A. Steady state tests the efficiency of the fireplace only when it is burning. AFUE, or Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, calculates both the on and off cycle. Including the off cycle results in a more accurate operational cost.
Q. What does it cost to run a fireplace?
A. That varies depending on fuel costs in your area. You can use this calculation sheet to estimate your costs.
Phone: 605-886-5944
Toll free: 877-728-2064
Email: sales@dakotahearth.com
200 9th Ave SE
Watertown, SD 57201