Want to learn how to arrange fake logs in your gas fireplace? Beyond the warmth, the ambience—and the energy efficiency—of a gas fireplace is unmatched. Gas logs are a great way to create the aesthetic of real firewood in your home, without the hassle of chopping wood.
To get the most out of them, it’s important to know the best way to arrange and ignite them, while understanding some common mistakes people come across during the process.
Below is our comprehensive beginners’ guide to arranging and lighting gas logs.
Steps to Arrange Gas Logs
To create a quality and long-lasting fire, proper positioning of the gas logs is key. Here is a set of steps to follow:
- Place the largest logs on the bottom to act as the foundation for the fire. The direction you lay them in depends on the design of the fireplace and the size of the logs.
- Leave about 2 inches between logs.
- Make sure none of the logs are blocking gas flow. (If you find that a log is blocking it, you will have to re-arrange the logs.)
- Arrange the smaller logs on top of the foundation logs. You don’t have to place them in a neat order—you may want the log arrangement to look “random” to create a more natural feel.
How to Ignite Gas Logs
Before you light your fire, follow these safety protocols. Gas fireplaces can become a fire or carbon monoxide hazard, so keep these safety tips in mind:
- Read the owner’s manual
- Keep flammable objects at least 3 feet away from your fireplace
- Don’t touch the glass on the front of the fireplace unless you’re certain it’s cool
- Test your carbon monoxide detectors
- If you smell gas and your fireplace won’t ignite, turn off the gas supply and call 911.
After you’ve placed the gas logs and prepped for safety, it’s time to start a fire. Unlike the process of building a fire with real wood, igniting gas logs is pretty simple.
Your igniting process will depend on the type of controls within your fireplace. Some gas logs can be turned on using a switch or knob, while others can be controlled using a remote.
The Most Common Installation Mistakes
There are a couple common mistakes that people make when buying gas logs and preparing them for use. If you’re having problems with your gas logs, it could be one of these reasons:
1. If the logs are placed incorrectly, they will turn black from soot formation caused by clogged burner ports and logs that have been placed incorrectly. The purpose of fire logs is to ensure that the gas burns cleanly, so if they are placed improperly, they may block the natural path of the flames, causing soot build up and turning the logs black.
2. Another mistake people encounter is buying the wrong size. If your gas log set isn’t the right size, it won’t vent efficiently. This can result in poor heating performance, and could even emit harmful gas throughout your house.
You should also double check that you bought the correct type of gas log– either vented or ventless. Vented gas logs must be installed in an approved fireplace opening with a working chimney.
However, ventless gas logs don’t require a chimney and can be used in an existing fireplace with the flue closed.
Want More Information on How to Arrange Fake logs in a Gas Fireplace?
If you have any further questions about maintaining your gas fireplace or arranging your ceramic logs, you can contact our team at Supreme Fireplace and Hearth. Our local fireplace experts are the ones that homeowners here in Terre Haute depend on for all of their installation, inspection, maintenance, and repair needs.
Do you have questions or want more information about fireplaces or logs? Contact Supreme today!
