FAQ | hargrovegaslogs

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FAQs

1. What are RADCO, or ANSI certified gas log sets?

RADCO is a testing agency that tests and certifies gas log sets to meet specific safety and performance standards. Vented gas log sets are commonly tested to the City of Los Angeles RGA 2-72 standard, or to the ANSI (American National Standards Institute) Z.21.60 standard. Certification testing may be performed by any of these testing agencies. Certified log sets may be required to use a safety pilot control, or have limits placed on the amount of BTU's they produce as part of the standard.

2. Our new house has natural gas. Can we use our LP log set from the old house?

Yes, the set could be reused after the installation of a gas conversion kit if it is a non-ANSI vented set. However, we do not recommend moving the logs from the original fireplace, as the logs become brittle after extended use and may break if moved. Such breakage would not be covered under warranty.

3. Do I have to re-light the pilot light every time I use my log set?

No. You can light the pilot in the Fall and leave it on throughout the Winter, as the pilot is extremely clean burning and uses very little gas (approximately 1,500 Btu/hr).

4. Can I add a remote control to my log set after it has been installed?

You can easily add a remote to vented or vent-free log sets already equipped with valves. Vented sets can also be converted to remote operation by adding one of our remote capable valves, such as the latch tap, millivolt, or variable flame height valves.

5. What are the BTU's on a vented gas log set?

The approximate input BTU's of our single-sided log sets are:

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6. I have a vented log set, and the logs have black soot on them. Is this normal?

Soot build-up on vented gas logs is a normal part of the combustion process, and usually adds to the realism of your log set. Natural gas log sets generally produce less soot than liquid propane log sets. Sooting is not normal on a vent-free gas log set, and if soot is present, the set should be inspected by a hearth professional to verify it is operating properly.

7. How can I clean my logs?

If desired, soot may be removed by lightly brushing the logs with a soft-bristled paint brush. We do not recommend removing the logs from the fireplace for cleaning, as this may cause breakage. Do not scrub the logs with water or abrasive cleansers, as this will remove the coloring, may chip off bark texture, and will void your warranty. Do not attempt to clean your logs while the log set is hot!

8. What are Hargrove gas logs made of?

Hargrove gas logs are made of mixture of pre-fired, expanded clay and a special hi-temperature cement, with a wire mesh reinforcement. This combination creates a strong, ceramic material capable of withstanding extreme temperatures, yet also allows molding of the intricate detail found in Hargrove gas logs. Our Radiant Heat series logs are made of ceramic fiber, for greater heat reflectivity.

9. What is the difference between vented and vent-free gas logs?

Vented gas logs are rated as a decorative appliance, designed to operate in a wood burning fireplace, with the damper fully opened. Vent-free gas logs (also called ventless or unvented) are rated as a heating appliance, designed to operate in a vent-free or wood burning fireplace, which does not vent to the outdoors.

10. Do vent-free gas logs produce more heat than vented logs?

Most vent-free gas logs use less gas than vented gas log sets, but will provide more heat in the home, since none of the heat is vented to the outdoors.

11. Can I use a non-Hargrove burner or valve with my Hargrove logs?

Aftermarket burner or valve systems are not recommended. Hargrove burners, grates and valve systems are designed to work together, giving you a convenient and reliable gas log set that will provide years of trouble-free service. Use of aftermarket burners and valves may also void your warranty. Never use a non-Hargrove burner with a Hargrove Vent Free set.

12. Does Hargrove make log sets that will work in my double-sided fireplace?

Yes. Hargrove offers vented See-Thru and Full Pan log sets in many sizes and log styles.

13. I have a three-sided or peninsula fireplace. Do you have a log set for these?

Yes. Hargrove produces the Full Pan system for these applications. Hargrove offers 3 distinctive log styles, and Cannon Balls for this burner system.

14. My pilot stays lit for a few minutes then goes out. Can you help me?

This may indicate flame is not reaching the tip of the thermopile or thermocouple due to low gas pressure, which may be caused by operating the set without fully opening the fireplace key valve. This may also be caused by too much heat hitting the base of the thermopile on millivolt systems, or may indicate a worn or defective pilot assembly. Please verify that the fireplace key valve is fully open, or contact your Hargrove dealer for repair or replacement.

15. Can I close the glass doors on my fireplace when using my gas logs?

No. Hargrove gas log sets are designed for use in fireplaces with all fireplace doors fully opened. Operating your log set with the doors closed will cause overheating, premature failure of valve systems, and will void the warranty of your log set. Glass doors may be closed when the log set is not in use.

16. Can I install my gas log set myself?

We recommend installation by an NFI certified hearth professional, hvac professional, gas fitter, or plumber experienced in gas log installation. Many localities require installation of any gas appliance to be performed by a professional.

17. What sort of maintenance do gas logs require?

Vented gas logs do not require regular maintenance. However, it is a good idea to have valves, pilots and gas connections on your set periodically inspected by a hearth professional. Although it is not required maintenance, annually refurbishing the ember material and cleaning of the logs will help maintain your set's beauty and realism. Vent-free gas log sets should be inspected annually by a qualified hearth professional.

18. Why do I need a safety pilot control for my LP gas log set?

Since LP gas is heavier than air, it tends to gather or pool in low spots, rather than dissipating through the chimney flue, and escaping LP gas can go unnoticed until a significant quantity has gathered, creating a potential hazard. Installation of a safety pilot control ensures that gas cannot accidentally pass through the burner when not operating, eliminating the risk of such an occurrence.

19. Does the ember material burn up, and do I need to replace it periodically?

Hargrove's ember material is a fireproof, organic mineral material called rockwool, and does not burn or require periodic replacement, however, annual refurbishment of the embers will help maintain the beauty and realism of your set.

20. Can I burn real wood along with my gas logs?

No. The intense heat of a wood fire will damage your logs, burners, grates and valves, and will void your warranty.

21. Will gas logs help my chimney that drafts poorly?

No. Improper or poor draft will not be helped by gas logs. Please have your chimney inspected by a hearth professional or chimney sweep, to determine how to correct the problem.

22. Can I close my fireplace damper to get more heat from my vented gas log set?

No. Vented gas logs are designed to be operated with the damper in the fully opened position.

23. Where can I get technical help for my gas log set?

You may contact your Hargrove Hearth Products dealer, or you may contact us at (800) 725-4166

24. How do I determine which size log set to buy?

You may use our Set Size Calculator here on our website, or contact your closest dealer.

25. My gas logs make a whistling noise when I burn them. What causes this?

This behavior is normally caused by using a standard corrugated flex line to hook up the gas log set. All Hargrove gas log sets are supplied with a flexible aluminum connector to prevent this.

26. Can I install vent-free gas logs in my wood burning fireplace?

Vent-free gas log sets can be installed in most masonry fireplaces, as long as the set's clearance and ventilation requirements are met. For installation in prefabricated fireplaces or fireboxes, follow the fireplace manufacturer's recommendations, as well as meeting the set's clearance and ventilation requirements. Refer to the log set's owner's manual to determine clearances and unconfined space requirements.

27. How long is the warranty on Hargrove gas log sets?

Hargrove gas log sets carry a lifetime limited warranty on the logs, in the fireplace which they were originally installed, a five year limited warranty on burners and grates, and a two year limited warranty on valves, pilots and other accessories. Log sets installed in outdoor applications carry a one year limited warranty.

28. Can I move or change the position of the logs on my gas log set?

Vent-Free, RGA2-72 or ANSI Z21.60 certified log sets should not be altered - log placement must be exactly as indicated in the set's installation instructions. Log placement on non-certified, vented log sets may be altered, but minimal handling is recommended, to prevent log breakage.

29. Do you sell your gas logs over the internet?

Hargrove does not sell gas logs over the internet, and recommends that our products be purchased only through authorized Hargrove Hearth Products dealers. If unsure, please contact use our dealer locator to locate a dealer in your area.

30. Can I purchase my gas log set directly from Hargrove?

No, we do not sell directly to the public. If you are not aware of an authorized Hargrove Hearth Products dealer in your area, please use our dealer locator or contact us for assistance.

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