Glossary
Get to know the most common terms used in gas and electric fireplaces to help you make an informed purchase decision and enjoy the quality of performance you need and deserve.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Andirons | Free-standing metal supports, usually made with cast iron or steel, to hold firewood on a hearth. Each andiron typically consists of a horizontal bar supported on short legs. |
| BTU | The standard unit of measurement used to represent the heat value of any type of energy that creates heat. The greater the BTU rating, the greater the heating capacity of the fireplace. |
| Blower | An electric, motor-driven fan used to circulate air at an increased pace and velocity through the fireplace convection air chamber. |
| Clean Face Design | A fireplace design that allows non-combustible wall sheeting or tiles to be finished right up to the edge of the glass frame. |
| Clearances | Minimum distance, composed only of an air space that must be maintained between a heat source such as a fireplace or vent and combustible surfaces. |
| Combustible Material | Material made of or surfaced with wood, compressed paper, plant fibres or other materials that will ignite and burn. |
| Direct Vent | A method of venting that allows for all air for combustion to originate directly from the outside atmosphere and all flue gases discharged directly to the outside atmosphere, with no chimney required. |
| Directional Baffles | A deflector shield that reflects heat back into the fireplace’s combustion chamber. This ensures that as much heat as possible is retained in the stove and emitted into the room in a controlled manner. |
| Electric Fireplaces | Fireplaces that use electricity as the power source. Convenient and easy use anywhere in the home; simply flip the switch to turn on the heat, no chimney required. |
| Firebox | The inner-most compartment of a fireplace designed to support the combustion of fuel. |
| Gas Insert | A gas appliance designed to be installed within an existing masonry fireplace opening or a metal factory-built firebox. |
| Gas Vent | A factory-made venting system designed to move flue gases to the outside atmosphere. |
| Linear Fireplace | A horizontal-format gas fireplace similar in shape to a widescreen TV. |
| Natural Gas | Clean-burning fossil fuel available in vast quantities throughout North America and delivered to homes via an extensive pipeline network. |
| Pilot | A small flame used to ignite the gas at the main burner. |
| Propane | A colourless, odourless and nontoxic Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) that contains more heat value than natural gas. |
| Remote Control | A wireless handheld remote control system that provides the homeowner with complete control of the fire from anywhere in the room. |
| Safety Barrier | A screen that provides a physical barrier to prevent skin from coming into direct contact with the hot glass, reducing the risk of serious burns. |
| Surround | The design element surrounding a fireplace that provides aesthetic and safety benefits. Often used to cover the unfinished edges of drywall or tile. |
| Trim Kit | A trim kit serves the same function as a surround, but is only 1 to 2 inches in width. Due to their size, fireplace trim is more commonly used with built-in pre-made fireplace units, and provides a finished look that stands out from the enclosure. |
| Variable Heat Range | A control feature included in gas fireplaces that allows you to manually adjust the heat output of your fireplace by controlling the fireplace’s gas consumption rate. |
| Venting | The system of pipes that draws air in from the outside to aid combustion, and exhaust smoke and gases to the outside. |