Rasmussen Gas Logs FAQs, Tips & Info

Save Gas Logs!

2011-09-07T20:17:00.000-07:00

The US Department of Energy, under the guise of "energy conservation" is threatening vented gas log sets as we know them. The government has created horrible regulations based on shoddy research and overreach of authority. Learn about the threat and how you can help at www.SaveGasLogs.com

How much heat from an Alterna VF in a vented application?

2009-10-22T08:26:00.000-07:00

Question: How much heat output is typical from an Alterna VF burner in a vented application? We're looking for a decorative gas fire that we can run--with flames on--for a few hours a night without heating up the room too much. The lower output, the better.

Answer: Thank you for your interest in our Alterna VF products. Your request is counter to most that we receive about our products, as most people desire the most heat possible. II will address the various issues below.

In a vent-free application, you have no heat loss up the chimney, so with a 40,000 BTU/hour input, you have approximately the same for the BTU output.

When used in a vented application, the amount of heat output into the room depends on the efficiency of the fireplace, which can vary from fireplace to fireplace. With the damper wide open, fireplaces are typically plus 20% to minus 20% efficient. Other factors such as the weather tightness of the room/house in which the fireplace is located contribute or detract from the heating efficiency.

Unfortunately, we haven't designed "cold" flame yet for purely decorative purposes. The flame in the Alterna VF is real and is hot (please don't touch it!). You do have the ability to turn down the fire to lower flame levels should the room heat up too much at a higher flame.

Alterna VF FireGlitter Video

2009-02-11T15:25:00.000-08:00

This is video of our new lower profile AFM-series of ALterna FireGlitter flame and glass effect for vented and vent-free use.

Set Sizing for a See-Through Fireplace

2008-12-30T13:54:00.000-08:00

QUESTION: How do you size a log set for a see-through fireplace?

ANSWER: Almost all Rasmussen gas log and ALTERNA styles are available in “Double Face” for see-through fireplaces.
• Vented set using a safety control, subtract 12” from the fireplace opening width and round down to the nearest set size.
• Vented set that is to be match lighted (natural gas only), subtract 6” from the fireplace opening width and round down to the nearest set size.
• Vent-free set, subtract 6” from the fireplace opening width and round down to the nearest set size.

Old Vent-Free Set (New To Us)

2008-07-18T10:34:00.000-07:00

Question: We just moved into a house that has one of your Chillbuster Vent-free Gas Log sets. The previous homeowner did not leave the instruction manual. Can you help?

Answer: Since the set may have been installed for a while and may or may not have had any user maintenance performed on it, I recommend that you do the following:

1) Thoroughly read the instruction manual; you may download installation/instruction manuals from our website at http://www.rasmussen.biz/logs/instr.html

2) Perform the ODS cleaning advised in the instructions found at http://www.rasmussen.biz/troubleshooting/chillbuster_vent.htm

3) Ensure that all air intake regions of the lower part of the burner, as well as the burner ports themselves, are clear of dust, lint or other debris that would block proper air intake or gas flow. Please view the photos found at http://www.rasmussen.biz/troubleshooting/vf_burners_clean.htm for location of these regions.

4) Ensure that the logs are arranged in accordance with the instructions. Improper log placement can result in substandard performance.

5) Ensure the firebox is clean of any soot or residue from previous wood burning that the previous owner may not have, but should have, removed before placing the Chillbuster into service.

Gas Log Set Instruction Manuals Available Online

2008-07-18T09:42:00.001-07:00

Question: We recently moved into a new home that has one of your unvented gas logs in the fireplace. I’m afraid to light it because no instructions or materials were left for the unit. Is it possible to download the instructions booklet from the manufacturer?

Answer: You may download installation/instruction manuals from our website at http://www.rasmussen.biz/logs/instr.html

FireStone Sizes, Individual

2008-05-22T16:51:00.000-07:00

Below are the sizes of the individual FireStones used in our various FireStone Assortment Packs.

Item	Wt (lbs)	Height	Length	Width
STA1 - Large Size Stone Assortment (six stones)
	Covers .75 sq. ft.
ST1	2.20	2.75	7.00	3.75
ST2	1.75	2.75	5.25	4.00
ST16	1.05	2.25	5.25	3.38
ST17	1.80	2.75	6.00	3.25
ST18	1.45	1.88	6.38	3.75
ST19	1.80	2.50	5.50	4.00

STA2 - Medium Size Stone Assortment (six stones)
	Covers .5 sq. ft.
Item	Wt (lbs)	Height	Length	Width
ST3	1.35	2.75	4.50	3.50
ST4	0.60	1.75	4.75	3.00
ST7	0.50	1.13	3.63	3.25
ST10	0.75	1.63	4.25	3.00
ST11	1.05	2.50	4.50	3.13
ST15	0.50	1.50	3.75	3.13

STA3- Small Size Stone Assortment (seven stones)
	Covers .5 sq. ft.
Item	Wt (lbs)	Height	Length	Width
ST5	0.55	1.88	3.50	3.25
ST6	0.65	1.75	3.88	2.75
ST8	0.45	1.38	3.75	3.00
ST9	0.65	1.75	3.25	3.00
ST12	0.65	2.00	3.13	3.00
ST13	0.40	1.50	3.25	2.75
ST14	0.25	1.00	2.75	2.50

STA4 - Extra Large Size Stone Assortment (six stones)
	Covers 1.25 sq. ft.
Item	Wt (lbs)	Height	Length	Width
ST20	1.75	2.50	6.00	4.25
ST21	1.75	2.75	6.00	4.50
ST22	2.10	2.50	6.25	4.50
ST23	2.70	3.75	6.50	3.75
ST24	2.50	3.00	7.50	4.25
ST25	3.55	4.00	7.00	4.50

STA5 - Pebbles Assortment (approx. 40 stones)
	Covers 1.0 sq. ft.
Various sizes ranging from1.5" to 2.5" long

Damper - Open When Not in Use?

2007-12-05T08:54:00.000-08:00

QUESTION: Do the vented fireplace logs have to have the flue vent open even when it is not being used? Some one told me that in Maine, the flue has to be permanently fixed in the open position by the installer. Of course, this would allow a lot of heat to go up the chimney all winter long.

ANSWER: Practically speaking, the damper can be closed when the unit is not burning, so that heat may be kept inside the room. The same is true of glass doors (open when burning, closed when off). However, many jurisdictions have determined that people cannot be trusted to open the damper before using their gas log set, so it must be either removed or permanently blocked open. In such cases, glass doors provide you the ability to keep the heat inside the room when not burning your gas log set.

FireBalls/FireStones/FireShapes with Gas Fireplace - Part 2

2007-12-05T08:41:00.000-08:00

QUESTION: I read the post on you blog re: "FireBalls/FireStones/FireShapes with Gas Fireplace" . Any progress since then with a possible certification of these products for a gas fireplace appliance? Is there any way we could just use the FireShapes as replacement for existing gas logs without changing the existing burner?

We'd love to replace our ugly logs set with the unique, modern and innovative design of your products...

ANSWER: Because the Gas Fireplace Appliances are designed and certified by other companies, for liability reasons I will never say that it is proper or safe to alter their design. Unless the unit is retested with the alteration and successfully passes all tests in the standard, one cannot promote that such an alternative design is safe or viable. Practically speaking, this will not happen, due to cost and competitive reasons.

"See-Though” versus “Double Face”

2007-12-05T08:18:00.000-08:00

QUESTION: What is the difference between “See-Though” and “Double Face”?

ANSWER: Same thing, different words. The terms may be used interchangeably. Fireplaces which have two sides open, front and back, are termed “See-through” fireplaces. They require “Double Face” gas log sets. DF sets have two front logs (rather than a larger front and smaller rear logs used in Single Face sets) and a parallel grate (teeth upturned on the front and back), so that the appearance is the same from both sides of the fireplace.

Making Heat Fall

2007-12-05T08:16:00.000-08:00

QUESTION: We have 9 ft. ceiling and looking for ideas to draw the heat down.

ANSWER: Heat rises, a physical property we can’t change. A hood at your fireplace opening will “kick out” the heat more horizontally before it starts its upward travel. Hoods may be available from your local fireplace supplier.

A ceiling fan in rotating in reverse will push the heat downward. A word of caution if you do this – ensure the resulting draft does not adversely affect the flame characteristics of the gas log set, as this might impact the clean burn of the set.

Rasmussen neither manufactures nor do we have certified a blower for any of our gas log sets. A blower can interrupt the combustion process and cause soot to be produced, which is then blown into the room. We do not recommend the use of a blower with any of our sets.

Film (Water Vapor) From Use of Vent-Free Gas Log Sets?

2006-12-16T12:42:00.000-08:00

QUESTION: Is it a normal result of the operation of a vent-free gas log set for the inside of the windows to get a film on them? This cleans off easily but is not long before it comes back. I was curious as to whether this is normal or whether some adjustment may be needed?

ANSWER: The “film” you refer to on the inside of your windows is an accumulation of water vapor. Water vapor is a natural by-product of the combustion of gas and occurs with all gas burning appliances. One ounce of water per 1,000 BTU/hour is inputted into the living space with a vent-free heater. This is more than a quart of water per hour when your set is operated on high.

In dry climates, many people welcome this increase in humidity. Some people have humidifiers to accomplish the same effect.

Moisture accumulation is an indication of a lack of fresh air input and exchange with the outside. If you wish to decrease the film on your windows, you must either vent some of the products of combustion from the gas log set up the chimney or dilute the water vapor indoors with fresh air from outside. Without an adequate supply of fresh air to dilute the water vapor and the means to allow it to pass through to outdoors, the water vapor will adhere to all surfaces in the home. The same is true of a shower or a kitchen range. A home of tight construction (vapor barriers, weather-stripping, etc.) with an inadequate supply of fresh air will trap moisture, odors and fumes in the house.

Ultimately, fresh air is the solution for all indoor air quality issues, including moisture accumulation.

Are Glass Doors Needed with Gas Logs?

2006-11-21T09:27:00.000-08:00

QUESTION: Do I need glass doors on my fireplace before I install a gas log set?

ANSWER: Glass doors are either a personal choice or a local code requirement, but are not a requirement for installing a gas log. Glass doors are decorative and functional. They permit you to close off the loss of warm air up the chimney without having to reach into the fireplace to close the damper. If you are in a region that requires the damper to be permanently blocked open or removed, then glass doors can provide tremendous energy savings.

A gas log set must always be operated with the glass doors open for the following reasons:

1) Cooling air being drawn in from the room is needed to pass over the control valve and components in order to prevent overheating and premature, unwarranted failure;

2) Adequate air for proper combustion.

3) With the doors closed, air drawn in from floor level registers in the doors may create a high speed rush of air across the burner, resulting in wild flames and improper combustion. Opening the doors can equalize the air flow, although you still may need to close these registers.

4) Closed doors create a barrier to heat entering the living space.

It is entirely appropriate to close the glass doors after turning the set off in order to keep the heat in the room after use.

CS Burner used in Vent-Free Fireplace?

2006-11-14T13:43:00.000-08:00

QUESTION: Can your CS Burner with legs be used in a vent-free environment?

ANSWER: The CS Burner is only for use in a fully vented fireplace in which it is safe to burn wood. The CS Burner, like all pan-type vented burners, burns with a yellow, smoky wood-like flame that produces soot and other combustion products. These must be fully exhausted up the chimney to prevent harm to health and property.

Why Does Propane Require a Safety Control?

2006-11-11T20:53:00.000-08:00

Question: Why is it required to have a safety control for propane gas logs.

Answer: The answer lies in the nature of propane versus natural gas. Natural gas is lighter than air. In its raw state (such as occurs in a leak or flame-out), natural gas safely vents up the chimney into the atmosphere. Propane, however, is heavier than air. In its raw state, propane sinks and pools at the floor. It will continue pooling until it reaches a spark or flame, such as your water heater, furnace pilot light or static electricity. Once it reaches this ignition source...BOOM!!!

A safety pilot kit shuts off the flow of gas to the burner in the event the pilot light blows out, an interruption in the gas supply or if there is a flame out of the burner. No certification body, code agency, trade organization or manufacturer permits the use of a propane set without a safety pilot control. Many areas even require them on natural gas sets, although it is kind of a "belt and suspenders" approach (again, due to the lighter-than-air nature of natural gas).

In summary, you must have a safety control installed onto your propane burning gas log set. Regardless of gas type, a safety control also provides a convenient means of lighting your gas log set, as the ignition source is ready to light your gas log burner with just a turn of a knob or press of a button.

Soot Removal From Logs and FireShapes

2006-10-24T22:27:00.000-07:00

Question: How do I remove soot from my vented gas logs?

Answer: A vented, Flaming Ember or Custom pan-type burner system has the advantage of providing a very realistic replication of a wood-like flame without the need to cut, stack or carry wood, worry about sparks or chimney fires, or clean up ashes. The trade-offs for the yellow flame are the production of soot and the corresponding requirement that the damper be open and the chimney be venting properly in order to allow the soot and products of combustion to be vented out of the firebox. In the instruction manual, under “Customer Responsibility”, we state “Your gas log is designed to burn with a natural smoky yellow flame that produces soot.” Under “Maintenance”, we mention that you should periodically use a brush to clean the logs.

A simple, effective and low cost method of removing soot from a gas log set is to first heat up the logs for a few minutes, then spray the sooty portion of the logs with water from a spray bottle. With the logs hot, the water spray turns to steam, loosens the soot from the logs and sends the soot up the chimney with the natural draft. Special soot cleaners sold by fireplace shops do the same thing, but at a cost to you.

The logs can also be cleaned by brushing the soot off, or by removing the logs from the fireplace and hosing them with water.

Blower or Heat Exchanger?

2006-10-24T17:07:00.000-07:00

Question: Does Rasmussen offer a blower or heat exchanger for Chillbuster Vent-Free or Rasmussen Vented gas log sets?

Answer: Rasmussen neither manufactures nor do we have certified a blower for any of our gas log sets. A blower can interrupt the combustion process and cause soot to be produced, which is then blown into the room. We do not recommend the use of a blower with any of our sets.

1961 Installation of FireFunnel and Driftwood Stump

2006-10-18T10:37:00.000-07:00

Boy, our products sure do last!. These are recent photos of a "Fire Funnel" fireplace and a Driftwood Stump on Custom Sand Burner that Rasmussen made in 1961. They are installed at the Alamitos Bay Yacht Club in Southern California. Still looking good!

T.R. Rasmussen (our president) designed the Fire Funnel Fireplace in 1960 in two sizes, 36" and 48". We made it for about five years until it was copied by another manufacturer who sold them for less than we wanted to sell them for.

Here are a couple of the advertising sheets and another photo of a 1962 installation, for posterity's sake.

Large Vent-free set?

2006-10-18T08:29:00.000-07:00

QUESTION: Do you make a vent-free set with logs 42 to 48 inches long?

ANSWER: Your fireplace is rather large for a vent-free gas log set. The national standard for vent-free heaters limits the maximum gas consumption to 40,000 BTU/hour. This same amount of gas is our limit in designing vent-free gas log sets, regardless of the size of the set. In order to get an adequate flame, our 30" sets use the same burner system as our 24" sets. Any "stretching" of the burner wider than our 24" size would result in unacceptably small flames. I know of no manufacturer who produces a vent-free set larger than 30”.

Should you decide to install a vent-free set into your fireplace, I caution you about having too great of heat expectations. This large enclosure will absorb a great deal of the heat produced before you start to feel any heat benefit in the room.

If your fireplace properly vents all products of combustion (no spillage of smoke into the room), we have several log sets in the sizes you desire, which will give you a full, woodlike flame display and a large bed of glowing, radiant embers.

Left Hand Gas Feed with F and FX Burners

2006-10-13T17:54:00.000-07:00

Question: One of my fireplaces has a left hand side gas connection. Can your "F" and/or "FX" burners be converted to left hand connection?

Would there be a problem with any of the remote controls?

Answer: For match lighted ignition, the burners may be plumbed to either side, as the burner pipe of the F and FX burners is threaded both internally and externally on both sides.

However, when used with any of our safety pilot kits, including remote control, we recommend only installing them on the right side.
The pilot bracket we use provides heat protection to the cold junction of the thermocouple from downward radiation that might bounce off the underside of the logs when the pilot is installed on the right side. When installed on the left side, the pilot will be turned upside down, losing the heat protection, which may result in nuisance shutdown of the pilot.

If your gas line is on the left side and the inlet to the safety control/burner is on the right, merely plumb the gas along the back wall of the fireplace behind the gas log set so the hook-up to the right may be accomplished.

FireStones with Alcohol Gel Fireplace?

2006-10-04T22:33:00.000-07:00

Question: I have a ventless free standing fireplace with a firebox in it, which came with alcohol fire gel cans that I light up with a match. Will your firestones work in a fireplace like this?

Answer: No. Your fireplace is constructed to only withstand the relatively low heat of the gel cans. It would not withstand the heat generated by any gas log set (or FireStones), whether the set was for vented or vent-free.

The burners we use with our FireStones sets are for use only in a fully vented fireplace in which it is safe to burn wood.

You could use the FireStone castings alone (no gas log burner - only the alcohol gel) in your fireplace, replacing the logs that came with the fireplace to acheive the look you desire.

Do FireStones/FireShapes/FireBalls Produce As Much Heat As FireGlass?

2006-10-01T13:48:00.000-07:00

Question: I am interested in a more contemporary feel for our new addition. I was considering the fireglass as it gives off more heat than the gas logs. I prefer the look of your FireStones. Could you tell me if the firestones give off as much heat as the fireglass?

Answer: I respectfully disagree with your assertion that the fire glass gives more heat than gas logs. The heat output of a vented gas log set is primarily dependent on the efficiency of the particular fireplace and chimney system in which it is being operated. This efficiency will vary from fireplace design to fireplace design, and from house to house, depending on environmental factors, such as drafts and ambient temperature.

Fireplaces were originally designed for cooking and are very inefficient as heaters. They will create a measure of warmth, but how much is dependent on how efficiently the fireplace draws air from the room to exhaust the products of combustion up the chimney. The better job it does in venting, the worse job it does in heating. A vented gas log must have the damper fully open whenever the gas log set is in operation, as the burner is designed to burn with a yellow, smoky, wood-like flame that produces soot, carbon monoxide and other products of combustion. If these combustion products do not exhaust up the chimney they will enter the living space, posing a potential hazard to life and property.

With a traditional gas log set, the gas logs absorb heat from the fire, then radiate the heat back into the room. This is most evident just after you turn off the flame – you can feel the warmth for quite a while afterwards.

Firestones will do the same, as they are made of the same material as our gas logs. The only difference is that they do not stand as tall as the logs, therefore they do not present as large of a radiant surface towards the room as logs do. The fire glass is even lower to the floor that FireStones.

Many people who like the look of the fire glass have enhance this look by placing our FireStones, FireShapes or FireBalls on top of the glass. It really completes the look, and gives more radiant heating surface than the glass alone. Shown are a couple of photos showing the FireBalls and FireShapes used with a layer of glass atop of our CXF burner.

Can A Vented Pan Burner Set Be Converted For Vent-Free Use?

2006-10-01T13:11:00.000-07:00

Question: We have a vented pan burner gas log set that has to be vented. Is there any way that this can be converted to a vent free log set?

Answer: Vented pan burner gas log sets are only for use in a fully vented wood burning fireplace. They cannot be converted for vent-free use, as vent-free sets are designed to a very different and more restrictive standard.

Burner design is the biggest difference between vented and vent-free sets. Vented Pan-type burners are designed to burn with a smoky, wood-like flame which will produce soot. All vent-free gas log sets on the market are certified to the national standard for vent-free heaters, ANSI Z21.11.2. By the ANSI standard, vent-free gas log sets must be designed so that they do not produce soot. Rasmussen vent-free sets use a state-of-the-art louvered-port burner. This type of burner is very forgiving when operated under adverse conditions, such as improper log placement or drafts. Such conditions result in the flame impinging on the logs, which cause soot to from our competitors' punched-port burners, but operate clean with the Rasmussen burners.

The maximum Carbon Monoxide allowed by the ANSI standard for vent-free heaters is the lowest permitted by any gas burning appliance (220 PPM air free).

By contrast, the standard for a kitchen range, which is also an unvented appliance, allows up to 800 ppm air free.

All vent-free gas log sets must be equipped with an Oxygen Depletion Shutdown system, which consists of a calibrated pilot and safety control valve. The set must shut down before the level of oxygen reaches less than 18.0% (20.9% is normal; 15.0% can cause death).

The maximum allowable gas consumption by standard for a vent-free heater is 40,000 BTU/hour. This helps limit the amount of the products of combustion that are produced, but ultimately it is the burner design, the positioning of the logs (log can either add to or subtract from the performance of a gas log set, depending on the design) and the experience of the manufacturer that creates a vent-free set that will not only pass the rigorous testing to gain certification, but also perform well in the home environment, which is much more "hostile" than a laboratory situation.

Gas Logs in Outdoor Fireplace

2006-09-28T14:57:00.000-07:00

Question: Can your gas log sets be used in outdoor fireplaces?

Answer: Our log sets may be used outdoors. We recommend using volcanic ash as the pan filler rather than sand (the normal pan filler for natural gas), as the volcanic ash will maintain a more balanced flame than sand. Sand tends to pack with moisture. Gas takes the path of least resistance and will flow away from an area of packing to create tall flames at one part of the burner and small at the other. You can always loosen the packed area to restore a better flame, but volcanic ash will maintain a more balanced flame without this maintenance.

The logs are made out of high quality cement and aggregates and are impervious to the elements (fire is more corrosive than rain).

The steel burners we use are more than adequate for years of normal use without going to the expense of stainless steel. You could replace the steel burners four or five times for the additional cost of ones made of stainless steel, which is why we do not make our burners in stainless steel.

We recommend that outdoor fireplaces be match lighted and attended while in operation. You will experience nuisance shutdown of safety pilot controls, as the uncontrolled elements will blow out the pilot, most likely requiring relighting before each use. We do not recommend electronic (pilot on demand) ignition systems either, as they require the maintenance of a pilot flame while the main burner is on, which may be unduly influence by the elements and result in cycling of the main burner – very annoying!

FireBalls/FireStones/FireShapes with Gas Fireplace

2006-09-28T09:19:00.000-07:00

Question: I am interested in the FireBall Sets for a gas fireplace. How would I determine which set woould fit my insert? Also, does the burner have to be changed to use your FireBalls?

Answer: Rasmussen manufactures gas logs and alternatives (such as FireStones, FireBalls and FireShapes) for use in fireplaces in which it is safe to burn wood. If your fireplace is a wood-burning fireplace, you can replace the gas log set with a better Rasmussen set. However, if your fireplace is a gas fireplace appliance (which yours is), which is certified to ANSI Z21.50 national standard, or a direct vent fireplace, which is certified to ANSI Z21.86, then you can make no alteration to the fireplace without compromising safety and voiding any warranty and certification. Gas fireplaces are designed as a complete appliance. All components interrelate. Any change in the logs could negatively affect the combustion performance. Any increase in BTU input or flame pattern could result in excessive heat or inadequate venting of the combustion products. Additionally, most gas fireplaces are constructed with a "B-vent", which is inadequate for venting of gas log sets such as those made by Rasmussen. In short, you are stuck forever with the burner and logs that come with the gas fireplace/direct vent appliance if that is the type of “fireplace” you have.

If in doubt about what you have, please email a photo to me.

Vent-Free FireBalls/FireStones/FireShapes?

2006-09-27T18:24:00.000-07:00

Question: Does Rasmussen offer either FireBalls, FireShapes or FireStones as a vent-free set?

Answer: Not at this time. FireBalls, FireShapes and FireStones are only for use in fully vented wood-burning fireplaces.

All vent-free gas log sets must be certified to the national unvented heater standard, ANSI Z21.11.2. The most restrictive of all gas appliance standards, it allows the least amount of Carbon Monoxide (CO) (200 ppm air free) of any gas burning appliance. By contrast, the standard for a kitchen range, which is also an unvented appliance, allows up to 800 ppm air free.

The ANSI Z21.11.2 standard also requires that all vent-free heaters be equipped with an Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS). By the ANSI standard, vent-free gas log sets must be designed so that they do not produce soot. .

Initial certification testing is extremely rigorous and very costly. We are also subject to unannounced inspections by our certification agency for all certified product. It costs approximately $25,000 to $35,000 to develop and initially certify a new vent-free set. Before we certify a set, we must be assured that we will sell sufficient quantity to cover our development and certification costs, costs of manufacturing, overhead and profit. Although FireBalls, FireShapes and FireStones have become more popular in recent years in our vented line, they still are at “novelty” levels of volume which do not justify the costs to produce them for vent-free.

Additionally, we will never be able to acheive the same "look" in vent-free as we can with a vented burner.

Please check our website from time to time. We may bring a vent-free FireBalls, FireShapes and FireStones set to market in the future. Never say never!

Glass Doors with Gas Logs?

2006-09-24T16:32:00.000-07:00

Issue: Glass Door Use with Gas Logs

Question: I came across a story in a local paper that I believe not only misinformed their readers, but provided information that was potentially dangerous and had the potential of voiding a manufacturer’s warranty.

Here is what they said:
"Today, one of the most important elements to add to a fireplace is a glass door. Not only does this piece finish off the look of the fireplace, but it adds to the energy efficiency of the gas logs."

My question: Without operating the gas logs with the doors closed where is this supposed "energy efficiency" supposed to come from?

What, if anything do we have in our warranties or safety statements that address our policy on this issue? I ran through one manual but was unable to find what I was looking for. It has always seemed that gas log manufacturers have required the doors be open during operation...especially with all the newer safety pilot controls systems in use.

Answer: Increased efficiency can occur by closing the glass doors (or damper) after shutting down the gas log set. Since the need to exhaust the combustion products has ceased, closing the doors keeps the warm air in the room from venting up the chimney.

All of our vented instruction manuals state on the first page: Glass doors must be wide open when burner is lighted to allow air for safe combustion and venting. The vent-free ones have essentially the same warning on page 2.

We state in the warranty:This warranty does not extend to any product manufactured by RASMUSSEN which has been subjected to misuse, neglect, accident, improper installation, or use in violation of instructions furnished by RASMUSSEN.

Use of the gas log set with the glass doors closed would violate this section of the warranty.

A Bit of Nostalgia

2005-11-17T20:01:00.000-08:00

A bit of nostalgia. I ran across this photo of our work pick-up truck from the 1950s. The door writing advertised Rasmussen "Iron Works" and "Fireside Studio" (our retail shop), as well as "Custom Made Fireplace Screens", of which we made many for the homes in the greater Whittier area over the years. The city changed the address of 1007 W. Philadelphia sometime after this to 12028 E. Philadelphia ... without us having to move an inch. We are still located there, although we now occupy a much larger portion of the block.

Include Email Address With Comments

2005-11-13T11:21:00.000-08:00

If you would like a reply to a comment left on this blog, be sure to include your email address with your comment. Otherwise, the best I can do is post a comment or a new blog as an answer. I prefer to open a direct dialog. Thanks.

Gas Log Selection Criteria

2005-08-24T22:22:00.000-07:00

There are several things to consider when selecting a gas log set, in no particular order:

1) Sizing.
2) Vented versus vent-free.
3) Certifications needed, if any.
4) Style. Logs, Shapes, Stones, Combinations. Horizontal or veritcal orientation. Lots of options, nowadays.
5) Log (or shape) material.
6) Coloration.
7) Burner style.
8) Control type.
9) Gas type - Natural gas or Propane.
10) Flue size (for vented).
11) Capacity of gas supply.
12) Preparation of the fireplace.
13) Accessories. Pine cones, chips, andirons, volcanic ash, among others.
14) Other considerations.

I will address each of the above in future posts.

Just a thought about the term "gas logs". Rasmussen has been making "gas logs" since 1958. At least 20 years ago we introduced FireBalls, the first non-log shapes for a gas fire. FireBalls had been primarily a novelty until the last few years, which have seen increasing interest and sales. In fact, the requests for alternatives to logs had become so great that during the past year we have introduced FireShapes (large and small geometric shapes, such as cubes, cones, pyramids and cylinders, as well as new sizes of spheres (balls) as well asFireStones (molded from real rocks, in fact 19 different ones (plus 6 new larger ones that we have just created, for large fireplaces and fire pits)).

So, with all of these new "alternative shapes", "gas logs" seems limiting of the options available to today's homeowner, designer, architect, builder, contractor, retailer and distributor (did I forget anyone?). Is "Gas Fires" better? How about "Gas Logs and Shapes"? "Gas Features"? "Gas Fired Shapes"? Or is "Gas Logs", which has served us and the industry well for many years, good enough? Any thoughts?

Welcome To Our New Rasmussen Gas Logs Blog

2005-06-23T00:01:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the first post of the new blog for Rasmussen Gas Logs. I am Rett Rasmussen, Vice President of Rasmussen Iron Works, Inc. We are a four-generation family business located in Whittier, California. We were founded in 1907 by my great-grandfather Rasmus as a blacksmith shop. Since 1958, when my dad T.R. invented the sand pan gas log burner, we have specialized in gas log sets. Over the years we have gained a tremendous amount of knowledge about gas logs, gas burners, fireplaces, design, product develpoment, manufacturing, business and troubleshooting. The problem we have had is in getting this knowledge outside the walls of our facility in a meaningful manner. Enter the blog.

We also manufacture Solaire Infrared Grilling Systems, a broad line of quality gas grills that feature the searing heat of the Solaire infrared burner (think Ruth's Chris in your own backyard). But this blog will not be about Solaire - perhaps a second blog?!

My goal is to post, among other things, technical troubleshooting and tips; product selection criteria; comments on trends, regulatory issues and the industry; and new products. I welcome comments as a means of influencing future posts for the benefit of all.


Evening Cross-Fire Gas Log Set.