FAQ
How Tall Does My Chimney Need to Be for Wood?
3-2-10 Rule
The "3-2-10 rule" for chimneys refers to minimum height requirements to prevent fire hazards. Specifically, a chimney must be at least 3 feet above the roof on its shortest side, and at least 2 feet taller than anything within 10 feet of it, including other parts of the roof or adjacent structures.
Elaboration:
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3 feet above roof penetration: The chimney should rise at least 3 feet above the point where it passes through the roof.
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2 feet higher than anything within 10 feet: The chimney must also be 2 feet taller than any part of the roof or other structures within a
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10-foot radius of the chimney.
Why it's important:
This rule helps ensure that smoke, gases, and embers are safely discharged above the roof and other structures, reducing the risk of fire.
Example:
If a chimney passes through a roof at the highest point, it needs to be at least 3 feet above the roof, and if any part of the roof is within 10 feet, the chimney must be 2 feet taller than that roof section.
How to light a fire
How to Light a Fire: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Understand the Fire Triangle
A fire needs three elements to burn:
- Heat (e.g., from a match or lighter)
- Fuel (e.g., newspaper, kindling, wood)
- Air (oxygen supplied via chimney draft)
Step 2: Prepare Your Fuel
- Crumple newspaper or use a fire starter as the base.
- Place dry kindling (around 1″ x 1″ pieces) over the fire starter.
- Arrange small wood splits over the kindling.
- Keep larger wood pieces nearby to add once a coal bed forms.
Step 3: Ensure Proper Airflow
- Open the draft control fully to allow maximum air into the stove via the chimney.
- Never open the ash pan door to start a fire – it can damage your stove.
- If needed, slightly open the load door during startup to provide more air.
Step 4: Light the Fire
- Use a match or lighter to ignite the newspaper or fire starter.
- Allow the kindling to catch fire and build a coal bed before adding larger wood.
Step 5: Monitor Draft Conditions
- Some chimney systems may have weak or reverse draft when there is no fire.
- Poor draft can make lighting the fire difficult and cause smoke to enter the room.
- A good fire-starting technique and understanding of your home's air pressure can help.
- Be aware that not all negative pressure situations are easily fixed.
Click Here for Further Help With Draft Issues
How to light a pilot
How to Light a Gas Stove: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Refer to the Manual
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Check the silver rating plate or owner’s manual for model-specific instructions.
Step 2: Familiarize Yourself with the Stove
- Locate the on-pilot-off knob.
- Look for a small white arrow on the base, usually at the 3 o’clock position.
- If your valve is mounted upside down, the arrow may be at 9 o’clock.
- Find the Piezo igniter button (typically black or red, possibly marked with a spark icon).
- Position yourself so you can see the pilot assembly through the glass.
Step 3: Check for Electronic Ignition
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Note: Some stoves have an electronic spark module. If so, pressing the on-pilot-off knob will automatically trigger sparking—no need to press the Piezo button repeatedly.
Step 4: Ensure Gas Pressure
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Confirm that gas is flowing to the stove.
Step 5: Set to “Pilot”
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Turn the on-pilot-off knob so that “PILOT” aligns with the white arrow (at 3 o’clock or 9 o’clock).
Step 6: Ignite the Pilot Flame
- Push in and hold the on-pilot-off knob.
- While holding, press the Piezo igniter button once per second until a blue flame appears at the pilot.
- Continue holding the knob for 10 to 30 seconds to let the flame stabilize.
Step 7: Confirm Flame Stability
- After 10–30 seconds, release the knob.
- If the flame stays lit, proceed to the next step.
- If it goes out, repeat Step 6.
Step 8: Set for Operation
- Turn the on-pilot-off knob counter-clockwise one-quarter turn to the "ON" position.
- Your stove is now ready for use!
Step 1: Understand Your Remote System
- Remote controls consist of two parts:
- Transmitter (the handheld device with buttons)
- Receiver (a small black box installed near the stove or fireplace)
Step 2: Locate the Receiver
- Look for a small black box (about 1.5″ tall x 3″ wide).
- It may be:
- Under the fireplace/insert
- Behind the stove
- It will have 2 wires connecting it to the heater.
Step 3: Check the Receiver Batteries
- The receiver requires power, usually from 4 AA batteries.
- Open the battery compartment on the receiver and:
- Replace the old batteries with fresh ones.
Step 4: Check the Transmitter Batteries
- Open the handheld transmitter (remote) and:
- Replace the batteries with fresh ones.
Step 5: Re-Calibrate the Remote (If Needed)
- Some remote systems require re-calibration after battery replacement.
- Refer to your manufacturer’s instructions for the re-calibration procedure.
Step 6: Check the Receiver Switch
- Locate the 3-position switch on the receiver:
- OFF / REMOTE / ON
- For normal remote use:
- Set the switch to REMOTE.
- If it doesn’t work:
- Try switching to ON to manually turn on the stove.
- If the stove comes on:
- There may be an issue with batteries or calibration.
- If the stove does not come on:
- Continue to the next step.
- If the stove comes on:
- Try switching to ON to manually turn on the stove.
Step 7: Check the Stove Switch
- Look for a switch labeled ON / OFF / STAT on the stove.
- Try setting it to STAT (which allows remote or thermostat control).
- If it still doesn’t work:
- Set it to ON.
- If the stove still doesn’t come on, the issue is not related to the remote.
Step 8: Check for Advanced Features
- Some remotes control:
- Thermostat (tstat) settings
- Blower speed
- Flame height
- If you're having issues with these, consult:
- The manufacturer’s tutorial
- The remote control manual
Step 9: Still Not Working?
- Double-check all batteries are fresh and correctly installed.
- Retry calibration if needed.
- If the stove operates manually but not by remote, the remote system may be faulty.
- Contact your dealer or technician for further support.
Fireplace vs. Insert
What's the Difference Between a Fireplace and a Fireplace Insert?
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A fireplace can be:
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Built from brick or stone (masonry)
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Made of metal
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Has its own chimney for ventilation
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A fireplace insert is:
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A self-contained unit that fits inside an existing fireplace
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Vents through a liner installed in the existing chimney
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Often used to:
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Improve heating efficiency
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Update the look of an older fireplace
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