FAQ

  1. Chimney Height
  2. Lighting a Fire
  3. Lighting a Pilot
  4. Remote Issues
  5. Fireplace Vs. Insert

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:

  • 3 feet above roof penetration: The chimney should rise at least 3 feet above the point where it passes through the roof.

  • 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

  • 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

Click Here for a More Detailed Walkthrough 

Learn Our Favorite Method Here 

How to light a pilot

How to Light a Gas Stove: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Refer to the Manual

  • 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

  • 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

  • Confirm that gas is flowing to the stove.

Step 5: Set to “Pilot”

  • 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.

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?

  • A fireplace can be:

    • Built from brick or stone (masonry)

    • Made of metal

    • Has its own chimney for ventilation

 

  • A fireplace insert is:

    • A self-contained unit that fits inside an existing fireplace

    • Vents through a liner installed in the existing chimney

    • Often used to:

      • Improve heating efficiency

      • Update the look of an older fireplace