How to Install & Light Gas Logs in Your Fireplace Posted on January 23, 2017 If you want the charm and coziness of a wood fireplace without the mess and stress, gas logs are a convenient and efficient heating alternative for those who want to add a realistic fire to their home without all the hassle. Gas logs look just like real wood logs without the soot and toxic byproducts. In addition to the logs themselves, a gas log set also features a burner and (optionally) a thermostatic valve, which supplies the flame.In this guide, we walk you through gas log installation for both vented and ventless gas fireplaces. Here’s how to install and light your gas logs like a pro, and how to properly arrange the logs in your gas fireplace. What You Will Need Gas logs kit Pipe wrench or adjustable wrench Gas leak detector solution (or soapy water as an alternative) Screwdriver Fire-resistant gloves Fireplace grate (if needed) Sand or vermiculite (for some vented logs, usually provided) Ember material (if included in the kit) Preparation There are a few important things you should keep in mind before you begin the installation process: Never handle gas logs with your bare hands! Always wear gloves. Make sure you properly position the gas logs according to your specific instructions. Shut off the gas before installing your gas logs. Verify that the chimney or venting system is clean and free of obstructions. Ensure there is sufficient ventilation in the room. Read the manufacturer’s instructions thoroughly. Remove the Old Log Set Begin by removing the old log set. Put on some work gloves and remove the logs from the burner, then dispose of them accordingly. You’ll also want to remove the old grate for disposal. Finally, disconnect the old burner from the gas line and discard it. Clean the Fireplace Next, you’ll need to clean the fireplace before installing your new gas logs. This will ensure proper performance and also help limit gas emissions. Here’s our helpful guide on How to Clean a Gas Fireplace. How to Install Vented Gas Logs Position the burner Place the burner pan in the fireplace according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Connect the gas line to the burner using a wrench. Ensure it is tight but do not over-tighten. Check for leaks Apply gas leak detector solution or soapy water to the connection points. Turn on the gas supply slightly and watch for bubbles indicating a leak. If there are no leaks, turn off the gas supply. Place the grate Position the grate over the burner if your setup requires one. Add the base This step is specific to certain vented log models. Pour sand or vermiculite over the burner to distribute the flames evenly. Arrange the vented gas logs Start with the largest logs, positioning them according to the manufacturer’s guide. Place smaller logs on top. Leave enough space for air to flow between the logs, and so that flames will appear natural. Make sure the logs are stable and will not shift during operation. Install embers If your kit includes ember material, place it around the burner to enhance the appearance of glowing embers. Test the setup Turn on the gas supply and ignite the burner. Observe the flame pattern and adjust the logs if necessary to achieve a natural look. Ensure the damper is open during operation to vent gasses properly. How to Install Ventless or Vent-Free Gas Logs Safety check Since ventless fireplaces do not exhaust the gas outside, ensure there is enough ventilation in the room. Place the burner Place the burner pan according to the owner’s manual. Connect the gas line to the burner with a wrench. Torque based on the manual specs. Gas leak check Dab some leak detector or soapy water solution on the connection points. Turn on the gas supply and observe for bubbles signaling a leak. After verifying the gas connections are secure, turn off the gas supply. Install the grate Position the grate over the burner if your setup requires one. Place the logs Start with the largest logs at the base, placing them according to the manual. Smaller go on top according to size Make sure the log arrangement is stable with enough airflow in between the pile. Install decorative elements If your kit includes ember material or decorative elements, place them around the burner to enhance the appearance of glowing embers. Ensure the decorative setup doesn’t obstruct the airflow. Test Turn on the gas supply and ignite the burner. Observe the flame pattern and adjust the ventless logs as needed to appear realistic. Be sure to check the installation manual for your specific log set as some steps can vary. Final Checks for Both Types of Gas Logs Ensure that the logs are arranged correctly and securely. Verify that the flames look natural and are evenly distributed. Check that there are no gas leaks after testing. This is especially important for ventless gas logs. Refer to the owner’s manual for any specific adjustments. How to Light a Gas Fireplace Before lighting, make sure to check for any smell of gas. If you do smell gas, do not light anything, use an electrical switch or use your phone inside the house. Leave your house to call your gas provider for proper instructions, or, if your gas provider is unavailable, the fire department. If you do not smell gas, you can proceed to lighting the gas fireplace. 1. Open the bottom louver assembly. 2. Set the regulator switch to “OFF” 3. Gently push in the gas control knob and turn it clockwise to “OFF” 4. Wait 10 minutes or so for any gas to clear out. Again, check for any smell of gas before lighting the gas logs. 5. Find the pilot, which is located near the burner. 6. Turn the gas control knob to “PILOT” 7. Push the knob all the way in and hold it. 8. Push the ignitor button (if applicable) until the pilot lights. If your unit does not have an ignitor button, you’ll need to use a match to light the pilot. 9. Continue to hold the control knob for about one minute. The pilot should remain lit. 10. Turn the gas control knob to “ON” Once your pilot light is lit, you’ll be ready to enjoy a cozy fire on demand. Gas Log Safety and Maintenance While gas logs require considerably less upkeep than traditional wood-burning logs, they still require periodic maintenance before the start of the cold season. ✔ Before use, always inspect the gas logs and burner for any signs of wear or damage. ✔ Clean the logs and burner as recommended by the manufacturer. ✔ Ensure the vent (for vented models) is always open during operation. ✔ Schedule annual inspections by a professional, ideally before the cold season. ✔ If the gas logs are dislodged or need to be rearranged, always turn off the gas supply first. Your Expert Source for Gas Logs Installing a gas fireplace log set may be relatively easy for you if you’re a seasoned DIYer. If you feel overwhelmed installing the gas logs, just contact our professionals and we’ll help walk you through the installation process. Be sure you have the number of your gas provider handy in case you need their assistance, too. Safety should be your first and foremost priority when installing gas logs. Ready for a cozy, efficient heat source? Shop our vented and ventless gas logs today! Related articles Vented vs Vent-Free Gas Logs: What’s the Difference? The Different Types and Materials of Gas Logs How Long Do Gas Logs Last & Gas Log Replacement Mickey Luongo Mickey is the resident heating and air conditioning expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry.
