#212163 - 12/01/10 04:41 PM
Re: Generator V.S Gas Stove
[Re: CANOEDOGS]
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Old Hand
Registered: 10/19/06
Posts: 1013
Loc: Pacific NW, USA
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I'm no expert on this, but there seem to be a couple red flags in your idea - rerouting gas lines on the fly and not venting the fireplace is another. If you buy a gas fireplace, what prevents you from installing it and running a dedicated gas line to it in the first place?
We have a gas fireplace that heats our main living area through the winter, its pretty nice and has kept us warm through power outages, but it vents out the chimney and has a professionally installed and city permitted gas line run to it. The installation was fairly straightforward and cheap, I would recommend that whatever dealer you buy from recommend a licensed gas mechanic to install and make sure your home owners insurance and local permit agency are happy. Out here insurers can get cranky if an unlicensed gas line starts a fire, and home buyers can hold off on a sale if any gas or electrical work was done without a required permit.
Also get a model with piezo electronic ignition to ensure you can easily light the gas fireplace if the power is out.
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#212173 - 12/01/10 10:00 PM
Re: Generator V.S Gas Stove
[Re: Lono]
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Geezer in Chief
Geezer
Registered: 08/26/06
Posts: 7705
Loc: southern Cal
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I just lit my gas fireplace for winter and I finally noticed the statement on the equipment placard - "Approved as a vented decorative gas appliance - not a source of heat" (I have only been in my home twenty plus years). Oh well, all these years we have been using it to take the chill off of our family room, where we spend about 80 percent of our time. I instructed DW that she could only enjoy the appearance of the dancing flames, and that under no circumstances could we benefit from the alleged incidental warmth.
I must say I don't get it. Of course, the dratted thing is a source of heat.....
_________________________
Geezer in Chief
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#212278 - 12/03/10 02:55 AM
Re: Generator V.S Gas Stove
[Re: CANOEDOGS]
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Pooh-Bah
Registered: 09/01/07
Posts: 2432
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The "source of heat" designation has to do with the device fulfilling the minimum requirement as heat source according to building code, home loan, and HUD requirements. Houses have to have heat and the designated device/s have to meet requirements for minimum heat output and suitability.
These things have to be defined in regulations. Otherwise unscrupulous builders would slip in a couple of candles and a pack of matches, call it 'heated', and pocket the difference. Candles are certainly a source of heat, they get hot, but nobody would consider them as suitable for routine residential heating.
Most gas fireplace inserts are essentially decorative. They are designed to present flames and a touch of warmth as an aesthetic enhancement. They are optimized to do this while saving fuel. Total heat output may be warming enough for sex on a bearskin rug on a snowy night as long as the house is already warm but it doesn't put out enough heat to keep a room, much less an entire house, even moderately warm when outdoor temperatures drop.
It is an oddity to learn that not all heat sources are legally 'sources of heat' but once you understand the label is referencing a legal requirement that houses have sufficient heat to keep people relatively safe, as defined by code, it makes sense.
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