Home > Fireplace Resources > Fireplace Terminology
Use the guide below to learn more about gas and electric fireplace terminology, where we explain the language used in both fireplace types. Our guide has all the information you need whether you're a homeowner, designer, contractor, or home professional.
Click through the sub-header above to quickly browse between different terms and phrase.
A
Adjustable Flame
Allows users to change the height and intensity of the flame in both gas and electric fireplaces.
Ambient Lighting
Additional lighting features in electric fireplaces that provide mood-enhancing background illumination.
Appliance
A device, such as a stove or furnace, is designed to burn solid or fossil fuel for heating or cooking purposes.
AutoFire™
AutoFire is a technology that adjusts the fireplace's performance automatically, ensuring optimal efficiency, reduced fuel consumption, and consistent heat output.
B
B-Vent Fireplace
A type of gas fireplace that draws air from inside the home for combustion and releases exhaust gases through dedicated pipes, relying on the natural buoyancy of hot gases.
Blower
An electrically-powered fan designed to enhance the circulation of heated air from the fireplace into the room.
Burner
The component in a gas fireplace where the gas is ignited and produces flames.
BTU (British Thermal Unit)
A standard unit of energy measurement. Specifically, the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.
BTU (British Thermal Unit) Output
The amount of heat a fireplace can produce is measured in British Thermal Units.
C
Ceramic Logs
Artificial logs made from ceramic material used in gas fireplaces to mimic the look of natural real wood while being flame-resistant.
Chase
An external structure, often resembling a chimney, that encloses venting ducts or pipes.
Chimney Cap
A protective cover placed on top of a chimney to prevent rain, debris, and animals from entering.
Circulating Fireplace
A specially designed fireplace with multiple walls around the combustion chamber. This design allows air to circulate, become heated, and then be released into the room.
Clearances
The specified safety distances that must be maintained between a fireplace or vent and any combustible materials to prevent fire hazards.
Co-Axial Direct Vent
A venting system where an exhaust pipe is enclosed within a larger combustion air pipe, ensuring efficient and safe removal of combustion by-products.
Co-Linear Direct Vent
A venting system with two distinct pipes: one for removing exhaust and another for drawing in combustion air.
Combustible Material
Any material that can catch fire and burn, such as wood, paper, or certain types of insulation.
Convective Heating
The process where air heats up, rises, and creates a flow as cooler air moves in to replace it, forming a natural circulation.
D
Direct Vent
A venting method where the fireplace draws combustion air directly from outside and releases exhaust gases outside, eliminating the need for a traditional chimney.
Draft
The flow of air in and out of the fireplace and chimney that is essential for proper combustion and venting in gas fireplaces.
E
Electric Coil
A type of heating element in some electric fireplaces that produces heat when electricity passes through it.
Electric Fireplace
Uses electricity to produce heat and simulate the appearance of a flame. Doesn't require venting and can be easily installed.
Ember Bed
The area in a fireplace where glowing embers are located, it enhances the realistic appearance of a burning wood fire.
Efficiency
A measure of how effectively a fireplace converts fuel into usable heat for the room, rather than losing it up the chimney.
F
Firebox
The inner compartment of a fireplace is where the fuel is burned to produce heat.
Flame Rectification
A safety feature in gas fireplaces that detects the presence of a flame. If no flame is detected, the gas supply is automatically shut off.
Flame Rod
A safety device in gas fireplaces that detects the presence of a flame and ensures gas flow continues only when a flame is burning.
Flue Damper
A device in the chimney or venting system that can be opened or closed to regulate airflow.
Fuel Bed
The area in a gas fireplace where the gas is released and ignited to produce flames.
G
Gas Insert
A unit designed to fit into an existing fireplace opening, converting it into an efficient gas-burning fireplace.
Gas Vent
A specially designed venting system for gas appliances, ensuring the safe removal of combustion gases.
Glass Front
A safety feature on many gas fireplaces, providing a barrier between the flames and the room while allowing heat to radiate through.
Glass Media
Decorative glass pieces are used in contemporary gas fireplaces to enhance the aesthetic appeal.
Glowing Embers
Small pieces in gas fireplaces that glow when heated, simulating the look of real wood embers.
Gravity Vent
A venting method that relies on the natural upward movement of warm gases in a chimney or vent.
H
Hearth
The floor or base of a fireplace is often constructed of non-combustible materials like brick or stone.
Heat Exchanger
A component in gas fireplaces that transfers heat from the combustion gases to the circulating air, maximizing heat output.
HeatShift™
HeatShift is a technology that reduces the surface temperature above the fireplace, making it safer for wall-mounted TVs or artwork.
HeatSplit
HeatSplit provides remote heat distribution to other areas of your home, such as bedrooms, or utility rooms. We refer to this as multi-zone heating.
L
Ignition System
The mechanism in a gas fireplace that initiates the burning of the gas, can be electronic or pilot-based.
Insert
A unit designed to fit into an existing masonry or prefabricated fireplace to convert it to a different fuel type or improve efficiency.
Lava Rocks
Porous rocks are placed around the burner in some gas fireplaces to enhance the realistic appearance of a wood-burning fire.
LED Lighting
Used in electric fireplaces to simulate flames and glowing embers, offering energy efficiency and long lifespan.
Linear
A modern, widescreen-shaped gas fireplace that offers a panoramic view of the flames.
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)
A flammable gas used as fuel, often stored in tanks and used in areas without natural gas service.
M
Manifold Pressure
The pressure of gas between the main control valve and the burner, it is crucial for proper combustion.
Mantel
A decorative shelf or structure above the fireplace opening, it is often used for displaying decor.
Media Kit
A set of decorative elements, such as ceramic logs, stones, or glass media, for customizing the appearance of a gas fireplace.
Millivolt System
A type of ignition system in gas fireplaces that uses a small amount of electricity generated by a thermocouple to operate the gas valve.
Modulating Control
A feature that adjusts the gas input to the fireplace automatically, ensuring consistent heat output.
N
Natural Gas
A clean-burning fossil fuel sourced from underground reservoirs and delivered through pipelines.
O
Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS)
A safety feature in vent-free gas appliances that automatically shuts off the gas supply if oxygen levels in the room fall below a safe threshold.
P
Pellet Stove
A type of stove that burns compressed wood or biomass pellets to produce heat.
Pilot Assembly
The component in a gas fireplace that houses the pilot light and ignition system.
Pilot Light
A small, continuously burning flame in gas appliances, it is used to ignite the main burner when needed.
Plenum
A space or chamber that facilitates the circulation of excess warm air back into the room.
Power Venting
A system in gas fireplaces that uses a fan to expel combustion by-products when traditional venting isn't feasible.
Pressure Test
A safety check to ensure there are no leaks in the gas supply line before installing appliances.
Propane
A type of LPG with a higher heat value than natural gas, it is often used as an alternative fuel source.
Programmable Thermostat
A feature in some fireplaces that allows users to set desired temperatures for specific times of the day or week.
Q
Quartz Infrared Heater
Used in some electric fireplaces, it produces infrared heat by passing electricity through a quartz tube or bulb.
R
Radiant Heat
Radiant Heat is heat that moves out in waves from a central point and heats objects.
Reduced Clearance (RC)
A feature that allows for easier installation of fireplaces in spaces with limited dimensions.
Refractory Panels
Panels lining the interior of some gas fireplaces are designed to resemble brick or stone and reflect heat into the room.
Remote Control
A wireless device that allows users to control the fireplace's settings from a distance.
Remote Ignition
Allows users to ignite the fireplace using a remote control.
Retrofit
Updating or converting an existing fireplace to a newer technology or fuel type.
S
Safety Shutoff
A device designed to shut off the gas supply if the ignition source fails.
Sealed Combustion
A feature in direct vent gas fireplaces where all combustion air is drawn from outside and all exhaust gases are expelled outside.
Secondary Air
Additional air is introduced into the combustion process to ensure the complete burning of gases.
Spark Ignition
A system in gas fireplaces that uses a spark to ignite the gas.
Steady State Efficiency
A measure of a fireplace's consistent performance and heat output over time.
Supplemental Heat
Additional heat is provided by a fireplace to enhance the comfort of a room without replacing the primary heating system.
T
Thermal Efficiency
The ratio of usable heat produced by a fireplace to the total energy consumed.
Thermocouple
A safety device that generates a voltage when heated is used to detect the presence of a flame and control gas valves.
Thermostat
A device that monitors and regulates room temperature by controlling the heating source.
Three-Dimensional Flame
A feature in advanced electric fireplaces that creates a more realistic flame appearance.
Tiled Firebox
A firebox lined with decorative tiles.
Trim Kit
Decorative elements that frame the front of a fireplace.
Turndown Ratio
The range of the heating output of a gas fireplace, from its maximum setting to its minimum setting.
U
Unvented
Refers to appliances that are designed to burn fuel so efficiently that they don't require external venting.
V
ValorStat
A control system which is available on most Valor fireplace models, offering users a range of settings for comfort and aesthetics.
Variable Flame Control
Allows users to adjust the height and intensity of the flame in a gas fireplace.
Vented Logs
Ceramic logs designed for use in vented gas fireplaces.
Vent-Free
Gas fireplaces that don't require any venting.
Venting System
The method and components used to expel combustion by-products from a gas fireplace to the outside.
W
Wall Switch
A switch mounted on the wall controls the operation of the fireplace.
Wattage
In electric fireplaces, a measure of the power consumption and heat output.
Z
Zero Clearance Fireplace
The pre-manufactured fireplace can be installed directly against flammable materials without needing extra space or distance.
Zone Heating
Heating only specific areas or "zones" of a home as needed, efficiently.