Real Fyre G21 Vent-Free Glass Burner

The Real Fyre G21 is a vent-free glass burner: flames rise through a bed of fire glass, and the heat stays in the room because the damper can stay closed. The burner is stainless steel and arrives with its on/off remote valve and oxygen depletion sensor already assembled.

Dimensions

Is vent-free allowed where you live?

Check before you order. California does not allow vent-free gas heaters in homes, and some other states, cities and counties restrict them. Your building department or a local gas installer can tell you in one call. If vent-free is not permitted, this burner can still be installed vented: the damper is clamped open and the chimney must be at least 15 feet tall.

Measure the inside of the firebox: width at the front, width at the back wall, depth and height. Every size needs 13 inches of depth and 17 inches of height.

It may be installed only in a masonry or UL-127 factory-built wood-burning fireplace, or in a listed vent-free firebox. Do not use it in a factory-built fireplace whose instructions say it has not been tested for vent-free burners. The firebox floor cannot have an ash lip or a sunken hearth deeper than 3/4 inch.

How much glass do you need?

Use exactly this amount on the burner. More can make it burn unsafely.

Is your room big enough?

A vent-free fire takes its air from the room, so the room has to be large enough for the burner. The rule in the National Fuel Gas Code is 50 cubic feet for every 1,000 BTU. Multiply the room's length, width and height in feet, then multiply by 20: the answer is the most BTU the room can take. Rooms that open into it without a door count as part of the space.

Vent-free heaters over 10,000 BTU may not be installed in a bedroom or a bathroom, so this is not for those rooms. In a very tightly sealed home, or above 2,000 feet, you may need to open a window an inch or two while it runs.

Clearances

In a factory-built fireplace, follow that fireplace maker's clearances. Otherwise Peterson requires:

• Side walls: 6 inches from the side of the fireplace opening to a combustible side wall.
• Ceiling: 42 inches from the top of the opening.
• Above the opening: at least 12 inches of noncombustible material such as brick, stone or marble. With a fireplace hood, 10 inches.
• Mantel: how far a wood mantel may stick out depends on its height. At 20 inches above the opening it may project 2.5 inches without a hood, or 10 inches with one. The manual has the full chart.
• Floor: if the burner sits less than 6 inches above the floor, 12 inches of noncombustible hearth in front of the fireplace.

If you cannot meet these clearances, Peterson says the set must be run with the chimney damper open. A fireplace hood is strongly recommended under a wood mantel.

Documents

• G21 vent-free glass burner: installation and owner's manual

Details

What arrives

• One carton: stainless burner with valve and ODS pilot assembled, remote and batteries, gas connector, and a damper clamp for vented installations.
• Glass or gems are separate items.

Installation

Planning the install

• It is a supplemental heater, not the main heat for a home, and it must not be left on unattended or while anyone is sleeping.
• Burning gas makes water vapor. If windows start to fog, open a window or the damper a little.
• Expect some odor and light smoke for the first four to six hours of use while factory coatings burn off. Ventilate well during that time.
• Candles, air fresheners, sprays and fresh paint in the room can cause odors when the fire is on.
• Keep ceiling fans and vents from blowing into the fireplace. Glass doors must be fully open and a screen in place.
• Have it cleaned and checked by a qualified technician at least once a year. Peterson requires it for the warranty, and the ODS pilot is sensitive to dust, lint and pet hair.
• Installation is by a qualified gas professional. In Massachusetts that must be a licensed plumber or gas fitter.
• Do not burn wood in the fireplace once it is installed.