Have a Heatilator Direct Vent Propane fireplace (NDV4236). Went and lit it today and am only getting flame from the rear and what looks like outside the "pan" bottom on one side. The little holes are not producing gas/flame. What gives? What can I do? It is the first time to use since last winter/spring. Thanks

A vent-free gas logs system is generally not a good idea and is actually disallowed in the building codes in many municipalities. It can cause a depletion of oxygen and a build-up of fumes. So the indoor air quality and your health and safety will be adversely affected. If your fireplace cannot produce a satisfactory updraft when you burn wood, that suggests that it was not properly designed. Since your primary interest is in appearance, not heat, perhaps you should consider an electric insert. That would get around the safety and health risk associated with gas ventless systems. See Consumer Reports for a 2-3 page information about gas fireplaces.

For those folks in similar situations the problem with gas inserts is that most manufacturers only make about 3 sizes of inserts - small medium and large. Since an insert has to fit various sized fireplaces they are generally short in height and don't adequately fill the opening hence the outer surround panels to cover out to the existing surface. The largest inserts rarely exceed 24" tall so in a 42" x 42" opening as shown in the sketch above, the gas unit does not fill the opening,and has way too much black surround. Valor Gas Fireplaces makes 4 Insert specific units, but their 7 zero clearance fireplaces can also be used as Inserts if the fireplace is large enough. If your F.P. opening is about 53" W x 54" H you can fit a 50" Linear inside. This means that Valor has 11 inserts, more than any other manufacturer. A Valor H6 fireplace is 42-1/4" w x 34-1/2" H which would fit if you have more than 42" If anyone needs more information contact me. Here is the Valor website for more information www.valorfireplaces.com

As part of a livingroom remodel, I converted my wood-burning L shaped fireplace to a gas fireplace. Unfortunately, I didn’t realize until after I had purchased a set of vented gas logs that the logs are not finished on the backside. While the log set looks great from the front, it does not look good or like a real wood fire from the side. The seller of the log set has offered to give me my money back; however, I have been unable to find a log set that is finished on all sides. What kind of vented gas logs do other homeowners who have L shaped or peninsula style fireplaces use? Are there logs that are designed for these types of fireplaces? Any suggestions would be most appreciated.