Wood-burning fireplaces have been at the center of family gatherings for centuries and nothing compares to the ambiance of a roaring wood fire on a cold winter evening. If you enjoy the labor of love with tending a fire and the memories it evokes, then a wood-burning fireplace is for you.

Wood-burning fireplaces fall in to two main categories: traditional open-hearth models that are used for recreational burning and high-efficiency wood-burning fireplaces that are EPA compliant. High-efficiency fireplaces are designed for constant use as a supplemental heat source for your home.

Most wood-burning fireplaces today are offered in a standard front-open configuration only. With today’s focus on tighter, energy-efficient construction, configurations such as see-through and multi-sided openings tend to perform poorly and can spill smoke into your home. Consider a direct vent gas fireplace if one of these opening styles is what you are looking for.

WOOD FIREPLACE DESIGN TYPES

Open-Hearth Traditional

High-Efficiency EPA Compliant

WOOD FIREPLACE INTERIOR LINER STYLES

Solid Poured Refractory Panels

Kiln-fired Firebrick & Mortared Joints

TRADITIONAL WOOD-BURNING FIREPLACES

Today’s factory-built wood-burning fireplaces offer the look and feel of a traditional masonry-constructed fireplace at a much lower installed cost. These traditional wood-burning fireplaces are designed to be installed in regular wood-framed construction. They use a design-engineered air-cooled chimney that vents vertically through the roofline or chase enclosure. Grates and mesh spark screens are standard with glass door and outside air kit options available to reduce the amount of room air that is drawn out of your living area.

Traditional Wood-burning Fireplace Features

• Available in traditional open-hearth models in a variety of sizes
• Front-open style with mesh spark screens and wood-burning grate
• Air-cooled, natural-draft chimney systems for vertical installation through roofline
• Used for recreational burning due to low, less than 10% heating efficiency
• Glass doors and outside air kit options are available to reduce heat loss
• Gas line knockouts are provided to support optional gas log liters or gas log sets
• A variety of poured refractory or “kiln-fired” firebrick interior liner options are available

HIGH-EFFICIENCY WOOD-BURNING FIREPLACES

High-efficiency wood-burning fireplaces don’t just look beautiful. They’re also powerful heating appliances that are EPA certified. This means they undergo rigorous testing and meet or exceed stringent emissions limits to ensure efficient and responsible wood burning. Look for variable-rate control models that allow you to regulate wood usage. This allows  you to enjoy the fire longer and put more heat into your home, not up the chimney. Blower kits and heat duct kits are available to help distribute the heat to multiple living areas.

High-efficiency Wood-burning Fireplace Features

• Available in traditional and modern design styles in a variety of sizes
• Circulating design and ceramic glass offer optimal heat transfer
• Gasket-sealed doors and primary air combustion control for efficient burning
• Advanced combustion systems provide secondary air for more complete burns and heat
• High-temperature, natural-draft chimney systems for vertical installation through roofline
• 60% to 75% heat-efficient models with high BTU output offer superb zone heating capabilities
• Radiant heat, warm air circulation and optional ducted air kits offer balanced comfort

Gas log sets bring the enjoyment of “having a fire” at home without the effort and cleanup associated with a natural wood fire. Gas log sets have detailed log arrangements that mimic the look and feel of real wood logs paired with dancing yellow flames for the ultimate in realism and ease of use.

There are two main types of gas log sets to consider: vent-free gas log sets that offer a superb balance between appearance and heating efficiency and vented gas log sets that create larger, more random flame presentations that come closest to a real wood fire.

GAS LOG SET DESIGN STYLES

VENT-FREE GAS LOG SETS

Vent-free or ventless gas log sets are a great choice if you are looking for the highest heating efficiency possible. They’re a superb supplemental heating source when used in an approved vent-free firebox or wood-burning fireplace with the damper closed. Since vent-free gas logs produce moisture, it’s important they’re properly sized for the room you use them in. Download and complete the Air for Combustion and Ventilation Worksheet and check with local building codes to make sure a vent-free gas appliance is an appropriate option for your application.

Vent-free Gas Log Set Features

• Use in approved vent-free fireboxes, and factory-built and masonry wood-burning fireplaces
• Do not use in factory-built fireplaces that state unvented gas logs should not be used
• No venting required; however, adequate air must be available for combustion and ventilation
• 99.9% heat efficiency offers exceptional zone heating capabilities
• Required oxygen depletion sensor (ODS) ignition pilot is included on all vent-free gas log burners that automatically shuts off unit if oxygen levels drop below an 18% safety threshold
• Millivolt control models offer reliable on/off operation with remote control capabilities
• Electronic ignition control models feature gas-saving intermittent pilot ignition (IPI) and seamless battery backup that provides continued operation in the event of a power failure
• Wall switch, on/off remote controls, and multifunction remote controls are available for easy control of electronic ignition models
• A variety of highly detailed logs available with realistic wood grain textures and colors
• Outdoor-specific models with stainless-steel burners and grates are also available

VENTED GAS LOG SETS

Primarily chosen for decorative applications, vented gas log sets offer the ambiance of a traditional real wood fire with the convenience of gas. Since these log sets are only approved for use in fully vented wood-burning fireplaces that can withstand higher temperatures, they are able to burn with larger, more realistic flames and embers. Electronic ignition models combined with remote controls bring another level of convenience. Vented gas log sets also eliminate the work and mess associated with building, tending, and cleaning up after a wood fire.

Vented Gas Log Set Features

• For use in fully vented and operational wood-burning fireplaces only
• Fireplace must be operated with glass doors and damper in fully open position
• Used in decorative applications due to low, less than 10% heating efficiency
• Match-light models available for natural gas applications (safety pilot kits required for LP gas)
• Electronic ignition control models feature gas-saving intermittent pilot ignition (IPI) and seamless battery backup that provides continued operation in the event of a power failure
• Wall switch, on/off remote controls, and multifunction remote controls are available for easy control of electronic ignition models
• A variety of highly detailed logs available with realistic wood grain textures and colors
• Outdoor-specific models with stainless-steel burners and grates are also available

Our Commitment to Safety

Superior products are constructed with the utmost care and precision and designs comply with national safety standards. However, personal safety begins with good fire management. The temperatures of surfaces in and around a fire can become extremely hot during operation. It is essential to monitor traffic around a Superior Fireplace to prevent burns and to protect the overall safety of your home and loved ones.

Tips for Safe Operation

• Always read and follow the instructions for the safe use and maintenance of your Superior Fireplace.
• Surfaces on fireplaces, stoves, and inserts get EXTREMELY HOT!
• The glass on the front of a fireplace reaches EXTREMELY HIGH temperatures and can cause severe burns if touched.
• Surfaces around the fire—especially glass doors or panels—can stay very hot for long periods of time after operation has ended. Be aware that surfaces may stay warm from a lit pilot light, even if the product is not operating.
• Never leave young children or pets alone when operating a Superior Fireplace.
• Educate your family about fire safety before you begin operating a new Superior Fireplace.
• Use a firescreen (if applicable) for added safety.
• Always keep a hearth product remote away from small children.

Free Safety Guard Offer for Superior Single-Pane, Sealed Glass Front Gas Fireplaces*

Superior Fireplace Safety Guards provide some benefit relative to reducing the severity of a burn or injury against severe burns and injuries by preventing direct contact with the front glass surface of your gas fireplace through the use of a formed mesh screen that stands off from the unit. It is easy to install and is removable. This screen is not decorative but rather a safety device that should be used when children or other at-risk populations will be near the fireplace. However, it is not a substitute for following all safety guidelines included in the care and operation manual accompanying your fireplace.

*Safety Guards may not be available for some older models, which are no longer in production.

Decorative Firescreens for Superior Fireplaces

Superior Fireplace makes several types of firescreens available for fireplaces. While wood-burning, factory-built fireplaces come equipped with wire mesh draw screens, Superior Fireplace offers for purchase decorative firescreens for Superior brand gas fireplaces with single-pane glass panel fronts. These include Screen Panel Kits or Screen Barrier Kits which provide a mesh covering that prevents direct contact with the hot glass surface. Although these screens provide some benefit relative to reducing the severity of a burn, they are not intended as a safety device.

Remember, Safety is a Responsibility with any Fire-Associated Product

Read and understand the information in the Homeowner’s Care and Operation Manual that accompanies each appliance. Refer to these tips regularly and review with those in your home to assure careful operation and long-lasting comfort.

For more information on hearth product safety, visit the Hearth, Patio, & Barbecue Association (HPBA) at www.hpba.org.