Fireplace Glossary
Ash drawer: Container beneath the combustion chamber that catches and contains ashes until removal.
Ash trap: Compartment behind the combustion chamber that catches and contains ashes until removal.
Asphyxiation: the condition of being deprived of oxygen; suffocation (due to smoke inhalation).
Automatic thermostat: a type of thermostat that continually measures the room temperature and will automatically adjust the fire rate of gas fireplaces to maintain a constant room temperature.
B-Vent: a gas fireplace that draws air from inside the home through ports in the firebox itself. (also called Natural vent).
Bellows: an accessory used to blow more air into the fire, increasing combustion and producing a higher, stronger flame.
BTU: British Thermal Unit; a measurement of heat.
Burner: Device for the final delivery of gas to the combustion zone.
Carbon Monoxide (CO): an odorless, colorless, tasteless poisonous gas.
Certified Chimney Sweep: a licensed professional trained in the proper inspection and cleaning of fireplaces and chimneys.
Chiminea: a small outdoor fireplace usually made of clay, terra cotta or aluminum.
Chimney: a vertical passageway used to vent smoke and vapors outside.
Cord: a stack of wood logs which measures 4 x 4 x 8 feet (128 cubic feet).
Corner Unit: a fireplace placed in the corner of a room.
Creosote: a very flammable by-product of combustion that can build up within the chimney and ignite.
Damper: A device used to reduce or close the opening between the firebox and flue.
Direct-Vent: a fireplace in which air exchange occurs from the back or sides of the fireplace or stove.
Electric Igniter: A device to ignite the burner or pilot, which requires electrical currents, but not a match.
Fireback: a protective, heat-resistant insert for the rear interior of the fireplace.
Fire box: the chamber of the fireplace that contains the fire.
Fire Screen: a screen that sits in front of the fireplace opening.
Flue: a pipe or channel for moving smoke from the fireplace to the chimney.
Front view: a traditional fireplace which only offers a front view of the fire.
Grate: an iron frame that holds burning fuel for the fire.
Hearth: the floor of the fireplace, which usually extends away from the wall.
Heat Damage: burns in and around the nose, mouth and throat (due to smoke inhalation).
Heat exchanger: a device within the fireplace that exchanges cold air in the room with heat generated from the firebox.
Hopper: A container attached to the fireplace in which wood pellets are stored and fed to the burner.
KWH: Kilowatt per hour (equals 1000 watts per hour). An energy measurement for electricity.
Mantel: a protruding shelf above the fireplace.
Mcf: Thousand cubic feet.
Multi-view: a fireplace that offers multiple views or open sides.
Pellets: small balls or blocks made of 100% wood sawdust with no additives.
Peninsula fireplace: a fireplace with 3 open sides built into a half or partial wall.
Pilot light: a small gas flame that ignites the main burner to produce fire in the gas fireplace.
Remote Control: a device used to control a fireplace from a distance.
See-through fireplace: a fireplace placed within the wall between 2 rooms and that is visible from both rooms.
Smoke Inhalation: the breathing-in of harmful gases and vapors contained in smoke.
Standalone fireplace: a freestanding fireplace that is open on all 4 sides (also called Island fireplace).
Standing pilot light: a pilot light which is available at all times.
Standing safety pilot: A manual or remote controlled gas valve which shuts off the gas supply if the pilot light is extinguished.
Surround: the area along the top and sides surrounding the fireplace itself; it usually includes the mantel and hearth.
Therm: A unit of heat equal to 100,000 British thermal units; normally used as a measurement for natural gas.
Tissue irritation: tissue damage of the throat and lungs (due to smoke inhalation).
Top-Vent: a fireplace in which air exchange occurs through the top of the fireplace or stove.
Variable setting control: a control feature of gas fireplaces which allows you to manually adjust the heat output of your fireplace by controlling the fireplace's gas consumption rate.
Ventless: a fireplace that requires no venting as the combustion is maintained within the system (also called Vent-free).
