Fireplace Terms and Definitions
		Blower - An electric, motor driven fan used to circulate air at an increased pace and velocity through the fireplace system, increasing the area that the heat generated by the fireplace is distributed to. BTU - British Thermal Unit. The amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit. A quantity of energy. BTUH - BTU's per hour. The basic unit for measuring the rate of heat transfer. Condensation - The liquid byproduct (water) of gas combustion, usually most visible at fireplace start up. Convection Heating - The natural movement of air as it heats up and expands. This creates a natural flow of air as the warmer air moves upward and is replaced by cooler air. Direct Vent - A vent or chimney system used for gas-fired appliances, which is designed so that all of the air used in the combustion process is drawn directly from outside the home. As the combustion air is drawn in and utilized in combustion, the combusted gases continue through the direct vent system and are expelled outside the home. Efficiency - Measurement of the BTU's produced by the burner vs. the BTU's that escape up the chimney system. The higher the efficiency, the fewer the BTU's that escape up the chimney. Fan - (See Blower) Freestanding Stove - Stand alone appliance that can virtually be installed anywhere in a home and does not require masonry or a mantel. Heating Capacity - The rate at which the fireplace appliance can add heat to your home. This is not to be confused with the appliance being able to distribute the heat throughout the area. The distribution is accomplished by the fan or delivery system such as radiant heat, convection, re-circulating, and positive pressure. Insert - Product usually associated with installing a new appliance into an existing masonry fireplace opening or metal firebox. Positive pressure - This type of fireplace system is used to push heat more evenly throughout a home as well as replace any air lost in the combustion process. Click here for a more detailed description. Radiant Heat - The heat that radiates of a hot object into the air around it. Re-Circulating - Fan aided air movement that takes air from the room the fireplace is in, forces it through a heat exchanger and back into the room. Remote Control - Remote control device that will operate the fireplace system. Several different models are available offering from simple on/off controls to full thermostat capabilities. Rheostat - Electrical controller that allows you to vary the speed and output of the fan or blower system. Standing Pilot - A small flame that burns on two dissimilar metals that generates a low voltage electrical current that allows the gas valve to operate. Extremely safe and is useable under all conditions because it generates it's own power. Steady Sate Efficiency - The ratio of the heat or BTU output vs. the heat or BTU input under steady conditions. Thermostat - Automatically operates the fireplace or stove based on the desired temperature set by the owner. Vent Free - Gas appliances that do not vent to the outside of the home. This puts all burned exhaust gases and condensation directly into the home. Alpine does not sell vent-free appliances because of concerns about safety and reduced air quality in the home. Click here to see an article from Popular Science about vent-free fireplaces. Venting - The chimney system or method of expelling burned gases form the home. [Home]