Frequently Asked Questions

Where are you located?

We are at 23 Dutton Ave about ½ block from East 14th Street in San Leandro, CA.

What are your store hours?

Our hours are Tuesday – Friday 11:00 – 5:00 and Saturdays 10:30 – 3:00 and by appointment

What manufacturers do you carry?

Valor fireplaces
Regency fireplaces
American Fyre Designs
Astria Fireplaces
Majestic fireplaces
Napolean Fireplaces
Marquis Fireplaces
Dimplex
Montigo fireplaces
Vermont Castings stoves
Hearthstone stoves
American Fireglass
Real Fyre/RH Peterson gas logs
Pilgrim fireplace equipment
Portland Willamette accessories
Stoll Manufacturing accessories
Dura Vent flue pipe
Metalbestos flue pipe
Design Specialties

How do I convert my wood-burning fireplace into a gas fireplace?

To convert your wood-burning fireplace into gas, first you will need to have a gas line run to your fireplace and then purchase an insert type gas fireplace. They are designed to fit into existing masonry and prefabricated fireplaces.

Some insert type gas fireplaces also require the installation of electricity in the firebox.

What is Spare the Air Day and how do I know when I can use my fireplace?

Spare the Air season runs from the beginning of November through the end of February, but Air Quality Management may declare a Spare the Air Day anytime. Anytime during a Spare the Air Day, it is illegal to burn wood, pellets, or manufactured fire logs. To find out if you can burn on any particular day, you can check the Spare the Air web site at www.sparetheair.org

Do gas fireplace inserts need to be serviced?

Yes. It is recommended that gas fireplaces as well as gas logs be regularly serviced. Vented gas logs will need carbon deposits removed and all gas logs and burners should have dust and debris removed. Proper gas log placement should be verified.

What is a direct vent fireplace?

A Direct Vent Fireplace is a gas log fireplace (propane or natural gas) that has a flue at the top or back of the fireplace that vents directly out side. Fresh air is brought in through a pipe surrounding the exhaust flue so that no air is required from inside the home to sustain the fire. Unlike Vent-less Fireplaces, all the combustion gases are vented outside. The Direct Vent Fireplace has a glass plate that seals off the firebox from the room. Below and above the firebox are vents that allow cool air to enter at the bottom and exit as hot air at the top. With direct vent inserts the chimney should be inspected and the appropriate liner installed.

What is the difference between an insert and a fireplace?

An insert is designed to be placed into an existing masonry or factory built fireplace. A fireplace is either masonry (not zero clearance) or factory built (zero clearance) unit built for burning wood or gas.

What is zero clearance?

A zero clearance fireplace is a factory-built fireplace that is constructed so that it can be placed, safely, close to combustible material.

How high above the roof should a chimney extend?

The minimum clearance for wood or b-vent is 3 feet above anything within 10 feet. For direct vent it is 18 inches above anything within 10 feet.