Commonly Asked Questions on Stoves, Fireplaces, Inserts, Accessories & More

How often should my stove or fireplace be professionally serviced?

Most manufacturers recommend annual maintenance for your stove or fireplace. We find that it can vary depending on use and simple user maintenance. Regular preventive maintenance can save you from costly repair and frustration, and can greatly extend the life expectancy of your stove or fireplace. It is usually not wise to wait longer than two years to have it at least professionally inspected and cleaned. Following the fall and winter season, spring is typically the ideal time to schedule service. As fall and winter are typically the busiest months in the heating industry, it is highly recommended that you schedule prior to August 15th for the most expedient service.

I just had my propane tank refilled, and my pilot light is acting up.   What should I do?

Sometimes when the fuel level in a propane tank drops to a certain point, sediment resting at the bottom of the tank can find its way into the gas line, eventually arriving at your pilot orifice. If this is the case, it needs to be cleaned. A service call may be in order.

Our damp climate is not the best environment for vent-free stoves. Although tempting, both economically and architecturally, vent-free stoves have been known to cause more trouble than their convenience affords. They contribute to increased moisture within the home, which is the perfect breeding grounds for mold and mildew.  As such, for safety, efficiency, and aesthetic reasons, we do not sell or recommend vent-free gas products.

Do you sell pellets or other fuels?

Our region is fortunate to have an excellent selection of pellet suppliers, including a local mill. As such, Northwest Hearth & Home chooses not to sell any pellets; instead, we encourage our customers to support our local community by purchasing from local suppliers who specialize in pellet fuel. We have found the best quality pellets are generally available at the feed stores and lumber yards. 

Is it better to lease or purchase a propane tank?

The decision to lease or purchase may be impacted or determined by amount of use. Leasing a tank is initially less expensive than purchasing. Most propane suppliers offer a yearly lease plan, but may require a certain amount of use. however when you lease a tank you are committed to purchase fuel from that supplier at whatever price they choose to sell (this can be over $0.25 more per gallon).  

How do I light my pilot light?

Most gas fireplaces have a standing pilot for ease of ignition. This pilot light can be turned off during extended periods of

What is NFI Certification and why does it matter?

The National Fireplace Institute (NFI) is the professional certification division of the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Education Foundation.  The NFI seeks to increase public safety through meaningful professional credentials for the planning and installation of residential hearth appliance and venting systems.  An NFI certification demonstrates a technician’s completion of rigorous testing and ongoing training in installation procedures, safety, and building code.  According to NFI, “Certification is regarded as an excellent indication of professional training and commitment.”  Because there is no licensing involved with the hearth industry specifically, NFI Certification is the hallmark of knowledge and expertise. 

I changed the batteries in my remote but it's still not working.  What's wrong?

After changing the batteries in your remote control (hand held) and receiver (connected to fireplace), many times it is necessary to reset the connections for the components to successfully transmit the frequency. Each system varies in its requirements.