Use A Professional The participating dealers listed on this Web site will arrange for the installation of your new natural gas fireplace by a licensed trade professional. Washington Gas highly recommends that all installations be performed by a licensed installer in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and local codes.

Product Code Issues Natural gas hearth products sold and used in the U.S. are covered by a variety of certification standards, building codes, and local requirements. For additional code/permit information, please contact your local code authority. Washington Gas recommends that you ask your fireplace dealer to confirm that the product you choose meets the approval of the code authority in your area.

Permit Requirements Adding a natural gas appliance to your home requires a permit. Always request a copy of the permit from your installer to make sure your natural gas product is installed in compliance with local codes and regulations. All installations should be inspected by the county/city that issued the installation permit.

Installing a Split Meter The existing natural gas piping in your house may not be able to handle the additional load of a new natural gas fireplace. New piping may need to be installed, properly connecting your new appliance directly with your gas meter. Your installer may recommend a split meter installation and there is a charge to "split" the meter.

Important Safety Requirements

1. Installation of natural gas logs must be in a woodburning vented fireplace that has a working flue constructed of noncombustible materials.
2. If combustion air is drawn from the home (conventional venting or unvented products), at least 50 cubic feet of room volume is required for every 1000 BTUs of burner input. This applies to the sum of all equipment burners drawing combustion air from the space.
3. When a vented natural gas log set is installed, the chimney dampers must be permanently opened with a special damper clip (except for unvented products).
4. A fireplace screen or glass door should be installed with all vented natural gas logs and fireplaces (except for unvented products).
5. When using an existing chimney for venting, a flue liner is needed. In addition, you should plan to have your chimney cleaned before installation.
6. In the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission jurisdictions (Montgomery and Prince George's counties), a Carbon Monoxide alarm is required in homes where an unvented fireplace product is installed.

Platinum Fireplace Dealers