Fireplaces are truly unlike any other appliance purchase, as each installation is unique and requires professional consultation and installation with
authorized Regency dealer to ensure safe and effective use. In working closely with your local dealer, they should become a trusted advisor in your decision and purchasing process and can provide peace of mind before, during, and after installation.
Site Visit & Home Inspection
One of the most important steps your Regency dealer will take is performing an in-home site inspection prior to installation. This site visit and inspection is critical, as it allows the dealer to take exact measurements of your home and view the complete scope of the job, ensuring you select a unit that can be installed safely in your home and meet your heating needs. The in-home inspection will also allow the dealer to provide you with a more complete and accurate installation cost, minimizing additional costs and delays at the time of installation.
Below is a list of important factors your dealer will take into consideration when completing the site inspection in your home.
Room Size & Home Layout
During the home inspection, your dealer will assess the layout of your home, as well as the size of the room or area that you are looking to heat. While a good rule of thumb is approximately 50-60 BTU’s per square foot of space, many other factors will affect the heating capability of the unit. These factors include the age of your house, the location of the room within the home, ceiling height in the room, amount of insulation, number of windows and doors, wall layout, and the presence of other vented appliances. While in your home, the dealer will be able to take all these factors into consideration, ensuring the unit you select will be able to perform as expected.
Measurements and Clearances
The dealer will take very precise measurements of the area in your home where the new unit will be installed. Some measurements they will take may include the height, width and depth of the fireplace opening. These measurements are essential in making sure the unit will fit properly, as well as if there is a need for any additional equipment, such as a backing plate.
Each model also has a specific set of required clearances that the dealer will measure for. These clearances provide the minimum safe distance from every angle of the fireplace that
combustible materials can be used, without the heat from the fireplace causing damage or potentially increasing the risk of a fire. The clearances will take into account the distance to any side walls and the ceiling, all framing, finishing and flooring materials, as well as items hung above the unit, such as a mantel, television, or artwork.
Venting
Properly venting your new fireplace is vital to it operating safely and efficiently. Each model has specific venting requirements that must be followed. During the home inspection your dealer will determine exactly how the unit will need to be vented. (
Learn about common gas venting systems that may be used in your home including direct vent, power vent, and natural vent). Other factors the dealer will consider include if the unit will be vented vertically or horizontally, the length of venting needed, whether rigid or flex pipe will be used, if any additional adaptors, elbows or pipe will be needed (such as slips, firestops, attic insulation), and the need for a vent cap or vinyl siding standoff.
Chimney
If your new unit will be vented into an existing chimney, the condition and health of your chimney is very important. The dealer will thoroughly inspect your chimney to ensure it does not pose any safety or fire hazards and that it meets minimum standards. They will make sure there are no structural problems, including cracks, loose mortar, or other signs of deterioration and blockage. Additionally, they will check the chimney height and determine if a chimney liner or insulation wrap will be needed during installation. Your chimney should also be cleaned, either by the dealer or a certified chimney sweep, before the unit is installed and operated.
Electric & Gas Supply
If your new fireplace has any electrical components, such as electronic ignition, blower, or accent lighting, the dealer will check to make sure an electrical supply is present, or if a new connection will need to be run prior to installation.
If you have selected a gas unit, the dealer will confirm the gas type in your home (either propane or natural gas) and also determine if a gas line will need to be run. If a gas line is already present in your home, they will inspect it to make sure it is in good shape and can be used for a successful installation.
Post-Installation: Learning To Operate Your New Unit
Once your unit has been installed, it is important for you to understand what to expect when starting your first fire and how to properly operate your unit, as well as how to troubleshoot any minor issues that may arise. The dealer or installer will walk you through the correct operation of your unit and can provide answers to any questions you may have.
Gas Units
If you had a gas stove, insert or fireplace installed, below are important topics your dealer may cover with you after installation:
- What to Expect During Your First Fire
- Lighting & Start Up Procedure
- Normal Operating Sounds & Smells
- Remote Control Operation (including temperature, flame control, power, room thermostat, fan speed control)
- Using Battery Backup During Power Outage
- Cleaning The Glass
- Shutdown Procedure
- Operational Changes to Look For (including extended start up time, increased fan noise, residue/carbon build up, white build up on the glass/firebox, increased operation noise)
Your dealer will also go over the importance of annual maintenance on your unit. I
t is critical for your unit to be inspected annually by a licensed gas service technician. During the annual inspection, the technician will inspect the following aspects of your fireplace to ensure it is operating efficiently and safely:
- Clean glass, interior panels, burner, fan blades, log set, pilot orifices and hood, flame sensor, thermocouple, thermopile
- Inspect pilot assembly, burner, pressure relief gaskets, door seal, firebox, venting, burner media, air shutter setting, wiring
- Check voltage and pressure readings
- Check main gas line connection to valve, shut off valve connections, pilot fuel line at valve and at pilot assembly
Wood Units
If you had a wood stove, insert or fireplace installed, below are some important topics your dealer may cover with you after installation:
Your dealer will also go over the importance of
annual maintenance on wood your unit. It is critical for your unit to be inspected annually by a licensed wood service technician or chimney sweep. During the annual inspection, the technician will inspect the following aspects of your fireplace to ensure it is operating efficiently and safely:
- Inspect and clean chimney
- Clean out entire unit
- Inspect air tubes, bricks and baffles and replace any damaged parts
- Inspect door catch assembly, glass gasket and door gasket for a tight seal; replace door gasket is a tight seal cannot be obtained
- Check and lubricate door hinge and latch
- Check glass for cracks
- Clean blower motor