Wood and Gas Fireplace FAQs

Q:  How many hours of burn time can I expect to get from one burn period?
A:  It is not uncommon to get 10-14 hours of burn time from an Acucraft Fireplace System.  However, this depends on the wood used and the adjustments you make of the fireplace’s air damper and air intake positioning.
 
Q:  What is the difference between a zero clearance and a full masonry fireplace?
A:  A zero clearance fireplace has an insulated metal jacket around the fireplace that allows it to be placed right up against interior or exterior walls with 2″ inches between the fireplace and combustible materials.  Heated air is circulated within the fireplace unit and blown out into your home. A Masonry Fireplace uses masonry block around the unit which creates a heat chamber. The heat chamber then has a vented area which allows the heated air to circulate into the room.

Q:  Why does Acucraft Fireplace System require doors while other fireplaces have screens?
A:  Acucraft Fireplace Systems are designed to be used as a heating system for your home.  The airtight doors are a crucial part of the overall system.  The doors work by sealing the fireplace which eliminates heat loss and allows you to completely control your fire.  Acucraft does design a Fireplace Screen which you can add to any order and can be used when you are looking for that open hearth feel.

Q:  Does Acucraft Fireplace Systems use outside air for combustion?
A:  Yes.  All Acucraft Fireplace Systems can have our patented Acucraft Air Combustible kit added to any order.  The Air Combustible kit uses 100% outside air for combustion. This feature prevents room air from being lost up the chimney.

Q:  Can Acucraft Fireplace Systems be operated with the doors open?
A:  Yes. Acucraft has designed a Fireplace Screen which you can add to any order and can be used when you are looking for that open hearth feel. However, when operating with the fire screen you do lose some of the fireplace’s efficiency.

Q:  What is the best type of flue to use: a metal or a clay flue?
A:  Both are perfectly acceptable in full masonry fireplaces, it just depends on your personal preference.  However, for the zero clearance models we recommend using a triple wall metal flue system.

Q:  Is it safe to burn my Acucraft Fireplace System during the night when we are not watching it?
A:  Yes. By latching the doors, providing an airtight seal, Acucraft Fireplace Systems will continue to safely burn through out the night.

Q:  What kind of wood will give me the most efficient burn?
A:  Dry, seasoned hardwoods.  Wet wood can contain up to 50% moisture!

Q:  Does Acucraft Fireplace Systems come with a log grate?
A:  No.  Acucraft Fireplace Systems have a firebrick lining that lines the inside of the fire box. We recommend building a fire directly on the firebrick, which will continue to radiate heat after the fire has dwindled.  Also, by burning directly on the firebrick, the fire burns the logs more efficiently and completely which eliminates unburned log chunks.

Q:  What is the best way to remove the ashes from the firebox?
A:  Acucraft full masonry Fireplace Systems have the option of an ash chute which allows the ashes to be cleaned out by an access door. When disposing of ashes, always place the ashes in an air tight, metal container. The closed container of ashes should be placed on a non-combustible floor or on the ground, well away from combustible materials until their final disposal.
 
Q:  Can I install a wood burning fireplace in a corner?
A:  Yes. Both our full masonry fireplace and our zero clearance fireplaces can be installed in a corner.

Q:  Where are Acucraft Fireplace Systems Manufactured?
A:  Acucraft Fireplace Systems are manufactured in Big Lake, MN.  Acucraft works directly with end-users, builders and contractors and we ship to any job site worldwide.

Q:  What is the cost to ship an Acucraft Fireplace System?
A:  The cost of shipping depends on the fireplace model and where it is being shipped to.  However, when we are shipping out of the state of Minnesota we do not need to charge sales tax so the cost of shipping is generally lower than the cost of sales tax you would pay at your local fireplace dealer.

Q:  How long has Acucraft Fireplace Systems been in business?
A:  Acucraft Fireplace Systems has been in business since 1979. 

Q:  I am looking for a custom gas fireplace but don’t know where to start.  Do you have designers?
A:  Yes, we can help you every step of the way – from design to completion.  

Q:  Do you build two story fireplaces?
A:  Yes,  our designs and craftsmen can customize a two story fireplace for you.

Q:  What types of payment do you accept?
A:  We accept major credit cards.  Our sales representative will walk you through our options. 

Q:  Do you ship outside of the United States?
A:   Yes, Acucraft will ship your fireplace to any job site, worldwide.  
 
Q:  We are building a new house, do you work with builders?
A:  Yes, our Fireplace Technicians will be available to talk with you and your builder to make the choosing, ordering, framing and installation of your fireplace as smooth as possible. 

Wood Fireplace Installation FAQs

Q:  Who will install my fireplace?
A:  Acucraft does not install fireplaces; however, there are several options for installing your fireplace. Professional fireplace installers, independence contractors, local hearth stores, chimney sweeps, masons, HVAC contractors, and general contractors are all viable options for installing your fireplace and chimney system.

Q: Can I install the fireplace myself?
A:  In most situations, yes. We provide a complete installation manual for the fireplace and chimney system. Please read the entire install manual and familiarize yourself with the install process. If you have the proper tools and equipment and understand the install process, then you should be able to decide if the project is within your scope. The average do-it-your-selfer can install a fireplace. Additionally, Acucraft offers technical support provided by our Fireplace Designers to answer any questions you may have regarding installation.

Q:  How will the fireplace be delivered to my jobsite?
A:  Fireplaces can be shipped worldwide, directly to your jobsite. The trucking company will have a lift gate truck that can lower the fireplace to the ground, or if you have equipment like a forklift you can remove it from the truck. Once it’s off the truck you will need to move the fireplace.

Q: How do you move the fireplace?
A:  The fireplace will come on a pallet.  The best option, if available, is to move it with a forklift or skid loader/tractor with forks. A pallet jack will move the fireplace on a smooth surface, or you can use small moving carts with wheels. Because of the weight, lifting the fireplace manually can be a challenge.  You’ll want to tip it side to side then block it up and raise it in stages. You’ll do more tipping and sliding than lifting, use leverage to pivot and turn. If you need to go up or down stairs, use planks and slide the fireplace. A few sheets of Masonite or scrap plywood cut into smaller sections work great to slide over each other while leap frogging the pieces along. Small pipes or conduit can also be used to roll the fireplace on.  Sliding the fireplace on plywood sections side to side works well. Using small moving carts with swivel casters strapped to the fireplace can aid you in rolling up or down a slight incline.  Use a rope around the framing to control the movement speed. In some instances you will need to use a combination of the above options. 

Q: How many pallets will ship?
A:  Every Acucraft wood burning fireplace is shipped on its own pallet. Your chimney will be delivered on a separate pallet(s).

Q: How much does the fireplace weigh?
A:  The weight of your fireplace depends on the type of fireplace selected but can weigh typically between 900lbs – 1,600lbs. Your Fireplace Advisor will provide you with fireplace specifications for the unit you select.

Q: How much does the chimney weigh?
A:  The weight of your chimney can vary by size; 8-14lbs per foot is typical. For example, a 48” length of 12” chimney weighs approximately 35lbs.

Q: Why do you recommend insulating the combustion air ducts?
A:  Condensation can occur when air is moving through a duct into the fireplace through a heated space and can cause the duct to sweat or have condensation form on the duct which can cause issues. Its common practice to insulate the duct so there is no chance of issues.

Q: Why is chimney height so important?
A:  The chimney is what produces draft in a wood burning fireplace. Heat rising up the chimney pulls air through the air controls through the combustion air ducts. The taller the chimney, the stronger the draft. If the chimney is too short it struggles to pull air in through the air controls. Symptoms of this includes a fireplace that struggles to burn or puffs smoke out the front when the doors are open, or if the fireplace dies out when the doors are closed.

If you add a set of elbows to offset around framing, it’s recommended that you add additional chimney height to compensate for the elbows.

A proper chimney system is as important as the fireplace.

Q: Can I offset the chimney to avoid framing?
A:  Yes, offsets are available in 15°, 30° and 45° angles.

45° elbows cannot be used for wood burning fireplaces in the USA, Canadian installs can use them.

30° elbows are most common, an easy rule for offsetting is: it takes twice the vertical space to equal the offset distance. If you want to offset the chimney 12” side to side, you’ll need 24” in height to move the chimney over. In most situations, the chimney has to stay over the foot print of the fireplace.

Please refer to chimney offset chart provided by your Fireplace Advisor.

Q: How do I clean my chimney if I have offsets?
A:  Cleaning your chimney is important for maintenance and safety and should be done on a yearly basis because—. Plastic brushes are used on flexible fiberglass rods and will have no issue bending through offsets up to 45°. These parts can be purchased from a home center, Hearth store or online, and can be done by a certified chimney sweep or an average do-it-your-selfer.

Q: Can I install 2 fireplaces over each other on different floors?
A:  Acucraft fireplaces can be installed over each other on different floors but there are limitations and it takes planning to get the chimneys aligned. Most often the fireplaces need to be offset enough from each other in order to have the proper amount of space for the lower level fireplace to be offset around the fireplace above. Often, you don’t have enough space to offset far enough to the side without reaching the ceiling. Offsetting the centerline of the fireplaces will reduce the offset distance needed and make it possible. Acucraft Fireplace Advisors & Designers are available to work with you to provide the best solution for your project.

Q: Can I mount a TV above the fireplace?
A:  Yes, but each fireplace will have a different minimum height for a Mantel or TV above the door/face. Please refer to the installation manual for mantel clearances for your specific fireplace. Heat can damage your TV and reduce its lifespan so Acucraft recommends using a mantel to shield the TV.  The heat will then be directed in front of the TV and keep it at a cooler temperature.

Didn’t find the answer to your question? Speak with a Fireplace Advisor for more information: 888-317-6499!