Expert: James Ball - 12/7/2010

Question
QUESTION: I am trying to find out more information about my fireplace.  It was set up with gas logs when I purchased the house several years ago, but I can't figure out whether it is a standard firebox with gas added or if it is a GAS-ONLY fireplace unit.  I'd really like to burn wood in it if possible.

I have found a metal plate inside the exterior door structure that says Fireplace # AE 35086; Model T768 -- manufactured in 1996.  All indications are that it is a Heatilator brand, but I cannot find ANY information on this fireplace number or this model number on their website.

Can I burn wood in this fireplace?  If so, do I need to remove all gas elements from the firebox, part of them - or can I leave all of them as simply a wood starter unit?

Thanks so much!

ANSWER: Hello Brian, here it the web address (I looked on the National Chimney Sweep Guild web page of over 300 manuals and did not see it)
http://www.heatilatorhomeproducts.com/customerCare/installManuals/index.aspthey should be able to help
James

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for checking for me.  Is it possible that the Fireplace # is the serial number - and I should be looking for Model T768?  I have found several fireplace doors for Heatilator T768 but no manuals.

Thanks again!

Answer
Brian, I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep www.csia.org, (there you can look up by zip code to find one near you) take a first hand look at what you have, they should be able to help and see what you  have and how to get it to where you want it. and if you can
Hope this helps
James