Spark Fires - Frequently Asked Questions

All our products are certified to industry-standard ANSI and CSA codes. We use OMNI Testing Labs which specializes in the certification of gas products. OMNI Testing Labs tests our products to the same codes as UL listed products. OMNI Testing Labs is approved by all 50 States and all local municipalities in the U.S. and all territories and Provinces in Canada.

In addition, we have the appropriate New York City MEA, Massachusetts Plumbers Board, Los Angeles County, and Pitkin County, Colorado approvals for our products.

We primarily market and sell direct to architects, designers, and builders. As we find partners who share our interest in modern design we will begin to establish "showcases" throughout the country.

The national code prohibits the use of vent free fireplaces in any bedroom or bathroom. Vent free fireplaces are also restricted in New York City, California, Canada, and above 4,500 ft elevations. Check local codes for installation guidelines for vent free fireplaces. Please check www.ventfree.org for more information.

A licensed plumber must connect the gas line. However, many different types of people can install our products including a general contractor, a local fireplace store, and an HVAC (heating, ventilating, and air conditioning) contractor. We also have a list of installers who have installed other customers' fireplaces. Since we don't work directly with any installers there is no stated or implied endorsement of anyone on the list.

Vent free does not require a flue while direct vent has a flue which must vent outside through a wall or through the roof. Direct vent unit also requires a fixed glass front while vent free unit prohibits a glass front.

Extremely safe. Vent free appliances have been sold in the USA since the 1960s and have an exceptional safety record! In fact, vent free fireplaces represent the fastest growing segment of the fireplace industry due to flexibility in installation. Each product must comply with a stringent National Safety Standard called ANSI Z21.11.2b.

We will accept returns made within three months of the ship date. Products can be returned for a full refund provided the product has not been used and is received by us in resalable condition. The customer is responsible for arranging and paying for return shipping. Please contact us at 866-938-3846 if you would like to return one of our products.

Yes, however you should check with the TV manufacturer and/or the store you purchased the TV from. We recommend you place the TV at least 24" above the top of the opening of the fireplace and, most importantly, recessing the front of the TV at least 6" into the wall. Heat from the fireplace will rise in front of the wall above the fireplace so recessing the TV into the wall will move it out of the path of the heat.

No. Our current products are only approved for indoor use. We may have outdoor products in the future so please check our website for new product announcements.

In the unlikely event one of our units needs repairing, please contact us first. We can diagnose most problems and recommend an appropriate solution. If our products need repairing, we will pay for the reasonable and customary repair cost by a licensed plumber during the 2 year warranty period.

Spark Modern Fires does not sell surrounds. They are a design element specified by an architect or interior designer.

Yes, but you need to remove your entire existing gas fireplace. The Fire Ribbon, both vented and vent free, are intended for new installations or remodeling.

Our products are designed and certified to run off of propane or natural gas. However, you must identify which form of fuel you have at the time you order.

An air vent is a requirement of all vent free fireplaces. Some consumers don't want to see the air vent so there are different techniques employed to conceal an air path underneath the surround. See specification sheet for more details on the air vent.