Renaissance Fireplaces FAQ

Can I buy online?

No. We only sell through specialty hearth dealers.

How can I locate my local Renaissance Fireplaces™ dealer?

Simply click on Find a Dealer or enter your information in our "Where to Buy" tab.  You can search by zip code or postal code to generate a list of all Authorized Renaissance Fireplaces™ dealers in your area.

Is burning wood environmentally friendly?

Yes. Wood is a renewable natural resource - well-managed forests are a renewable, sustainable source of energy that helps us reduce greenhouse gas emissions and be less dependent on oil & gas. Wood is also carbon neutral. This means that as trees grow, they absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. When trees die and are left to decompose in the forest or burn in forest fires the carbon stored in the trees is released in the atmosphere as carbon dioxide. Burning firewood produces the same amount of carbon dioxide as it has absorbed during its life cycle - making wood burning carbon neutral.

How clean burning is a Renaissance fireplace?

The Renaissance burns clean enough to meet the most stringent ASTM (EPA) standards for emissions.  With the door open it burns 70% cleaner than a traditional open fireplace.  With the door closed, The Renaissance burns 93% cleaner than a traditional open fireplace with doors that are closed.

Can an old open fireplace become clean burning by simply changing some parts?

No. This cannot be done yet. The Renaissance is only clean-burning because of all the parts and pieces involved in its assembly.

Should I leave the glass door open or closed?

That’s up to you. If you would prefer to enjoy the sound of the open fire, then by all means leave the door open and simply close the screen. Or if you would like to take advantage of a cleaner fire that creates fewer emissions, you can close the door and do that as well. You can even decide to close the door at any time to cut down on the heat entering the room. The door will never interfere with the lighting process or the air flow into the firebox. It can be shut at any time without hindering the look or performance of the fire.

Who should I contact with questions or issues?

Your first contact should be the Dealer from which you purchased your appliance. They will be able to answer any operations question or service-related question you have. If this does not help please contact us.

What does the term zero clearance mean?

Zero clearance means that the fireplace requires no clearance to nearby combustible material from any side except the front.  For framing purposes, any framing material can be used, and it can be tight to the fireplace body or standoffs in some cases. It also means there are no special footings required in order to have the fireplace set in place so it can be placed directly on the floor. The final look is a cleanly-finished fireplace that is built into the wall; all Renaissance Fireplaces™ are zero clearance.

At what stage during home building should I have my Renaissance fireplace installed?

If you are building a new home, the best time to have your fireplace installed is just after the roof has been finished. At this point the inside walls should still be mostly open framing which will allow for the fireplace to be placed and framed without damaging any finished walls. The fireplace can be installed and set in place long before the finishing work is completed. Make sure that the glass door will be out of harm’s way (i.e. covered, removed, etc.) until construction is finalized.

Can I control how much heat the fireplace emits?

Unlike gas fireplaces, there are no rheostats or controls to determine how much heat the fire will emit. You do however have control over how much wood is loaded into the firebox. Each additional piece of wood adds to the heat emitted by the fireplace. Add larger pieces of wood when you’re cold, or use small pieces to have a merely decorative fire. Either choice will result in a beautiful and lively fire.

Do I need a damper to keep cold air out when the fireplace isn’t in use?

No. Conventional open fireplaces require a damper to keep cold outside air from entering the home. Renaissance Fireplaces™ use their glass door to keep outside air where it belongs. Instead of shutting a damper after each fire, you can simply close the built-in guillotine door. You’ll also never forget to open the damper ever again, preventing your home from accidentally filling with smoke.

Do I need a brick chimney to install a Renaissance fireplace?

No. Renaissance Fireplaces™ use only stainless steel chimneys. The specific model and brand is 10” diameter Model RIS which is certified to UL 103HT, the highest standard for large diameter wood burning chimney. For more information about RIS chimney please click here.

How often do I need to clean the Chimney?

The frequency of your fireplace servicing and maintenance will depend on use and the type of installation.  Upon first starting to use your fireplace you will want to get a general idea of how quickly your chimney gets dirty.  This means checking it on a regular basis, i.e. every couple weeks if you’re using the fireplace often.  Once the rate that creosote forms in your chimney is determined, you will have a much better idea of how often the system should be cleaned.   Many systems should be cleaned on an annual basis, while others require more or less attention.  Having a qualified service technician perform a cleaning and check-up regularly will keep your fireplace operating well.

Will my Renaissance fireplace operate during an electrical outage?

Yes. Because the fireplace works on natural draft, it does not require any electricity to function at any time.

Why is my fireplace selection an important purchase decision ?

Because a fireplace becomes a permanent fixture in the home, much like a major appliance or automobile, it deserves your consideration. It is important that the fireplace you select is one that reflects the mood and concept that you wish to portray in your home.

It should not be left up to the builder to decide which fireplace should be installed. This often leads to regrets about the final appearance of the fireplace; make sure to choose the look that you want. Given that most fireplaces become the focal point of a room, it is important to select something you’ll be happy with for years to come.

My home (or the one I’m building) is very well heated already; will this fireplace make the room uncomfortably hot?

In modern homes, too much heat is often more of a problem than not enough, despite the climate you live in. All Renaissance Fireplaces™ are designed to operate only as long as the home-owner desires. If the home is already warm, but a fire is desired for ambiance, simply use less wood or don’t re-stock the fire. Depending on the size of the wood used, the Renaissance can burn out quickly or last several hours.