I recently purchased a log cabin in SE Tennessee. It has a propane fired insert in the previously log burning fireplace. I do not know the manufacturer and do not have any operating manuals exept for the remote control which I downloaded off the internet. I believe it is what is called a vented unit as there are vents put through the side of the chimney.

I am not there yet but, will be soon. I am looking for info on operation. I know it would be difficult to give advice with the scant details I have provided but, in the research I have done again, on the internet, I have seen way too much of differing opinions on operation.

I don’t want to wake up dead after a nap from improper operation so, am looking for at least some general info on how to set the damper etc. As it is currently the only heat source (soon to be corrected) I will need to use it for heating. I can try to provide more details in a couple of weeks when I get there.

Thanks for any help.

As a start purchase and install near where you sleep and in the hall leading to same a couple of co detectors.

My primary residence has a a unvented ng gas log set that we use to ward off the chill. I've got mine burning apparently as clean as it is designed to. No alarms and only smells at start of heating season when we fire it up and accumulated dust burns off.

Without a make and model, it would be hard to give you an idea on its operation.

Hopefully its a vented designed unit and is properly vented. As using a ventless heater for primary heat is a major concern.

I would recommend you have a service tech come out and verify its operation and measure the CO levels to insure your safety.

I would not like to come here and read; "you woke up from being dead after a nap".

The 1st order of business is have a clear exhaust pipe/venting.

It sounds like it is vented up the chimney? If unsure of the quality of venting, don’t use it. Soon thereafter it may be time to call in a pro. The age and condition of the unit factors in.

I’m more of a firewood guy. I’m sure many like the no mess & fuss with a gas fireplace. If for some reason it fails inspection, you could go back to wood.

I can help if I have more information... you can direct email me at: themerrysweep@bellsouth.net

If there is an actual vent out the side of what you call the chimney then you probably have a direct vent unit. But you said vents and that is different and might be outside air intakes for the original fireplace. Private email me the address and there might still be pictures up on the web for when it was for sale.

Hopefully what you have is a vented unit either with a single vent (B-vented) or direct vent which is a sealed unit that also pulls its combustion air from the outside. If you open up the cover along the bottom of the unit (should just flip down) there should be a metal plate hooked to a chain that has all the information on the unit on it.
Most vented gas units will not function if they are not venting correctly. Un-vented has to be one of the dumbest things out there and the only reason the manufactures still make them is they are making more money than they are paying out in law suits.

Thanks for the replies all.

Called propane supplier and they have a service guy I will have come out.

Would it make sense to also ask the local fire department to look at or inspect the installation and advise?

The best person to look at something like this is a CSIA certified chimney sweep. You can find one at:
CSIA.org