I am in the same boat...wondering if these log sets are purely cosmetic or throw off heat. My Dad has a set. His room is 65 degrees with the set off. After 2 hours on high, the room is 70 degrees. He claims he shuts it off and the room remains warm for 4 to 6 hours. Sounds like it would fulfill all my needs (looks nice, provides warmth when sitting near it, warms the room a bit.)

Here is where I have concerns:

1) He must leave the damper open at all times. Maybe his room drops to 65 degrees because of this...though that particular room is always cold...patio door on one side, garage on the other and poured cement carpeted floor.

2) I guess you can shut the pilot light and close the damper every time you use the thing....what trouble could be caused by dong that??????

3) It may actually pull hot air from thte rest of the house while its running causing you use more electric heat.

4) Dad says it costs $1 a day just for the pilot light. Local stove shops says to add another $2 an hour to run the logs. Would cost me about up $120 a month or maybe $400 - $500 a season....is it worth that for the ambience...

Of course a real insert runs $2800 and has its own set of issues. Still might you be better off with a real insert in your basement...could the warm air flow upstairs and require you to use your main heating source less?

Sorry I was not as much help, I am looking for answers too. I can say that the logs my Dad has do raise the temp in his 450 sq ft room though....if only the gas (we would need propane) were cheaper.

Hi

We have the 24 inch Eiklor logs in our living room fireplace and the room heats up quite nicely when they are on. Although the damper remains open, closing the glass fireplace doors when the logs are not lit prevents heat loss and a draft.

Molly