I’ve been a quality inspector for heating equipment for about seven years now. Before that, I was on the installation side—so I’ve seen this from both ends: the guy buying the system and the guy checking if it actually works. Over maybe 200 installations I’ve reviewed (maybe 180, I’d have to check), I’ve seen the same few mistakes eat up budgets and timelines more than anything else.

This checklist is for anyone specifying or buying gas fireplace systems, wall heaters, or gas logs—especially the solenoid valves and parts that always trip people up. If you’re working with a supplier like Empire Comfort Systems, or if you’re just trying to make sure you don’t get blindsided by hidden costs, this should help.

What This Checklist Is (and Isn’t) For

This isn’t a general buying guide. It’s a list of checks I do before I approve any order, and every item on here comes from something I’ve seen go wrong. If you follow these steps, you’ll catch the most common sources of waste. If you don't—well, I’ve seen a $22,000 redo on a 50-unit order because someone skipped step 3.

Checklist: 7 Things to Verify Before You Pay

Step 1: Confirm the Flue Type and Venting Specs

This is the biggest one, and it’s almost always assumed. I’ve rejected maybe a dozen units (ugh) because the spec sheet said “B-vent” but the physical unit had a different collar. The contractor had to change the chimney liner, which cost us an extra $1,400 per unit—no, $1,600, I’m mixing it up with the larger units.

Check this: verify the venting type in the product manual, not just the model number. Call the tech support line (Empire Comfort Systems phone number is usually correct on their site, but verify it) and ask for the venting requirements. It takes ten minutes, and it saves you a headache later.

Step 2: Verify the Solenoid Valve Specs (Especially If It’s a Replacement)

Solenoid valves are a common pain point. I once had a batch of 40 wall heaters where the replacement solenoid valve was rated for a different gas pressure than the original. The vendor claimed it was “within industry standard,” but we measured the gas flow, and it was under by about 12%. We rejected the whole lot. The vendor redid it at their cost, but we lost a week.

Check this: match the part number, gas pressure rating, and voltage exactly. Don’t rely on “it should fit.” Use the supplier’s cross-reference chart, or call the distributor directly. Fresh air is good, but fresh gas specs are better.

Step 3: Inspect the Fireplace for Frameless Shower Door Interference (Wait, Hear Me Out)

This sounds weird, but I’ve seen it: someone orders a beautiful gas fireplace for a bathroom renovation, and then the frameless shower door—once installed—makes it impossible to access the pilot light or gas valve. The door sticks out just enough that you can’t reach the control panel. We had to cut open the wall to access the valve from behind. That was a fun $700 surprise.

Check this: measure the clearance around the fireplace after all finishes—including shower enclosures—are installed. Leave at least 6 inches of clearance on the side where the controls are. If you’re ordering a frameless shower door, get the final measurements of the door swing before placing the fireplace order.

Step 4: Check the Wall Patchability (Yes, Really)

If you’re retrofitting a gas log set into an existing fireplace, you might need to patch a hole in the wall where an old gas line came through or where an electric fireplace was removed. This is one of those things everyone assumes is covered in “general finishing.” Spoiler: it usually isn’t.

I’ve seen a job where the patch job was so poorly done—by a different contractor—that the gas inspector flagged the whole install. We had to rip out the fireplace, patch the wall properly, and reinstall. The lesson here: ask how to patch a hole in the wall before you run the gas line. Or better yet, specify the patching material and method in the contract. Gypsum board and joint compound are fine, but if the hole is near the fireplace, use a fire-rated patch.

Step 5: Ask for a Full Parts List (With Part Numbers)

Suppliers like Empire Comfort Systems are great about stocking replacement parts, but not every distributor is. I once ordered a gas fireplace that came with a generic remote control—I needed the specific one for the model. The vendor offered a “free” upgrade to a universal remote, but it didn’t have the thermostatic control I needed. I had to order the correct part separately: $120, plus shipping, plus a week of delay.

Check this: before you finalize the quote, request a list of every component—valve, remote, pilot assembly, logs, burner. Verify that each part number matches the manufacturer’s documentation for the model. If there’s no part number, assume it’s the wrong part.

Step 6: Verify the Warranty and Return Policy (In Writing)

I know everyone says this, but I’ve seen too many “limited lifetime” warranties that exclude solenoid valves or glass doors. The policy I follow: ask for the return window (usually 30 days) and what’s excluded. If the supplier is vague, I move on.

Everything I’d read said premium brands always have great warranties. In practice, for our specific use case, the mid-tier option actually had more comprehensive coverage for the parts that fail most often. That’s not common knowledge.

Step 7: Do a Final Check on the Empire Comfort Systems Phone Number and Support Contact

You want to know who to call when something doesn’t work—before it’s urgent. Look up the correct Empire Comfort Systems phone number (the one on their official site, not a third-party listing) and save it. I keep a contact in my phone for every major supplier. When I had to call about a defective pilot assembly, I knew exactly who to email. The replacement arrived in two days instead of two weeks.

Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

• Assuming “standard” means standard: Every brand defines standard differently. A “standard gas log” set might include the logs but not the burner. Read the fine print. Put another way: assume everything is a line item until it’s listed as included.
• Ignoring the venting: I can’t stress this enough. If the venting doesn’t match the building code, you’ll pay for a new liner. I’ve rejected 8% of first deliveries in 2024 due to venting mismatches alone.
• Skipping the trial fit: If possible, test the components together before full installation. A small trial saved me from a $4,500 mistake where the gas logs physically didn’t fit the firebox.

Disclaimer

Pricing as of January 2025; verify current rates at official sources (Empire Comfort Systems website or USPS for shipping rates). Regulatory information is for general guidance only—consult official sources for current requirements. Per FTC guidelines (ftc.gov), all claims should be verified with the manufacturer.