6 Hour Safety Shutdown
This is a standard feature on all Ambient Technologies, and Signature Command Remote Controls. When the remote is in the ON position, the unit will shut down if no function is sent after 6 hours.

7 Day Programmable Thermostat Remote Control
(5/2) This function allows you to program your thermostat setting for Monday to Friday (5) and on the weekend (2). Four ON/OFF times per day.

A/C Receiver
The 110v receiver for remote control systems that plugs in and does not require batteries.

A.F.U.E.
Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency rating: This provides a measure of how much of each dollar spent on the fuel burned by your appliances actually goes toward heating your home.  This rating is an average taken over the course of the entire heating season.

Air Control / Air Inlet Control
The way the amount of air entering the air inlet is regulated.

Air Cooled Chimney
Double or triple walled system that uses outside air to reduce the surface temp of the chimney.

Air Inlet
The orifices by which the air required for combustion enters into the controlled combustion chamber of a solid fuel burning appliance such as a wood or pellet stove.

Air Tubes
Air tubes supply the secondary air into the firebox which is required for the re-burning of gases created by the process of combustion. Air tubes ensure a more complete combustion as well as facilitating a cleaner burn.

Airtight Stove
A stove that allows a large fire to be put out by shutting the air inlets.

Air-To-Fuel-Ratio
The ratio of air to fuel in a solid fuel appliance such as a wood or pellet stove. The typical amount of air necessary to burn 1 pound of wood in a fireplaces is 35 pounds.

Airwash
The engineered process created to automatically keep the glass of your stove clean. This process requires the stove to burn uninterrupted at its maximum temperature for 30 minutes.

Andirons
A pair of decorative iron posts with short legs and a horizontal bar that lift the logs just above the floor of the fireplace, supporting the logs and acting as a guard to keep them from falling out. They also allow a draft of air to pass around the log set, enabling proper burning and minimizing smoke.

Ash Drawer / Ashpan
Provides easy clean up for wood burning stoves by collecting ash into a removable drawer or pan built into the stove’s overall design.

Back Puffing
Occurs when a negative pressure or draft develops in a venting system.

Baffles
Baffles perform a number of functions: they assist in the re-burning of gases created by the combustion process by reflecting heat back into the firebox, they create a secondary combustion chamber and the also improve the overall efficiency and distribution of temperature.

Basic Wall Thermostat
Provides a manually set means of maintaining a controlled temperature in the rooms surrounding your fireplace. Ambient Technologies offers a variety of basic wall thermostats that are compatible with virtually all makes and models of hearth appliances.

Blower
A motor driven fan that blows the warmed air from your fireplace further into the room.

Blower Temperature Sensor / Fan Temperature Switch
A heat activated thermo disc that expands to turn on and contracts to turn off.

Brick Liner
Creates the look of a traditional masonry fireplace by lining the interior of a gas fireplace with ceramic panels – available in a variety of traditional brick patterns and colors.

BTU (British Thermal Unit)
Technically, the measurement used to calculate how much heat is required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. This is the term used to describe the heating capacity of a fireplace, stove or log set in order to determine which heating appliance is best suited to the square-footage that requires heating.

Burn Rate
The number of pounds of fuel consumed in one hour of combustion.

Burner
Found in gas stoves and fireplaces, this is the pan or tubes that carry the gas used for combustion. The burner is found underneath the log set or, in contemporary style units, under the glass beads or stones that replace the traditional log set.

B-Vent
Also referred to as Natural Vent, a B-Vent fireplace or stove is a gas-fuelled unit that gets its combustion air from the home rather than the outside but vents exhaust from the combustion process to the outside.

Cast Iron
The process of heating iron to a liquid form and pouring it into molds. All Vermont Castings cast iron products are made from recycled and reclaimed cast iron using environmentally friendly sand molds for casting. Vermont Castings cast iron stoves and fireplaces are all handcrafted and proudly made in Vermont, USA.

Catalytic
Sometimes called “cat” for short, this refers to the combustion process for wood burning stoves. Catalytic combustors are a ceramic honeycombed chamber coated with a metal catalyst that increases the rate of combustion and lowers the temperature at which wood will burn. Vermont Castings makes the highest EPA rated catalytic wood burning stove in the industry. Wood burning stoves without catalytic combustors are referred to as “non-catalytic” or “non-cat”.

Ceramic Fiber Logs
Ceramic fiber is a lightweight but delicate compound used to create realistic looking logs for gas burning fireplaces, stoves and log sets. Ceramic fiber creates a natural looking red glow when touched by the gas fire flames.

Ceramic Glass
A much safer alternative to tempered glass which can explode at higher temperatures, ceramic glass is tested and certified to withstand very high temperatures as well as allowing heat to radiate through its non-glare finish.

CFM
Cubic Feet per Minute.

Chase
A purposefully built structure enclosing portions of the chimney on the exterior of the house.

Chimney
The final part of the venting system through which the exhaust gases from the combustion process are vented to the outside.

Chimney Connector
See Flue Collar.

Clearance
The minimum required distance between a fireplace or stove and any combustible objects or materials such as carpeting as stated in fire and building codes.

Combustion Air
See Primary Air.

Combustible Material
Combustible materials are those that will ignite and burn as applied to the minimum required clearance for walls, floors and ceilings surrounding fireplaces and stoves. Combustible materials can include, but are not limited to, wood, paper, natural or synthetic fiber materials, and plastic, etc.

Combustion
The chemical process of the rapid oxidation of fuel resulting in the production of heat and light – or “burning”.

Combustion Chamber
The space within a fireplace or stove where the combustion process occurs that is made up of the burner, brick liner, firebox and a glass door that seals when closed.

Convection Heat
The process by which heat is circulated throughout the room using air currents caused by the transfer of heat energy from the fireplace or stove surface to the cooler room air.

Cord (of wood)
A standard measurement of firewood. 4 feet x 4 feet x 8 feet

CSA
Canadian Standards Association

D/C Receiver
Receiver for remote control systems that uses batteries for power.

Dip Switch
A switch within the remotes transmitter that allows the frequency to be changed when two or more remotes systems are being used.

Direct Vent
Direct vent fireplaces, stoves and inserts eliminate the need for a traditional chimney. Direct Vent appliances draw combustion air from the outdoors as well as exhausting to the outdoors using a pipe venting system finished on the exterior with a vent cap. Direct Vent appliances are often vented up through the roof or out to the side or back of the building. Direct Vent units must have a sealed glass door to maintain proper combustion and to ensure efficiency and indoor air quality.

Draft Control Rod
A manually operated rod that controls the amount of primary air in a wood burning appliance.

Efficiency
The percentage of heat that goes into the room instead of being vented to the outdoors.

Electronic Ignition
A burner ignition system that uses an electric current rather than a live spark.

Emissions
The unburned smoke and gases that are left over after the combustion process is complete. Vermont Castings has 6 of the top 10 cleanest burning stoves in the industry.

Enamel
The high gloss colored finish on the outside of a cast iron stove. The enamel is baked on permanently and offers a high quality, high endurance finish. Vermont Castings offers a variety of enamel color finishes including Biscuit, Bordeaux, Ebony Black and Majolica Brown.

EnerGuide Rating
The energy efficiency rating system for all vented gas fireplaces and stoves established by the Government of Canada and the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI). This rating is based on the actual use and performance of the appliance throughout the entire heating season.

Energy Efficiency
The percentage of the energy content of the fuel that is consumed and becomes heat in the house.

EPA Phase I and II
Environmental Protection Agency’s particulate emissions standards for solid fuel stoves and fireplaces. These standards are designed to reduce pollution. Vermont Castings has 6 of the 10 cleanest burning stoves in the industry. These phases were implemented in 1988 (phase I) and 1990 (Phase II).

EPA Regulations
Environmental Protection Agency regulations for solid fuel stoves and fireplaces mandates that products sold after July 01, 1992 emit no more than 4.1 grams of particulate matter per hour for catalytic units and no more than 7.5 grams for non-catalytic units. Vermont Castings offers 6 of the 10 cleanest burning stoves in the industry – including the highest rated catalytic and non-catalytic wood stoves available.

Exhaust
The products of combustion.

Factory Built Fireplace
As opposed to a masonry fireplace which is built as part of a home or other building and that has, as part of its construction, a chimney, a factory built fireplace is a manufactured firebox inside of a steel cabinet.

Fan
See Blower

Fiber Brick
See brick refractory

Filigree
Delicate and intricate ornamentation that enhances the design of a fireplace. It is available in various decorative patterns and finishes such as Black, Brushed Pewter and Iron Age.

Firebox
The combustion chamber of a stove or fireplace which is airtight.

Floor Protection / Hearth Pad
Solid fuel appliances, such as wood stoves, require a non-combustible material of a specific size, thickness and material type, to be placed under the appliance to protect the floor surface and framing. This protection must extend beyond the four sides of the unit. Please refer to your product manual for specific requirements and installation instructions.

Flue / Vent
The passage, generally leading outdoors, through which the exhaust passes.

Flue Collar
The connection point between the vent and the chimney.

Flue Gases
See exhaust

Freestanding Stove
A traditional stove style (wood, gas or pellet), on either legs or a pedestal, that stands on its own away from the wall. Gas models may be either vented or un-vented.

Frequency
The bandwidth of radio waves.

Gas Fireplace Insert
Generally used to convert existing masonry wood fireplaces to gas fireplaces to improve their efficiency, a gas fireplace insert is placed inside an existing masonry fireplace opening or in a metal factory built firebox.

Gasket
Gasketing is used on fireplaces and stoves to ensure an air-tight firebox seal, improving efficiency and creating an optimum burn of the fuel.

Gas Valve
A control that regulates and controls gas flow to the appliance.

Grate
A heavy platform made of cast iron or metal that holds a log set or fuel in a firebox.

Hearth
Usually made from non-combustible brick or tile, this is the area under and sometimes in front of the stove or fireplace.

Hearth Extension
The extension of the non-combustible floor protection beyond the fireplace opening or stove front.

Heat Exchanger
A device which provides a means for transferring heat between two fluid streams while keeping them physically separated.

Heat Input
Expressed in BTU’s per hour, this is the amount of heat that a heating appliance requires to generate heat.

Heat Output
Expressed in BTU’s per hour, this is the amount of usable heat produced by a heating appliance.

Heat Shield
Used to absorb or reflect heat from the fire, heat shields are made from non-combustible materials and are placed around heating appliances or pipes to reduce the amount of clearance required (distance to combustible materials).

Heating Capacity
The maximum amount of BTU’s per hour that a heating appliance is able to generate.

Input Rate
The rate at which gas is supplied to an appliance.  

Insert
Generally used to convert existing masonry wood fireplaces to improve their efficiency, an insert can be either wood, gas or pellet burning and is placed inside an existing masonry fireplace opening or in a metal factory built firebox.

LCD
Liquid Crystal Diode used in the display screen of remotes.

Liquid Propane (LP)
An excellent alternative to natural gas or other fuel types, propane is colorless, non-toxic, clean-burning and non-damaging to soil and water. It is available in pressurized cylinders for home use.

Louvers
A series of narrow parallel slats framed at the ends which slant or overlap and allow circulation of air.  Louvers enhance the look of a circulating fireplace and are available in numerous decorative finishes to match any décor.

Mantel
This is a decorative shelf component that is placed above the fireplace on the wall. They are often made of brick, marble, wood, stone or concrete.

Masonry
A term derived from the original stone masons, masonry describes anything constructed of stone, brick or tile such as mantels, surrounds, chimneys and hearths.

Millivolt Valve System
This is a valve system for gas fireplaces and stoves that uses a small internal generator called a thermocouple to provide enough power to hold the gas valve open for the pilot light and main burner operation. The energy required to do this is generated by the heat from the pilot light and therefore, if there is a power outage, the fireplace will still be usable.

Mobile Home Approved
This is a hearth appliance that meets mobile home installation requirements including reduced clearances, alternative venting systems, etc.

Negative Pressure
Often caused by appliances that draw air from the inside such as kitchen fans, negative pressure means that the pressure inside is less than that outside and can negatively affect the performance of a stove or fireplace.

Non-Catalytic Technology
Sometimes called “non-cat” for short, this refers to the combustion process for wood burning stoves. Non-Catalytic technology refers to the process by which airflow in the firebox ensures that smoke is re-burned. Non-Catalytic technology offers greater efficiency and cleaner emissions. Vermont Castings makes the highest rated EPA non-catalytic wood stove in the industry. Wood burning stoves with catalytic combustors are referred to as “catalytic” or “cat” for short.

ODS
Oxygen Depletion Sensor

Operating Range
The distance from which a hand held remote control can operate the gas fireplace, stove or secondary components. Ambient Technologies remote controls offer superior convenience with operations distances of 30 feet. Ambient Technologies remote controls are compatible with virtually all makes and models of gas hearth appliances available.

Outside Air Kit
Recommended for “tightly constructed” or well-insulated homes, an outside air kit provides air from the outdoors to the fireplace or stove to facilitate the combustion process rather than drawing air from inside.

Pellets
A fuel source made from wood shavings, sawdust and sometimes other biomass byproducts that is compressed into a “pellet” shape and sold for use in pellet stoves or inserts.

Peninsula Fireplace
A fireplace with a view from three sides.

Piezo Ignitor
A device which delivers an igniting spark by means of pressure on a crystal.

Pilot
The pilot is a small flame that is used to ignite the gas in the main burner of the fireplace or stove. Generally pilots are “standing pilots” meaning that they remain lit at all times, however MHSC’s Signature CommandTM technology provides the ability to light the pilot only as required – providing environmentally friendly operation that qualifies for green points under LEED and other green building programs.

Plinth / Hearth Riser
Used to raise an insert in an existing fireplace opening to create a better fit.

Primary Air
Controlled manually using a draft control rod within the stove, primary air is used for fire start up and to maintain air flow for optimal fire size.

Primary Combustion
Refers to the combustion of the fuel source within the firebox (as opposed to the combustion of gases, particles or smoke that results from the primary combustion).

Programmable Wall Thermostat
A programmable version of a basic wall thermostat that allows for different temperature settings throughout the day to maintain an optimum comfort level. Ambient Technologies offers a variety of programmable wall thermostats that are compatible with virtually all makes and models of hearth appliances.

Protected Surfaces
A non combustible material use to cover a combustible material.

Radiant Heat
The heat that is distributed outwards from a central point of heat. Radiant heat heats objects in its path and the closer you get to the source of the heat, the more heat you feel.

Receiver
Acquires the radio signal from the transmitter and indicates the function.

Refractory Brick
See brick panel

Regulator
A pressure device used to regulate the flow of gas.

Remote Control
A handheld wireless device that allows for the convenient operation of a gas fireplace or stove from anywhere in the room. Remotes come in a variety of types including on/off and thermostatic models and some, such as those available in the unique Signature CommandTM System, also offer secondary control of other appliances and fireplace features. Ambient Technologies offers a wide variety of remote controls – including the latest touch screen technology – which are all compatible with most makes and models of hearth appliances.

Rheostat
An electrical switch that varies the current flow to the fan changing the speed.

R Value
The insulation factor of a material i.e. Concrete has an R value of 0.

Safety Shutoff
A standard safety feature that shuts off the gas supply to the pilot / main burner if the ignition fails to light. As it is powered by the thermocouple, the safety shutoff will also work in the event of a power failure.

Seasoned Wood
Wood that has been allowed to dry before burning burns more easily and releases less emissions during combustion than freshly cut wood. Seasoned wood is wood that has dried for 6 to 12 months.

Secondary Air
This is combustion air that is separate from primary air and is used for the secondary combustion of gases, smoke and particles within the combustion chamber. Secondary air does not affect the rate of primary combustion.

Signature CommandTM System
The Signature Command™ System is the most feature enhanced and energy efficient collection of fireplace components on the market today. Unlike any other fireplace available, the addition of Signature Command™ gives you the control to make your fireplace the most energy efficient and convenient to operate. Featuring an electronic ignition system and the option of cold climate pilot and flame height control at the touch of a button, automatic battery backup system, accent lighting control and blower speed with time delay control, you’ll enjoy the comfort of your fireplace like never before. And, with our innovative Touch Screen thermostat remote control including the “Smart Mode®” feature, your fireplace will be the most energy efficient Green fireplace system on the market today.

Smart Mode
A function of the Signature command TSFSC, TSFRSL and TSTSC remotes that allow the flame height and fan spread to automatically adjust, according to room temperature.

Spark Screen
A screen on the front of a wood burning stove that allows for open door viewing while protecting consumers from sparks and ash.

Spill Switch / Safety Shut Off Device
A standard gas appliance safety feature, this is a temperature sensing device that will shut off of the pilot and main burner if there is a blocked flue or a downdraft occurs.

Termination
The very last component of a chimney system, this is the point of exit for all combustion exhaust.

Termination Cap / Chimney Cap
The finished cap or end of the chimney system that is mounted on the outside wall or roof. Not only do they provide a finished look to the chimney system but they help to prevent entry and nesting in terminations by birds and small animals.

Therm
A unit of measurement referring to the quantity of heat energy equivalent to 100,000 BTUs.

Thermal Efficiency
Refers to the percentage of heat released by the combustion process that is radiated through the appliance to become useful heat.

Thermocouple
Like an internal generator, the thermocouple (30 MV) is powered by the heat of the pilot and powers the safety shut off device operation.

Thermodisk
A metal disk shaped temperature sensing device that, when heated, will bend and allow an electric current to activate the blower motor.

Thermopile
Internal generator, when heat is applied to the thermopile (750 MV) an electric current is created, allowing the valve coil to be operated open or closed to send gas flow to the main fireplace burner.

Thermostat
See Basic Wall Thermostat and Programmable Wall Thermostat.

Touchscreen
A touch activated screen used on the T series remotes.

Transmitter
The control that send the radio signal to the receiver.

Trim Kit
Decorative bars that are attached to the inside edge of a fireplace to complete the installation and add a stylish accent.  Trim kits are available in numerous sizes and finishes to help create a look to match any décor.

Vent-Free
Vent free or unvented fireplaces, stoves and inserts operate without an exterior venting system.  Vent free appliances draw combustion air from inside the home and are designed to burn so efficiently (up to 99.9%) as to eliminate the need for venting.  Currently vent free appliances can be installed in most areas of the United Sates.  Please check with your local building official for approvals in your area. They are not approved for use in Canada.

Warming Shelves
Decorative and functional stove accessories that are attached to the sides of a stove.  Each warming shelf contains two mitten racks that are used for warming clothing or other items on the stove.

Zero Clearance Fireplace
Zero clearance fireplaces are factory-built gas fireplaces that can be installed where there is no existing fireplace – generally on any inside wall that allows for the proper venting – and are tremendously popular for renovations and new home construction. In fact, adding a zero clearance fireplace to an existing home is a relatively inexpensive way to add value. The term zero clearance refers to that fact that they can be safely installed in direct contact with combustible floors and walls since they are manufactured using multiple layer construction with an inner and outer shell for maximum heat insulation.