Kozy Heat Alpha 36

The Kozy Heat Alpha 36 (model ALP-36S) is sized for about 1,200–2,400 sq ft, though your floor plan, insulation, and climate decide the real number. Its input rating is 48,000 BTU/h on high and 24,000 BTU/h on low, on both natural gas and propane. The brochure lists EnerGuide P.4 efficiency of 73.81% on natural gas and 75.99% on propane.

It's a direct vent fireplace for 5 x 8 inch co-axial pipe, with vertical runs from 4 feet to 50 feet. A horizontal termination needs at least 18 inches of vertical rise before the elbow; after that, natural gas allows up to 20 feet of horizontal run, but propane allows only 4 feet. Longer combinations, up to 25 feet up plus 25 feet across, must stay inside the manual's venting chart, and Kozy Heat's #KPV power vent and #800 series flexible vent kits are approved for horizontal terminations.

Yes, but it ships for natural gas, and converting it takes the separately sold propane conversion kit (#LCK-AL36L-S in the parts list); the option list also marks the Propane Valve Step Motor as required to convert. Kozy Heat says it's easier to convert before the fireplace is framed in, because converting afterward means removing the control board. Propane keeps the same 48,000 BTU/h input rating. It does shorten the vent: After an 18-inch rise, propane allows only 4 feet of horizontal run, versus 20 feet on natural gas.

Two choices are required: a screen front and a set of firebox panels. Screen fronts come in arched decor, arched mission, rectangular decor, or rectangular mission designs, and the rectangular fronts include a rectangular trim kit. Panels come in Canyon Creek brick, herringbone, or black enamel, and the manual says not to operate the fireplace without a firebox liner kit installed. Circle or diamond andirons are optional.

The log set, accent light kit, fan kit with two 75 CFM fans, and Komfort Kontrol remote come with the fireplace. The remote works as a room thermostat with a Smart mode that turns the flame down near your set point, and it sets six flame levels, six fan speeds, and six light levels. A wall-mount Proflame transmitter is available as an option.

Yes, the burner will. The Alpha 36 normally runs on 120-volt household power, and a backup pack of four AA batteries (not included) runs the burner during an outage. The manual says the battery backup operates the burner only, so the fans and accent light stay off and you'll get radiant heat until power returns.

Yes, within the manual's limits. A combustible mantel 8 inches deep can start 44 inches above the fireplace enclosure floor and can get 1 inch deeper for each inch higher, while a noncombustible mantel up to 6 inches deep can start 6 inches above the finishing edge. Kozy Heat's tests found surface temperatures didn't exceed 150°F with a 4-1/4-inch-deep recess above the fireplace, though the manual leaves the TV's own temperature limits to the homeowner. Side walls must be at least 6 inches from the finishing edge.

Frame a rough opening at least 48-3/4 inches wide, 47 inches high, and 27-1/4 inches deep, with at least 80 inches from the base of the fireplace to the top of the enclosure. The stand-offs allow 0 inches to framing, the top stand-offs keep 5-5/16 inches to the header, and you need 36 inches clear in front. Floor protection isn't required, but the bottom of the fireplace must be level with the finished hearth extension so the screen front fits.

The manual approves it for bedrooms. It may also be installed in an aftermarket, permanently located manufactured home (USA only) or mobile home, where local codes don't prohibit it. Covered outdoor installs are allowed when the fireplace is protected from direct precipitation and operated between 40°F and 110°F.