Automatic Ignition- A system that will light the stove based on an input reading from a thermostat or thermistor.  Most stoves that light automatically also have the ability to turn themselves off when heat is no longer called for.

BTU's- British Thermal Unit, the primary heat measurement unit used by the hearth industry.  It is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 lb of water 1 degree F.

Clearance- The distance required by building and fire codes between stove, smoke pipe or venting, and combustible materials such as wood furniture or carpets.  Clearances must be obeyed even if the combustible materials, such as wood furniture or carpets, are protected by non-combustible plaster or other masonry materials.

Combustion- The process by which fuel burns.  For this to occur, three elements are required: fuel, heat and oxygen.

Creosote- A very flammable by-product of combustion that can build up within the smoke pipe and chimney and then ignite, causing a "chimney-fire".

Direct Vent Appliance- an appliance that draws combustion air from outdoors and exhausts its combustion products to the outdoors eliminating the need for a standard chimney system.  A glass panel in direct vent units is critical to keeping the combustion system sealed from the home, maintaining the high efficiency and indoor air quality.

Emissions- by products of combustion vented out of the home.

EPA Regulations- government regulations of wood burning appliances mandating that products sold after July1, 1992 emit no more than 4.1 grams of particulate matter per hour for catalytic-equipped units and no more than 7.5 grams for non-catalytic-equipped units.

Fireplace Inserts- heating units that retrofit into an existing fireplace (masonry or factory-built). 

Flue- vent or chimney for a combustion device.

Freestanding stove- a heating appliance normally on legs or a pedestal that occupies an area roughly equal to that of an easy chair.

Hearth-traditionally refers to the floor of a fireplace on which a blaze is built.  Today it is used to refer to all the devices and equipment used in connection with the fireplace and stove industry. 

Hearth Pad- Floor protection that provide required fire protection between stoves and combustibles.

Heat Shield- a non-combustible protector used around appliances, smoke pipe or chimney.

Hopper- a container attached to an appliance in which fuel, either wood pellet or coal, is stored and from which the fuel is fed to the burner.

Pellets- are made of 100% wood sawdust with no additives.  The sawdust in pellets is a manufacturing by-product otherwise destined for landfills.

Thermistor- a bimetal device that generates a voltage to send signals to a control board so the board can make a determination about whether the fire should turn on/ increase or shut off/ decrease.

Thermostat- a heat activated switch that will turn a stove off and on.