An Ortal Front Facing fireplace creates a clear focal point without asking the whole room to revolve around a traditional hearth. A long, low flame view can anchor a contemporary living room, while taller formats bring more fire into a narrower wall. Chimneys Plus helps you choose the shape first, then match the burner, heat level and installation to the way you use the room.

Serving the Triangle and surrounding Central North Carolina communities.

The range includes Signature-burner and Wilderness flame-through-log versions. Signature models support model-approved decorative media; Wilderness brings the character of flames emerging through specially designed logs. Both are built-in gas fireplaces with their own fireboxes, not inserts for an existing fireplace.

A fireplace proportioned for your room

The current Front Facing collection spans compact and portrait formats through wide linear models. The main Signature size families include 25H, 31/31H, 44, 51, 60, 68, 77 and 98, with selected H and HH taller versions; the catalog also lists 40H70, 60×80 and 75 formats. Wilderness versions cover selected formats from 25H and 31 through 77, including taller options. Model numbers are names, not a substitute for actual glass or framing dimensions.

A wider fireplace is not automatically the best heater for a room. We compare low-fire operation, the seating arrangement and the desired flame view. Where compatible, an optional Heat Control System can move some convective heat to another approved location. It does not eliminate radiant warmth through the glass or make the fireplace heat-free.

Installation and representative specifications

Direct venting supplies combustion air from outdoors and carries exhaust outdoors, reducing the room-air and draft complications of an open combustion system. A finished installation also needs the prescribed heat release, service access, gas supply and electrical connection. We plan these before the feature wall is framed or finished.

For a like-for-like example, the standard-height 44 models offer:

• Front Facing 44 Signature viewing area: 43 5/8 inches wide by 15 3/4 inches high.
• Front Facing 44/44H Signature input: natural gas 22,789–37,167 BTU/hour; propane 25,113–35,316 BTU/hour.
• Wilderness Front Facing 44 viewing area: 43 5/8 inches wide by 15 3/4 inches high.
• Wilderness 44/44H input: natural gas 15,696–32,163 BTU/hour; propane 21,400–31,400 BTU/hour.
• These 44-series models use standard 5-by-8-inch coaxial direct venting and require a 120-volt, 15-amp, 60-Hz duplex receptacle.
• Screen and double-glass versions are configuration choices; power venting and other accessories require model-specific planning.

These are input ratings for the named models, not a range covering every fireplace in the collection. We verify the specifications for your selected size and fuel.

Manufacturer product information: Front Facing 44 and Wilderness Front Facing 44.

Local selection and installation

Chimneys Plus is an authorized Ortal dealer and handles or coordinates gas piping, required electrical work and permitting. The Chimneys Plus team includes CSIA- and NFI-certified professionals. Together with our North Carolina general contractor and fuel-piping licenses, these qualifications reflect our commitment to knowledgeable fireplace installation and service.

Contact Chimneys Plus to explore a Front Facing design that feels at home in your space.

Current specifications

• Efficiency (AFUE), Signature 44: 77.8% natural gas, 81.4% propane
• Heat barrier: double glass or micro mesh screen; interiors Black Reflective Glass or Standard Matte
• Wilderness 44 log sets: Short Driftwood, Birch, Valley Oak; controls remote, WiFi, wall switch; AFUE 79.7% NG, 80.4% LP
• Fuel: natural gas or propane
• Double glass, power vent and interior lighting units must run on the AC adapter and will not operate on batteries alone

Source: manufacturer product page. Specifications can change with new model years, so we confirm them against the current documents before you buy.

Related products and services

• Valor LX2 Gas Fireplace
• Valor LX1 Pier Gas Fireplace
• Valor L1 See-Thru Gas Fireplace
• All fireplaces
• Custom fireplace design and installation
• Gas line installation
• GasCheck annual gas fireplace service
• Financing options

Frequently asked questions

How do I choose an Ortal Front Facing fireplace size?

Consider viewing distance, available wall width and height, and the room’s heat needs together. We compare actual viewing areas and installation dimensions, including the space required for the vent and enclosure heat release.

Is an Ortal Wilderness Front Facing fireplace just a different log set?

No. Wilderness uses a dedicated flame-through-log burner system. Choose it for that particular fire appearance; Signature models offer their own approved burner and media combinations.

Can an Ortal Front Facing fireplace heat during a power outage?

Some basic screen-equipped configurations can use batteries, but this is not a promise for every size or accessory package. Double glass, power venting and interior lighting require AC power; other electrical options can also rule out battery operation. We confirm the exact model and approved configuration before presenting it as backup heat. A remote with batteries alone does not establish outage capability.

Does an Ortal Front Facing fireplace need electricity even if battery operation is possible?

Yes, the current 44-series installation manuals require a 120-volt duplex receptacle. Battery capability does not remove the normal installation’s electrical requirements. Chimneys Plus coordinates any required electrical work.

Can I put a television above an Ortal Front Facing fireplace?

A compatible design may allow it, but the enclosure must include the required heat-release openings and clearances. The television’s own requirements also apply. We plan the fireplace and wall together rather than relying on a general cool-wall claim.

Can Chimneys Plus use my existing gas line and handle permits for an Ortal Front Facing fireplace?

We check the fuel type, line sizing, pressure and condition before deciding whether the line can remain. We handle or coordinate necessary gas work and handle applicable permits, including replacement installations.

What upkeep does an Ortal Front Facing fireplace need?

Professional inspection and service at least annually help keep the burner, pilot, vent, glass seals and airflow passages in proper condition. Only approved media should be used, with placement matched to the selected burner.