Likewise, people ask, how are gas fireplace inserts vented? Regency gas fireplace inserts can operate on natural gas or propane. Gas fireplace benefits are incredibly attractive and convenient; especially for a busy family like yours. Adding A Blower To A Gas Fireplace – By installing a blower you will be able to distribute the warmth coming from the fireplace to all areas of the room by placing it directly in front of the fireplace or in an open area like a doorway near the fireplace. The insert contains the gas logs and the piping system for ventilation. You still need your yearly chimney sweep and inspection to service the fireplace. TOM: We would much prefer that they always be vented. If you’re wondering do gas log wear out, the answer is yes. Vent-Free: A non-vented gas fireplace unit doesn’t come with a flue, which means installation can take place virtually anywhere. Carbon monoxide gas: You can't see it, smell it, or taste it – but it can kill you, silently and with little warning. Be sure to clean your fireplace annually for best results. They use a lot of gas and they need a lot of venting, so make sure you leave the damper open at all times when that’s being used. A well maintained ventless log set with ceramic logs can also last a long time, but, if heavily used, will begin to wear in 3-5 years. Chimney and Venting Concerns Most of the work involves simply making sure all systems, such as ventilation, pilot lights, and ignition switches, are operating properly. It is fueled by gas and is often mistaken for wood because the fire looks very much like a wood burning fire and lets out about the same amount of heat. First, do you have an existing gas line? Fireplaces Fireplace Inserts Stoves Gas Logs Heaters Fireplace Mantels Fireplace Accessories Chimneys & Venting Outdoor Living Guides & Articles My Account Order Status Help Home > Guides & Articles > Chimney Articles > A Complete How-To Guide for Venting Your Wood-Burning Fireplace or Stove Vented Gas Fireplaces: Why it Matters. Before we discuss the particulars about choosing the correct venting components, we must first acknowledge the emergence of the vent-free hearth appliances over the last few decades. A more expensive option is a steel or cast-iron insert placed inside a traditional hearth and chimney. Vented and vent-free logs are both used in a gas fireplace, but they act very differently. Vent-free gas fireplaces … And most importantly, what type of gas fireplace do I need? A gas insert offers all the comfort, warmth, and ambiance of a fire without the need to chop, store, and haul wood. If you don’t have a chimney, the vent can be terminated horizontally through an exterior wall instead of vertically to the top of the roof through a chimney. If you live somewhere with typically frigid winters you and your family can stay a little bit warmer by deciding to add a direct vent fireplace blower to your existing fireplace. Gas fireplaces might be an ideal choice for someone who wants to enjoy the warmth of a fire without hauling wood and cleaning up ashes. Gas fireplaces aren't a solution for a problem chimney. Direct vent is a term used to describe a specifically designed fireplace that performs differently from the traditionally vented fireplace which use a chimney. One can also be professionally installed by a fireplace repair contractor. An electric fireplace does not have a real flame and so doesn’t release any byproducts such as smoke and harmful gases. Janet has over 300 articles published and is the co-author of the Rodale book Classic American Quilts: Stars. This thermopile creates millivolts of electricity that are used to open and close the gas valve. They use a system much like a gas stove, performing at nearly 99% energy efficiency, since all of the heat is released directly into your home. Gas Fireplace . These fireplaces will typically have a sealed pane of glass on the front of the fireplace. Doing so is unsafe and could risk fatal carbon monoxide poisoning. This is accomplished with a thermopile that is integrated into the pilot light. Why You Should Always Inspect the Attic Before Buying a Home. Vent Free Fireplaces ARE Secure As you know by now, a Vent Free Gas Fireplace is a system that doesn't need venting to operate. Which is better vented or ventless gas fireplace? Vented and vent-free logs are both used in a gas fireplace, but they act very differently. They must be burned in a wood burning fireplace with the damper open, so smoke goes up the flue along with most of the heat. A vented gas log display is an alternative to a wood log fire. Posted on January 1, 2020 by Mickey Luongo. However, many direct-vent fireplaces are vented with a single two-chamber vent pipe. Don't Fall Victim to Fireplace Carbon Monoxide Poisoning! No. Vented or Vent Free Gas Logs: Which Do You Need? Experience Regency’s industry leading flame picture and ambiance at the push of a button with a new gas fireplace insert. Building codes might require that the damper in your chimney be permanently blocked open if you install gas logs. A professional will remove any debris, animals, and dust from the chimney and clean the appliance fully. These units run off of propane or natural gas. However, like any home appliance, gas fireplaces require routine maintenance. Direct venting is considered a safe system because no air from inside is used in combustion, and all wastes flow to the outside. This includes both direct vent gas fireplaces and fireplace inserts. When people begin shopping for a fireplace, there are several important decisions they need to make. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions exactly when using any fuel-burning appliance. Gas fireplaces need less care, maintenance and cleaning than the traditional wood fire. This venting could take place through an existing brick or masonry chimney, but you are not limited to just using an existing chimney to accomplish the necessary venting. Similar to gas inserts and gas logs, gas fireplaces come in vented and vent-free models. Burning wood, on the other hand, takes time to light and to get to a temperature that can be maintained. And most importantly, what type of gas fireplace do I need? Vented Gas Logs – Yellow Flame Fire. Most will have adjustable settings, so a 40,000-BTU fireplace doesn't have to be operating at full capacity all the time. It's particularly dangerous for sensitive groups like children and the elderly, and can cause serious complications for people living with asthma. Ventless gas fireplaces exhaust into the room. Both actions reduce the risks of carbon monoxide buildup within the house. The reason for this is that when you burn a fuel source such as wood or gas, chemicals are emitted into the air, and those chemicals need to be vented out of your home for safety. Not to worry we are here to help – below we explain what the difference between each type of gas fireplace (in plain English!) Gas fireplace inserts can be used in masonry or prefab fireplaces; they can be vented through the existing chimney (or a wall for a free-standing unit). In fact, 90% of gas fireplaces are sold direct-vent because of their increased safety, efficiency, and versatility (Source: Build with Propane). The care required for a gas log fireplace is significantly less than that of a traditional wood-burning fireplace. Is a gas fireplace worth it? An electric fireplace does not require a vent, flue or chimney. Other models combine beauty and efficient heating capabilities. In a gas ventless fireplace, oxygen is provided by the air in your home. While they may look alike on the surface, there’s actually a big difference between them. The flue is necessary to bring fresh outside air down into the unit to aid in combustion and to allow an escape for gaseous byproducts of that combustion. Ventless gas fireplaces exhaust into the room. It’s a win-win investment. Why is courage important in To Kill a Mockingbird? It's recommended that ventless gas log sets be vented during their initial burn period to remove any odor or smoke produced. They really should always be vented. Vent-Free: A non-vented gas fireplace unit doesn’t come with a flue, which means installation can take place virtually anywhere. Vented gas logs are designed to be used in a fireplace that is capable of burning wood and is directly connected to a chimney (better known as a masonry fireplace). How much does it cost to put in a gas fireplace insert? Gas also has advantages over wood, primarily in the ability to more precisely control temperature almost instantaneously. These logs are designed to hold the heat and reflect it into the room. If that air contains impurities, those impurities are drawn in with the oxygen and can produce odors which are amplified by the flame. If you’re in the market for a new gas fireplace, you’ve probably noticed that there are two types of gas logs from which to choose: vented and vent free. What are the names of Santa's 12 reindeers? ¿Cuáles son los 10 mandamientos de la Biblia Reina Valera 1960? You also need to wait until all of the gas fireplace components are cool before you begin the cleaning process. How Renewable Energy Can Save Us from Climate Change, 9 Ways to Keep Utility Bills Low in Winter, Helpful Tips to Prepare Your Home for Winter. Most Recommended and Best Selling Insert Gas Fireplaces in February, 2020? Determine how you'll get the vent from the fireplace to the outdoors. Gas fireplaces use natural or propane gas to simulate a real wood-burning fireplace. Change the trim color of your gas fireplace. Vented gas log sets offer a full, authentic-looking flame presentation with plenty of ambiance while ventless gas log sets provide a reliable and efficient heating source.. Vented gas logs are designed to be used in an existing wood burning fireplace with a fully functional chimney. Remove the gas logs from the fireplace and take them outside for cleaning. Blowers to help move the heat into the room, remote controls, accent lighting are a few of the available features found on many fireplace inserts that burn gas. Do gas fireplaces give off carbon monoxide? The direct vent draws its combustion air from outside while venting to the same outside atmosphere. Type of gas logs: A well maintained vented log set with ceramic logs will last a very long time, in some cases 10 or more years. What is the difference between a gas fireplace and a gas insert? Gas fireplaces come in two configurations: vented and ventless. People who already have a fireplace in their home can find blowers at stores that sell fireplace accessories. The flame in a gas fireplace is contained within a glass-fronted firebox in order to combine easy viewing and safety. There's no ash or creosote produced with a gas-burning unit. This type of fireplace has a completely sealed combustion chamber which allows it to vent directly out a side wall of the home. From a heating standpoint, a direct-vent fireplace will be around 70%-85% efficient. This allows cold air to come into the home when the gas logs are not in operation (all winter long). Built-in gas fireplaces are also very much like gas inserts, in that they are very reliable providers of heat. Thanks to the ingenious two-layer design that keeps the outside of the pipe relatively cool, the vents from direct-vent fireplaces can run straight out through the wall or up through the roof, allowing great flexibility in design and placement of the fireplace. Similar to your old wood burning fireplace or stove, traditional vented gas fireplaces utilize a flue that runs from the unit to the exterior of your house. The following are some places where you can fit gas fireplaces: Oldschool. They can be installed almost anywhere! Gas Fireplace. Regular cleaning will help keep your fireplace performing efficiently and safely for years to come. These ceramic logs use the natural airflow in your fireplace to get rid of combustion gases from the fire. Janet is a blogger, designer, and teacher who specializes in quilting techniques. So, if you don't have an existing wood-burning fireplace, this is your only option. During this process, they may also identify any venting issues or other concerns and correct them before they begin big, expensive repairs. A gas fireplace is really convenient especially to busy people who have no time to manually do everything just to feel that relaxing warmth a fireplace can offer. With gas fireplaces, the biggest threat to the chimney is condensation. Ventless logs do not put off these emissions so no chimney or flue is needed, and the heat is more likely to stay in your space. You don’t need a Mary Poppins-style chimney sweep for a gas fireplace, but you do need to inspect the external chimney structure and the interior walls in front of and around the chimney. Click to see full answer. Brass fixtures are now outdated and need to be replaced or painted. This type of fire requires a chimney for safety. Ventless gas fireplaces are deemed to operate within the range of safety for cycling these combusted gases back into the home's interior. However, it’s not recommended to operate vent-free gas fireplaces for longer than a few hours at a time (with or without a fan) because of the risk of exhaust buildup in your home. On 2020-12-12 by (mod) - do not ever vent your gas fireplace through a vent that slopes "down" John: Watch out: No, do not ever vent your gas fireplace through a vent that slopes "down". Direct vent gas fireplaces come in many designs, ranging from traditional to modern. Can a Gas Insert Use the Existing Fireplaces Chimney? Vent-free fireplaces can make you sick For example, sulfur dioxide is a respiratory irritant that causes symptoms like difficulty breathing, coughing, and wheezing. Do gas fireplace inserts need electricity? Accordingly, are ventless gas fireplace inserts safe? And in addition to creating warmth and ambiance while you live there, a gas fireplace can add value to your home. In other words, both the air for combustion and the exhaust vent outside. Natural gas often is more convenient because it's piped directly into your home, and no tank has to be filled. A professional will remove any debris, animals, and dust from the chimney and clean the appliance fully. They really should always be vented. Why does my ventless gas fireplace smell? Napoleon's Direct Vent Gas Fireplaces do not require a chimney and can be vented directly through a wall or roof. Brush off the gas logs. It all depends on your needs, but vented sets have a more realistic flame and can be used in an existing real wood fireplace, while ventless logs are more efficient. Do Gas Fireplace Inserts Have Blowers? Gas fireplaces are very similar to gas inserts. Which American Express card gives access to airport lounges? However, when vented gas logs are installed in a fireplace it is required by building codes that the damper be propped open permanently with a clamp that is supplied by the gas log manufacturer. Do Gas Fireplaces Need to Be Cleaned? Gas inserts require little maintenance beyond an annual $75 to $125 checkup. 2. Vented logs create a large, realistic fire with dancing flames. A vented gas log display is an alternative to a wood log fire. Gas logs for a conversion project range from about $300 to $550 and installation generally costs between $200 and $350. and explain some of the key differences to help you decide what type of gas fireplace you will need. Few homeowners are still unaware of the odorless and colorless gas. This allows cold air to come into the home when the gas logs are not in operation (all winter long). Gas log fireplaces can be set up using the same natural gas that might be piped into your home to fuel other gas appliances, or they can be set up to use propane. With this ability, you can essentially install a vent-free fireplace anywhere in your home. Ok, you need an “exhaust” system for your new direct vent gas fireplace. The flue is necessary to bring fresh outside air down into the unit to aid in combustion and to allow an escape for gaseous byproducts of that combustion. A new direct vent unit can cost anywhere from about $1,200 to $3,200, depending on available features such as timers or remote controls. In terms of versatility, you can vent a direct-vent fireplace horizontally or through the roof. But there's more than one way to vent an appliance, so you can probably install vented gas logs in your home even if you don't have a usable chimney. For this reason, they are made to burn clean and allow the combustion by-product to flow into the room the fireplace is in. Besides, many gas fireplaces are equipped with a thermostat that is designed to maintain a specific room temperature. Do You Know All of Your Home Heating Options? There is no masonry or chimney built or used. Even gases other than carbon monoxide can cause respiratory problems if they're present in large enough quantities and/or someone in the home has sensitivity to that gas. Both types are always burned with the damper open, but you'll want to remember some important safety tips. Vented gas logs can take the place of wood in a traditional hearth and chimney if you choose a unit that burns either natural or propane gas. © AskingLot.com LTD 2021 All Rights Reserved. By contrast, vented gas fireplaces create a dangerously high amount of combustion exhaust and therefore must be vented to the outdoors. A built-in insulation basket is included with the fireplace around the vent. There is no masonry or chimney built or used. Built-in gas fireplaces are also very much like gas inserts, in that they are very reliable providers of heat. Some gas fireplaces are only used for aesthetics and do not offer any heat output. Not to worry we are here to help – below we explain what the difference between each type of gas fireplace (in plain English!) From the factory they are expected to burn with 99% efficiency with a maximum of 40,000 BTU. If you’re wondering do gas log wear out, the answer is yes. You still need your yearly chimney sweep and inspection to service the fireplace. What does direct vent mean? Gas fireplaces do not mean you are maintenance-free. If not, you will need to build in space for a propane canister, in an easily accessible area. Gas fireplaces grow in popularity every year, and manufacturers offer a wide selection, including gas logs and self-contained fireplace units mounted to a wall. The outer pipe draws in air from the outside to create combustion for burning the gas, while the inner pipe takes the waste to the outside. Not all fireplaces require venting and some don’t require “direct vent” pipe but, the best fireplaces do. You don't need to store wood for a gas fireplace or clean ashes out of a gas fireplace. A decorated lumber frame, including surrounds, mantel, hearth, and any wood decorations you want, will help the fireplace and … Probably one of the first decisions is what kind of fuel they want their fireplace to run on. While you certainly won’t be replacing your gas logs as often as you would with real firewood, there comes a point in time where they’ll need to be swapped out with replacement gas logs. For this reason, they are made to burn clean and allow the combustion by-product to flow into the room the fireplace is in. If you do have a gas line, your gas fireplace will still need professional installation to make sure it vents properly, keeping the inhabitants of the home safe. But, the phrase low-maintenance still sparks questions from fireplace owners and prospective owners. This beautiful linear fireplace comes with the option of a wall kit that allows for a clearance of only 12” above the fireplace, eliminating the need for a mantel in between the unit and the TV. This will give you … They even require less maintenance than a traditional wood-burning fireplace. But in your case, those gas logs are pretty big burners. Some gas fireplaces are only used for aesthetics and do not offer any heat output. The intake vent draws fresh air into the fireplace while the exhaust vent safely removes fumes of the combustion (burning) process. Ventless Gas Fireplaces Ventless Fireplaces do not need a chimney or a vent! Direct-vent fireplaces are vented through a wall behind the fireplace. TOM: We would much prefer that they always be vented. We do not sell fireplaces (although I did for many years in a local fireplace shop). Some gas logs may release an odor and possibly some smoke during their initial burn. There are strict guidelines in place to make sure there is adequate space and oxygen in the room for the combustion process. A chimney isn't suitable for gas logs if it's damaged, dirty, or doesn't draw air well enough to burn wood. During this process, they may also identify any venting issues or other concerns and correct them before they begin big, expensive repairs. Gas Inserts for Existing Fireplaces. Vent-free fireplaces can be installed without the need for a chimney, piping system, or any external venting that spews the fumes outside of the home. Vented logs create a large, realistic fire with dancing flames. But in your case, those gas logs are pretty big burners. A traditional vented gas fireplace (view example on Amazon), fueled by either natural gas or propane, has two vents that run to the exterior of the house. Yes, your gas fireplace needs to be cleaned regularly. Yes! Installation can be done for as little as $600, but complicated setups can run as much as $7,500. Installation of fireplace blower kits is simple and easy in both wood burning fireplace and gas fireplaces. Direct-vent gas fireplaces require two vents in the back: one that expels gasses and another that draws in fresh air from the outside. These days, many homeowners choose to go with a gas fireplace. Low Maintenance. Burning a gas insert fireplace that is direct vented, performs well without using inside air for combustion. With all the choices you have, it should be no problem finding a vented gas fireplace for your home. Only units 6,000-10,000 BTU are approved for use in bathroom and sleeping areas. However, when vented gas logs are installed in a fireplace it is required by building codes that the damper be propped open permanently with a clamp that is supplied by the gas log manufacturer. Vented gas logs produce carbon monoxide emissions so your fireplace must have a chimney or flue. To vent the fireplace, a pair of rigid flues nestled inside one another—called a coaxial unit, since they both share an axis—is installed in sections ranging from 4" to 48" in length, with 90°- and 45° angled elbows that allow for flexibility with placement. Common choices include gas, wood, and electricity. If you have a delightfully modern and contemporary style, you might choose the Heat & Glo LUX60 gas fireplace. From the factory they are expected to burn with 99% efficiency with a maximum of 40,000 BTU. Build an optional frame around your fireplace. Annual Chimney Cleaning: No. Ventless (vent-free) gas logs burn cleanly with a lower flame that does not smoke. While you certainly won’t be replacing your gas logs as often as you would with real firewood, there comes a point in time where they’ll need to be swapped out with replacement gas logs. You can reduce drafts and heat loss by installing glass doors in front of the gas fireplace, but the doors must remain open while the fire is burning. Vented gas fireplaces exhaust the air through an exterior opening in your wall. Consider direct venting, which uses a two-layer pipe, if a top-vent isn't practical. You should have a certified technician check the fireplace once a year and perform routine maintenance. Direct-vent hearth products are the safest option for supplemental heating. Gas inserts require little maintenance beyond an annual $75 to $125 checkup. Gas log fireplaces generally are capable of heating the rooms they're located in—even large living rooms or family rooms. But there's more than one way to vent an appliance, so you can probably install vented gas logs in your home even if you don't have a usable chimney. Yes, gas fireplaces are one potential cause of carbon monoxide poisoning. Ventless fireplaces that are connected to a gas or propane line require professional installation by a gas or plumbing contractor, and shouldn't have a heating capacity that exceeds the appropriate room size recommended by the manufacturer.Despite their relative ease of installation, and regardless of fuel source, ventless fireplaces aren't a turn-them-on-and-forget option. Does self scheduling increase satisfaction nursing? Natural gas is more common in urban or suburban settings, while propane might be the only option in more rural settings where municipal gas service isn't available. LESLIE: Mm-hmm. Vent-free logs do not need a chimney, but provide a smaller flame. Or, more specifically, do gas fireplaces need to be vented? Similar to your old wood burning fireplace or stove, traditional vented gas fireplaces utilize a flue that runs from the unit to the exterior of your house. Natural-vent gas fireplaces are vented through the roof, often using an existing, wood-burning chimney. Where Do You Fit Gas Fireplaces? There's no ash or creosote produced with a gas-burning unit. Empire CS DV-33IN-33LNG All-Around Gas Fireplace Insert – Review. This type of fire requires a chimney for safety. These cost anywhere from about $1,200 to $2,900, with installation adding another $600 to $1,000. Most direct vent gas fireplaces are vented to the outdoors horizontally (through the wall), but they can also be routed vertically (through the roof). These units run off of propane or natural gas. Even then, the fire needs constant attention. It has been a couple of decades since brass trim was considered stylish. While many gas fireplaces do not need a mantle or frame around them, some will. Actual rates depend on how much you pay for gas where you live, but bobvila.com estimates that most fireplaces in operation should cost less than $1 per hour. Other models combine beauty and efficient heating capabilities. 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