The two main types of gas fireplaces available today are direct vent and ventless.
Vented vs ventless gas fireplace logs.
Vented gas fireplaces use a high temperature glass panel to separate the burning area of the gas fireplace from the inside of your home.
Ventless gas logs will produce more heat while vented gas logs will look much more realistic.
However because of that steady heat clearances around your firebox need to be double checked as they usually call for more space away from combustibles than a wood burning or gas vented fireplace.
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.
This contrasts with a ventless gas fireplace which vents into your home.
With vented fireplaces the flames can run through around and over the logs creating a more chaotic and realistic appearance.
Cost and energy efficiency however make ventless fireplaces attractive to others.
Gas fireplaces come in two configurations.
Despite producing far fewer fumes than vented gas fireplaces a small amount of fumes will still be emitted into your house.
Direct vent fireplaces require a venting system while ventless fireplaces are just that completely vent free.
Vented gas logs require a fully functional wood burning fireplace and must be burned with the damper open ventless or vent free gas logs can be installed in either a wood burning fireplace or a ventless fireplace that is rated for aftermarket ventless logs and are burned with the damper closed.
Vented gas logs offer a full authentic looking flame presentation with plenty of ambiance while ventless gas logs provide a reliable and efficient heating source.
Vented gas logs produce carbon monoxide emissions so your fireplace must have a chimney or flue.
Vented gas logs require a fully functional wood burning fireplace ventless or vent free gas logs can be installed in either a wood burning fireplace or a ventless fireplace that is rated for aftermarket ventless logs.
They put out a constant rate of heat.
Yes ventless gas logs heat more effectively than vented logs because there s no chimney flue for the heat to escape through.
Here s what you need to know to help you decide which type is right for you.
Ventless fireplaces are not permitted in some areas.
According to the hearth association ventless fireplaces boast efficiency rates of 99 percent compared to 70 85 percent for vented units.