How do I know if my gas fireplace is vented?
A vented fireplace has attractive yellow and orange flames that lick upward around the sides of the ceramic logs. An unvented fireplace, by contrast, has much less striking flames. These flames tend to be smaller and bluer. As a result, an unvented gas fireplace won't create quite the same illusion as a vented one.
Can you have a gas fireplace without a vent?
Ventless gas fireplaces emit dangerous and noxious gasses into the room they are operating. Without proper ventilation and safety systems in place there can be serious health risks associated with burning gas in a ventless fireplace.
What is a non vented gas fireplace?
What Is a Ventless Fireplace? Ventless fireplaces are also known as "unvented" or "vent-free" fireplaces. They're a type of fireplace that pipes natural gas or propane into a gas-burning unit. The flames reach up through gaps in artificial ceramic fiber logs.
What is the difference between a vented and non vented gas fireplace?
Gas fireplaces come in two configurations: vented and ventless. Vented gas logs produce carbon monoxide emissions so your fireplace must have a chimney or flue. 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.
Which is safer vented or ventless gas fireplace?
In general, vented fireplaces are better in terms of safety and function. However, most of the heat is lost through chimneys, so consider using a direct vent. Ventless fireplaces are still a great option and are safe when used properly. Check with your local laws first as some areas don't allow ventless fireplaces.
Are ventless gas fireplaces illegal?
Massachusetts, California, and a number of other states in the U.S., as well as Canada and other countries, have outlawed ventless gas fireplaces due to the aforementioned safety concerns.
How long can you run a non vented gas fireplace?
Most manufacturers don't advise running a vent free gas fireplace for more than a few hours a day. Usually, that's not much of an issue, because you'll get hot in 20 minutes, and you'll probably be ready to turn it off.
What states have banned ventless gas fireplaces?
Vent-Free fireplaces have been very controversial in the fireplace industry for over decades. Many argue that these fireplaces are unsafe. In fact, in 1996, they were banned by Alaska, Montana, Minnesota, New York, and Massachusetts, however, after strong influence by the industry, all but California still bans them.
Do gas fireplaces give off carbon monoxide?
YES, GAS FIREPLACES ARE ONE POTENTIAL CAUSE OF CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING. While there are many potential sources of such exposure, including certain appliances and devices, motor vehicles and wood stoves, gas fireplaces are a common culprit to be aware of.
How do I know if my fireplace is vent free or vented?
0:054:14Gas Logs: Vented or Vent-Free? How To Tell The Difference, and Decide ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you'll see them pretty much anywhere and everywhere you go the easiest way to tell theMoreAnd you'll see them pretty much anywhere and everywhere you go the easiest way to tell the difference between a vintage set and a vent free set is the placement of the flames on the logs.
How do I know what kind of gas fireplace I have?
Each fireplace and insert has a rating plate which contains your model number and serial number. Gas and wood burning fireplaces have a rating plate in the control compartment area, under the smoke shield or on the firebox side column.
How can you tell the difference between a vented and ventless fireplace?
Vented gas logs burn like a real wood fire with a yellow flame that produces smoke. 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. Ventless (vent-free) gas logs burn cleanly with a lower flame that does not smoke.
How does a non vented fireplace work?
Ventless models burn so cleanly that you won't need a chimney flue at all. Smart Design: A ventless fireplace pulls air from the room and channels it through the regulator to create the flame. The warm air is then pushed back into the room through an outlet typically located at the top of the fireplace.
What are the pros and cons of a ventless gas fireplace?
Ventless Gas Fireplace Pros & ConsPros of Vent Free UnitsCons of Vent Free UnitsSince ventless gas products require no vent or chimney, they cost less to install, compared to vented gas appliances.Since ventless gas logs exhaust into the home, there is an added risk over vented gas fireplaces.6 more rows•Jul 2, 2019
Which is best vented or unvented gas logs?
Efficiency: Vented gas fireplaces are less efficient than ventless ones. This loss of efficiency is due to heat escaping through the chimney or flue. A vented gas log fireplace will need to work harder to generate the same amount of heat as a ventless gas fireplace. This translates to a higher cost over time.
Do non vented gas fireplaces smell?
Ventless logs do in fact produce an unmistakable odor, some more so than others depending on the quality of the brand. There is no way of preventing this, it is simply the nature of burning gas in your home without exhausting the fumes up a chimney.
What is a power vented gas fireplace?
This allows for longer vent runs. Power vented gas fireplaces can be installed where other types of fireplaces might not work, such as a freestanding wall.
What is a natural vent?
Natural vent (also referred to as B-vent) hearth products take in combustion air from inside the home and vent products of combustion outside home via a brick and mortar chimney or pipe venting system installed through the roof . Some Natural vent hearth products have a sensor to extinguish the fire in case exhaust gasses ever reverse and come down the flue.
Why is vent free heating so efficient?
Since there is no venting, all of the warmth generated from the fire stays in the room where it is installed. For this reason, vent-free systems are up to 99% efficient! Without venting, the pollutants from combustion also remain in the room where the fireplace, gas log set, or stove is installed. For air quality concerns, vent-free hearth products ...
How efficient are natural vents?
Some Natural vent hearth products can be as little as 20% efficient, making them the least efficient units available. They do produce the most attractive flame pattern and have flexibility with vent pipe runs. However, even though they may be less expensive to install, they are more sensitive to air flow inside the home.
Is a direct vent fireplace good for a new home?
Direct vent fireplaces are the most popular choice for homeowners. In fact, 90% of gas fireplaces are sold direct-vent because of their increased safety, efficiency, and versatility (Source: Build with Propane ). In terms of versatility, you can vent a direct-vent fireplace horizontally or through the roof. They can be installed almost anywhere! From a heating standpoint, a direct-vent fireplace will be around 70%-85% efficient. Direct-vent fireplaces are best for newer, more air tight homes.
Is direct vent heating safe?
Direct-vent hearth products are the safest option for supplemental heating. Direct-vent systems transfer the combustion fumes and pollutants outside the home via a chimney or an opening on the exterior of the home. These fireplaces will typically have a sealed pane of glass on the front of the fireplace. Most homeowners who choose direct-vent models enjoy the peace of mind of knowing that all odors and pollutants are being vented outside of their home and not in the air they breathe.
Can you vent a fireplace through the roof?
In terms of versatility, you can vent a direct-vent fireplace horizontally or through the roof. They can be installed almost anywhere! From a heating standpoint, a direct-vent fireplace will be around 70%-85% efficient. Direct-vent fireplaces are best for newer, more air tight homes.
What is the Difference Between Vented and Ventless Fireplaces?
There are a few key differences between vented fireplaces and ventless fireplaces. The first difference has to do with functionality, the second has to do with aesthetics, and the third has to do with preference:
Are Ventless Fireplaces Safe?
Before you consider whether or not ventless fireplaces are safe, it is important to note that all gas fireplaces could potentially leak carbon monoxide into your home. Blocked chimneys, cracked glass panes, old parts or leaking gas lines can all be responsible for gas leaks from vented gas fireplaces.
Vented Vs. Ventless Fireplaces: Pros and Cons
To make the two types of gas fireplaces a little easier to compare, below is a table with some pertinent facts set side by side. Here is a quick look at a vented vs. ventless fireplace stand up against each other. You may be surprised at the benefits and drawbacks of each:
Which is Better–Direct Vent or Ventless Gas Fireplaces?
As with so many things, when answering which item is better than the other, you have to know as much about what you want as about the differences between the two items. As much is true of vented versus ventless gas fireplaces. The big question to answer is if you are comfortable with ventless.
How to Know if Your Fireplace is Vented or Ventless
You should be told at the time of purchase whether your fireplace is vented or ventless. Because ventless fireplaces are banned in some areas, the distinction should be made very clear. But maybe you have bought a home that has a gas fireplace and you do not really know for sure whether it is vented or ventless.
Can a Ventless Gas Fireplace be Converted to Vented?
If you have a ventless gas fireplace and you either regret buying it or you regret that it was in the home that you bought, you may be wondering if you can convert it to a vented fireplace. It sounds like a reasonable enough idea. It’s a fireplace, just cut a hole in the top, attach a pipe, and stick it through the roof, right?
Conclusion
If the decision is yours to make, then both vented and ventless gas fireplaces are viable options for your home. Keep the controversies surrounding the ventless fireplaces in context. They are best used when used wisely and within the precautions that the manufacturers suggest. Do so and they may be a good source of heat for your home.
How much efficiency does a ventless fireplace have?
Since vent-free fireplaces don’t release any air outdoors, they have an incredibly high efficiency rate of 99 percent. For some homeowners, the benefits outweigh the risks.
What is an ODS gas fireplace?
Most, if not all, vent-free gas fireplaces come with additional safety features, such as oxygen detector sensors (ODS). This sensor measures the oxygen levels in the room and immediately shuts off the fireplace if the oxygen levels drop too low.
Do gas fireplaces have a chimney?
When you think of a traditional fireplace, you typically imagine a smoking chimney, which acts as an outlet for the smoke. Although gas fireplaces are fueled by either natural gas or propane, and therefore do not produce the thick, foggy smoke of burning real wood, they do generate harmful fumes. In a vented gas fireplace, two vents run up through the chimney — one to bring in fresh outdoor air and the other one to exhaust the fumes. Fireplaces using two vent liners are often referred to as “direct vent.”
How many BTUs does a direct vent fireplace produce?
For best output, a slope glaze burner has been used in this model. That can produce up to 25000BTUs with 83% competency.
Why invest in a direct vent fireplace?
You should invest your money in a direct vent gas fireplace insert because these fireplaces will not create any kind of problems while you try to turn on the device. You will find a small number of products with such ignition systems, if not the rest of them, but a maximum number of direct vent fireplaces comes with different kinds of benefits. Some ignition systems have battery backups, which is very helpful because if there’s any power outage, you can turn your device on without any issues.
How much heat does a natural gas fireplace produce?
This natural gas fireplace is heater-rated with up to 83% of solid efficiency. You can get 26000BTUs heat output per hour. This fireplace can also perform during power outages. For ignition, this fireplace has used millivolt technology. That requires no battery backup or electricity. It’s a Piezo push button that enables easy on/off lighting. That ensures more security and reduces any probability of unexpected firing.
How many BTUs per hour for a 32 inch fireplace?
This 32-inch compact fireplace can attain up to 19000BTUs per hour. For ignition, you can entirely rely on the modern Intellifire ignition system ( IPI ). With this advanced intermittent pilot ignition system, you are one touch away from igniting your fireplace. This system perpetually monitors the ignition. All over, this system ensures safe and utmost secure functioning with plenty of energy-saving per month.
What is the most popular hearth system?
Today the most popular hearth system is the direct vent gas fireplace. This is because they are safe and suitable; moreover, the sealed combustion system defends the inside air of your room by pulling the outside air and perfectly expels the combustion exhaust and all other byproducts outside of your home.
What is a 36 inch fireplace?
The 36-inch premium fireplace is such a great product that you may want to have in every cold season. Ignition is done using a piezoelectric push button. Remember that piezoelectric igniters require no battery backup or electricity. This model works great with any of the Empire’s seven remote control accessories, varying from simple switches to thermostats.
What are some examples of extra features in a fireplace?
By adding a few extra features, some manufacturers want to make sure that their offers are valuable. A great example is ceramic fiber logs. They are magnificent to make the flame gorgeous when it burns in the fireplace. Backup batteries can be convenient though you won’t find them in all models. Every extra feature that is included with the fireplace will be handy for you. So if you can afford it, you should go for a device with all types of extra features you like.