Are direct vent gas fireplaces heat efficient?
As a fuel, gas is heat efficient and comparatively cheaper than wood. So, in general, direct-vent gas fireplaces can provide a good amount of heat output. Choosing a fireplace of which heat efficiency is 75% to 85% or more is safe. However, keep the BTUs in mind while shortlisting your choice.
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.
What are the advantages of a two-pipe vented gas fireplace?
Two-pipe vented gas fireplaces that draw fresh air from outdoors are more efficient than models with a single pipe, which rely on indoor air to fuel the combustion process. Two-pipe models offer efficiency ratings of 70 percent to 85 percent, while single-pipe units offer around 50 percent efficiency, according to This Old House.
What is a vented fireplace?
A vented fireplace is an open system that relies on oxygen that is found within the indoor space for its combustion process. Third, the vents of direct vent fireplaces can be installed either vertically or horizontally. The vents can terminate either via walls or roofs of your house.
Which is better vented or ventless gas fireplace?
Ventless fireplaces are more energy efficient than vented fireplaces because no heat escapes up the flue, so you'll save money on gas utility bills. A vented gas fireplace uses more gas to create the same level of warmth because some of its heat escapes through the flue.
Are Vented gas logs efficiency?
Vented gas logs are less efficient than vent-free because much of the heat escapes through the exhaust to the outside. On the flipside, ventless gas logs are much more efficient, since most of the heat stays put inside your home.
Are direct vent gas fireplaces energy efficient?
Direct-vent gas fireplaces are recommended for their efficiency; 70 percent of the heat they generate remains in the house. Direct-vent units are much easier and less expensive to install than traditional wood-burning or gas masonry units, and there's greater flexibility in placement.
Will Vented gas logs heat a room?
Vent-free gas logs are an inexpensive and efficient way to add extra heat to a room without having to open the damper on your fireplace. These logs use the air from within the room for combustion and then put heat back out into the room.
How much heat do you lose with vented gas logs?
Natural Vent The air to fuel the fire is drawn from the indoor air, which is then funneled with the exhaust up a chimney or vent. Since heat naturally rises, fireplaces with natural venting, especially wood-burning fireplaces, can lose up to 90% of the heat.
What is the highest efficiency gas fireplace?
Ventless gas fireplaces are typically the most efficient from of gas fireplace. Ventless gas fireplaces don't have any form of external ventilation and so the fuel must be burnt cleanly enough in order to be able to safely put waste air back into the room.
Is it cheaper to run gas fireplace or central heat?
A modern furnace is more efficient in turning gas into heat than a gas fireplace. This means that although a furnace costs more to run per hour than a gas fireplace, it turns more of that energy into heat and can warm a whole house rather than a single room.
Do gas fireplaces really heat a room?
Overall, gas fireplaces are highly efficient when it comes to heating a room. Once a fire has been burning for some time, it's likely to heat a room rather quickly. The type of gas fireplace you have is likely to affect the fireplace's ability to heat a room efficiently.
How can I make my gas fireplace vent more efficient?
0:533:313 Tips for Improving the Fireplace Efficiency in your Home - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe addition of a chimney balloon damper will close off your chimney with a tight energy-saving sealMoreThe addition of a chimney balloon damper will close off your chimney with a tight energy-saving seal and it's very simple to do you inflate the chimney balloon.
Can you run a gas fireplace all day?
You can run a vented gas fireplace all day with little concern for anything other than gas usage.
Why does my gas fireplace not heat the room?
Gas fireplaces do not fully heat a room if the type of system or BTU rating is inadequate for the space that they are in. Solutions such as blowers, gas inserts, and heat exchangers can be used to optimize the heat released from a gas fireplace.
What type of fireplace gives the most heat?
In this regard, the gas fireplace clearly comes out on top.
How can I increase the efficiency of my gas fireplace?
1:543:313 Tips for Improving the Fireplace Efficiency in your Home - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThere are a variety of different fireplace heaters even those that you can use with gas logs. YouMoreThere are a variety of different fireplace heaters even those that you can use with gas logs. You could also add a blower to your fireplace as they increase the fireplaces heat output significantly.
How do I get more heat out of my vented gas fireplace?
How to Get Maximum Heat Output From Your Gas FireplaceSetting thermostat to the maximum value.Ensuring flue damper and fireplace are well sealed to prevent warm air from escaping.Using a blower to spread warm air evenly throughout the room.More items...
Do gas logs use a lot of gas?
Not at all. Using natural gas is one of the most inexpensive ways to heat your home. That's why gas fireplaces, gas fireplace inserts, outdoor gas fireplaces, even gas furnaces are such cost-effective heating options. Realistically, most gas-powered fireplaces will burn through about $1 worth of natural gas per day.
Are non Vented gas logs safe?
Ventless fireplaces produce small amounts of nitrous dioxide and carbon monoxide which can be deadly in large doses. The CDC warns against exposure of any level of carbon monoxide, stating that up to 500 people die per year due to accidental carbon monoxide poisoning.
How much energy does a direct vent fireplace use?
Whereas open fireplaces have a combustion rate of only 15%, direct vent fireplaces convert between 65% and 85% of the energy produced from the combustion process into heat energy. This extractive efficiency rate can help you save on the costs of purchasing natural gas of propane used for heating.
What is a Direct Vent Gas Fireplace?
A direct vent fireplace is a special heating device that uses natural gas or propane to warm indoor spaces. The defining characteristic of a direct vent fireplace is the mode of operation.
Is it OK to Leave a High Efficiency Gas Fireplace On Overnight?
It is not OK to leave a gas fireplace on overnight because of two reasons: safety and costs. Gas fireplaces produce poisonous gases, including carbon monoxide. Although the direct vent gas fireplaces may be sealed; the gases can get back into the house. If this happens at night when all the doors and windows are shut, then it may pose a real danger to everyone in the house.
What is the difference between a direct vent fireplace and a traditional fireplace?
Whereas traditional fireplaces utilize air that is found within indoor spaces for the combustion process , direct vent fireplaces utilize air from the outside environment. This differentiating feature is important because it determines the structure and nature of the operation of direct vent fireplaces.
How does a direct vent fireplace work?
Therefore, a direct vent fireplace works by creating a loop in which cool air from the outside environment is sucked into the fireplace and warm air leaves. They can be vented directly either through the wall or roof of your house.
What is the difference between a wood burning fireplace and a direct vent fireplace?
Whereas wood burning fireplaces utilize combustion air that is found within indoor spaces for the combustion process, direct vent fireplaces utilize fresh air quality from the outside environment. This differentiating feature is important because it determines the structure and nature of the operation of direct vent fireplaces.
How many BTUs does a fireplace use?
However, if you have a small living room, you will hardly need to set the fireplace at 21,000 BTUs. Doing so may generate unnecessary heat.
What is a vented gas fireplace?
Most vented gas fireplaces are designed for space heating, so they're used to heat only a single room or small area of the home. In 2012, Heat & Glo introduced the first direct-vent gas fireplace that meets American National Standards Institute criteria for use as a central furnace.
How to improve gas fireplace efficiency?
Swapping a standing pilot light for an electric on-demand ignition is one of the easiest ways to improve gas fireplace efficiency. This simple step can save you about $10 per month in energy costs, according to This Old House. If you're stuck with a standing pilot, Southwest Gas suggests turning it off during the summer to save energy and money.
How efficient is a two pipe gas fireplace?
Two-pipe vented gas fireplaces that draw fresh air from outdoors are more efficient than models with a single pipe, which rely on indoor air to fuel the combustion process. Two-pipe models offer efficiency ratings of 70 percent to 85 percent, while single-pipe units offer around 50 percent efficiency, according to the This Old House website. Single-pipe models are also known as "B-vent" gas fireplaces.
What is the efficiency rating of a gas fireplace?
For a unit rated at 65 percent efficiency, 65 percent of gas consumed is converted into heat, while the remaining 35 percent is wasted through combustion and ventilation.The higher the efficiency of your gas fireplace, the less it will cost to operate and the less it contributes to air pollution and global warming emissions.
Does a fireplace burn more heat?
The dancing flames and crackling wood of a traditional masonry fireplace adds charm and beauty to the home yet produces surprisingly little heat. With efficiency ratings as low as negative 10 percent, wood-burning fireplaces may actually waste more heat than they produce, reports the California Air Resources Board. For an eco-friendly alternative, switch to a vented gas fireplace, which combines the rustic appeal of flames and burning logs with energy-efficient natural gas.
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.
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 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.
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.
What dictates the choice of fireplace?
Whether or not your client is interested in zone heating, the choice of fireplace is dictated by regional climate, the age and construction of the home as well as the amount of heat required.
How much heat does a fireplace lose?
Avoid masonry wood-burning fireplaces, which can lose up to 85 percent of the fire's heat through the chimney.
What is pellet stove?
Pellet appliances are freestanding stoves or fireplace inserts that burn pellets for zone heating. The most common fuel is wood-based pellets made primarily from compressed sawdust. Pellets, developed in 1970s to use waste wood from manufacturing processes, are a highly efficient way to burn wood and can be purchased in 40-pound bags.
What are the advantages of pellet fuel?
One advantage of pellet fuel is the ability to lock in fuel costs at the beginning of the heating season. Marcia Jedd is a Minneapolis-based freelance writer who frequently writes about design and construction.
Is a gas fireplace better than a wood burning fireplace?
Despite today's fluctuating natural gas prices, gas fireplaces are the overwhelming choice in fireplaces, far outselling their cordwood counterparts. Natural gas fireplace inserts and free-standing stoves not only help maintain indoor air quality, keeping the home clean, but they create less outdoor pollution than wood-burning fireplaces.
Can you install a flue through a fireplace?
With a direct vent fireplace, the need for a flue is eliminated and pipes can be installed through the wall.
Is direct vent better than wood burning?
Direct-vent units are much easier and less expensive to install than traditional wood-burning or gas masonry units, and there's greater flexibility in placement. These units are also effective for zone heating because people absorb the radiant heat from the glass front while the firebox also heats the air in the room.
Gas fireplace inserts offer the attraction of a real flame and are easy to live with. Learn the key features to help you find the best model for your home
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What to Consider When Choosing the Best Gas Fireplace Inserts
General questions relating to selecting a gas fireplace were explored in a previous article, and you may find that useful. Here, the focus is specifically on selecting a gas fireplace insert. An understanding of the different technologies will be invaluable in making the right choice for your home.
Our Top Picks
After this discussion of the qualities to look for in gas fireplace inserts, it’s time to look at some top picks.
Our Verdict
The Napoleon Grandville is powerful, easy to install, and competitively priced, though trim and louvers raise the cost. Unfortunately, that’s typical of most gas fireplace inserts and the advertised price is seldom what you actually pay. The ProCom is something of an exception in that the screen and thermostat are included.
FAQs
The information provided up to this point provides a good understanding of the technical aspects involved in choosing a gas fireplace insert. It also showcases some of the best models currently available. However, a number of questions crop up regularly. Read on for answers to these and other common inquiries about gas fireplace inserts.
