Full Answer
Why to get a direct vent fireplace?
Why Direct Vent Natural Gas Fireplaces Make for an Ideal Choice
- 03 May Why Direct Vent Natural Gas Fireplaces Make for an Ideal Choice. There are plenty of heating solutions out there. ...
- Convenience. Gas fireplaces have grown in popularity for homeowners. ...
- Cost-savings. Direct Vent Gas fireplaces don’t require the huge chimneys that a gas insert or a traditional wood burning fireplace does.
- Installation. ...
- Efficiency. ...
What are the benefits of Direct vent fireplaces?
Benefits of a direct vent gas fireplace
- Superior aesthetics to vent-free fireplaces. One of the benefits that a direct vent gas fireplace like an Ortal fireplace offers is superior aesthetics.
- More practicality than wood-burning fireplaces. Direct vent fireplaces are more practical than wood-burning fireplaces. ...
- Zero heat loss. ...
- Safer operation. ...
How much does a direct vent fireplace cost?
They are, however, more expensive than vent-free fireplaces because of the added material and labor cost of venting them. The cost to install a direct-vent gas fireplace ranges from $3,500 to $7,500, depending on the options included, the specific brand and type of appliance and venting needs.
How do direct vent fireplaces work?
Direct-vent fireplaces work by employing outside air rather than air inside the home for combustion. The air comes in through a double vent pipe’s outer chamber, while the inside chamber is used to send exhaust fumes outside the home. This method of operation is overall superior to that of traditional gas fireplaces.
What is direct vent fireplace?
What is a direct vent fireplace? Direct vent is a term used to describe a specifically designed fireplace that performs differently from the traditionally vented fireplace which use a chimney. This type of fireplace has a completely sealed combustion chamber which allows it to vent directly out a side wall of the home.
What is a coaxial vent?
The co-axial vent system has the exhaust pipe within the air intake pipe which protects any surrounding combustible material from the high temperature of the flue gases as well as preheating the outside air prior to it being introduced to the combustion process.
How is a direct vent fireplace different from the rest?
A direct vent fireplace can best be described as a vented gas fireplace with a sealed glass firebox. Because of its venting and setup, it is super efficient for heating. Coaxial pipes draw air from the outdoors for combustion instead of sucking air, and heat, out of the room you're sitting in.
Why are vent free fireplaces banned?
Though, they have limited output and are banned in many states due to concerns about exhaust fumes being released into the room.
How big is a fireplace?
They range from 32 to 60 inches in size. Most have fake brick, stone or porcelain liners, but don't let this fake fireplace fool you, it will put off beautiful, realistic flames. traditional direct vent fireplace.
Why put a barrier screen on a fireplace?
As of 2015, all manufacturers were required to put a barrier screen on all direct vent fireplaces to act as a shield between the viewer and the glass. This safety measure helps prevents unnecessary burns for children, pets, and the occasional clumsy guest. Though, if you're feeling risky, the barrier screen can be removed.
What is a Napoleon fireplace?
The Napoleon GDL19 is the perfect example of a specialty fireplace. The narrow width allows it to squeeze into tight spaces in kitchens and smaller rooms where fireplaces aren't usually available. These models are also handy for condos and or small apartments (where regulations allow).
Is a gas fireplace fake?
While some consider fireplace models fueled by gas to be fake fireplaces, the benefit to the artificial flame models are a plethora of styles. So, if you have to give up the authentic look of a wood burning fireplace, you won't have to scrimp on the overall aesthetics of your appliance.
Is it hard to clean a gas fireplace?
Cleaning: Thankfully, cleaning a gas fireplace isn't as hard as installing one. Exhaust fumes that escape through the chimney from a gas fireplace aren't nearly as tough on the flue as gases that release from a wood burning fireplace.
What is a direct vent fireplace?
The direct vent fireplace unit is sealed off from the home’s interior with a high-temperature glass panel and protective screen, so any flames or combustion byproducts are completely separated from the air in your home. This illustration shows how a direct vent can be routed from the firebox directly through the wall to the outdoors, and also the optional side and top venting routes.
What is direct vent?
Direct vent is by far the most common venting method and is the newest form of venting, invented by the founders of Heat & Glo in the 1980s. It remains a popular choice because of its efficiency, safety, flexibility and the fact that it does not require an existing chimney. But how, exactly, does it work? In direct vent fireplaces, ...
How does a gas fireplace work?
When the gas fireplace starts up, exhaust passes through the inner pipe to the outdoors, while the outer pipe brings in fresh air for combustion, transmitting it directly to the bottom of the sealed firebox, where it ignites the unit.
Do you need a chimney for direct vent?
Given the venting flexibility, wide range of styles and the fact that a chimney is not required for installation, direct vent appliances are well-suited to just about any type of home and room.
Can a direct vent be routed through the wall?
This illustration shows how a direct vent can be routed from the firebox directly through the wall to the outdoors, and also the optional side and top venting routes. Direct vent gas fireplaces, stoves and inserts come in a broad range of sizes, efficiently producing heat almost anywhere in the home.
What is direct vent fireplace?
As with any gas fireplace, direct-vent models use either natural gas from a municipal source or propane from a tank as fuel. The difference is, direct-vent fireplaces are able to turn most of the burning fuel into actual heat for the home. Glass doors that create a tight seal provide even more heating efficiency.
Why isn't my fireplace heating?
One of the reasons traditional gas fireplaces aren’t as good for heating as direct-vent models is that they use indoor air to create combustion. Warm air from inside the house is drawn into the flames and then sent up the flue, which is a vertical exhaust pipe that channels everything up and out of the house.
What does conditioned air mean in a firebox?
Conditioned interior air that escapes into the firebox and up the flue means less warm interior air – which was created by the very mechanism that is now pulling it away. This isn’t an efficient method for heating a home.
How does a direct vent fireplace work?
Direct-vent technology describes a gas-burning appliance that uses two pipes - often one smaller pipe within another larger pipe - to both exhaust the flue gases and bring in fresh air for combustion. They are one of the safest, most convenient, and most popular ways of adding a gas fireplace to your home. The area where the fire takes place, often called the combustion chamber or firebox, is sealed with a glass panel and gaskets protected by a safety barrier screen. This allows you to enjoy the view of the fire while preventing fumes from coming into the home or already-heated room air from escaping out the chimney.
What is the area where a fire takes place?
The area where the fire takes place, often called the combustion chamber or firebox, is sealed with a glass panel and gaskets protected by a safety barrier screen. This allows you to enjoy the view of the fire while preventing fumes from coming into the home or already-heated room air from escaping out the chimney.
Can a fireplace be vented vertically?
Built-in fireplaces can be vented either vertically or horizontally with the proper direct-vent piping and vent caps. This allows for flexibility when selecting the location of the fireplace.
Can you vent a fireplace through a chimney?
While you can exhaust a direct-vent fireplace out a chimney and flue, it is not required. They also can be vented vertically through the roof or horizontally via a sidewall. This eliminates backdraft so harmful gases don't get sucked right back into the home.
Can you install a direct vent fireplace?
Whether you are installing a built-in direct-vent fireplace, a direct-vent insert or a direct-vent freestanding stove, the principles are all the same. You get clean-burning, efficient heat from a gas burning appliance that looks like its burning real wood! Again, make sure to consult the appliance manual and local code to assure the installation is done properly.
Can a pellet stove be vented horizontally?
A direct-vent pellet stove gives you the benefits of gas stoves with maximum efficiency. Some wood pellet stoves can be vented horizontally through the wall much like gas fireplaces . However, certain manufacturers discourage this due to safety concerns, so check the product information before proceeding. 3 years ago.
What is the difference between a direct vent and a b vent fireplace?
Direct-vent appliances are typically higher in efficiency than b-vent appliances and put out a lot of heat even with a low flame setting. Cons: Direct fireplaces have a sealed glass front and typically a smaller flame than a b-vent fireplace or a vent-free fireplace. The position and look of the logs in the fireplace cannot be altered ...
How does a direct vent work?
The direct-vent system involves two parts, one part for the exhaust and one for combustion air intake. The appliance itself is a completely sealed combustion chamber and no air from the house is used for combustion. The exhaust vents can go either out through a sidewall or through the roof. Pros: Combustion fumes are vented outside.
What is a natural vent?
Sometimes referred to as Natural Vent - B-Vent appliances use pipe (b-vent) that must be installed through the home and terminate above the roof. They also use room air for combustion, but the amount of air they use is minimal.
What is vent free fireplace?
Vent-free products are typically the most efficient of all fireplaces or gas logs since all the heat is generated into the room or home. Cons: Combustion fumes are vented inside the home which affect some people who are very sensitive to smell or allergies.
Do you need a vent for a vent free fireplace?
A vent-free fireplace uses no venting pipe at all which allows placement of the fireplace in many places otherwise unavailable to a vented fireplace. The burner of the fireplace or gas log set is designed to be 99%+ efficient, therefore there is no need to vent the appliance.
Is B vent efficient?
B-vent appliances are relatively efficient. Cons: B-vent must be installed through the interior of the home and terminate above the roof which may pose extensive installation labor costs or difficulties depending on the home. B-vent could potentially be a source of cool air into the living area if a downdraft occurs.
Does vent free expel moisture?
Vent- free products expel a fair amount of moisture as a result of the burn process which also is expelled into the home and can be a problem especially in a room with a lot of windows like a sun-room since the windows may drip from all the moisture. Typically there is a low flame with vent-free products and the placement ...
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.
