Full Answer
Why convert a traditional fireplace to a gas fireplace insert?
Warm air can be pulled up the chimney, resulting in heat lost within the room your fireplace is located in, as well as additional rooms. As a result, only 15% of the wood in your fireplace’s energy is actually converted into heat. In comparison, a gas insert can get up to 80% heat efficiency and properly heat your home.
How do you insert a gas fireplace?
Part 3 Part 3 of 3: Installing Your Gas Fireplace
- Insert the wall-pass-through. Inside the house, put high-temperature caulk on the inside surfaces of the hole you created.
- Complete the direct venting system. Install all remaining piping inside and outside of the house. ...
- Hire licensed contractors to install and connect the gas line and electricity. ...
- Build an optional frame around your fireplace. ...
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. ...
How do you set up a gas fireplace?
- Applying pipe thread sealant around the gas line connection on the burner.
- Attach the gas supply line to the burner.
- Fasten the connection tightly using a wrench.
Do direct vent gas fireplaces need a chimney?
Direct vent gas fireplaces and inserts come in a broad range of sizes, efficiently producing heat almost anywhere in the home. 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.
What does direct vent mean for a gas fireplace?
A direct vent fireplace has a completely sealed combustion chamber which allows it to vent directly out a side wall or through the ceiling of your home. A direct vent fireplace uses the natural principal of warm air rising to create negative pressure in the system to draw in cold air for combustion.
What is the difference between vented and direct vent gas fireplace?
What is the difference between a Direct Vent and a B-Vent gas hearth product? A B-vent must be vented vertically and uses fresh air from inside the home to provide oxygen to the fire. A direct vent has a sealed glass front and pulls all of its fresh air from outside the home.
How does a direct vent fireplace insert 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. A loop is created as warm air leaves the pipe and dense, cooler air is brought in.
How long can you run a direct vent gas fireplace?
two to three hoursEven if your gas fireplace is sealed and vented to release fumes into the outside, it's better to lean towards the safer side of things and only leave it running for two to three hours at a time.
How long do direct vent gas fireplaces last?
ten to fifteen yearsHow Long Can a Gas Fireplace Last? Generally speaking, you can get a good ten to fifteen years of use before you need to replace your gas fireplace.
Do direct vent fireplaces require electricity?
In addition, all direct vent gas fireplaces are sealed, keeping emissions out, and are vented to the exterior of your home using the natural buoyancy of warm air (warm air rises), meaning no electricity is needed to operate your gas fireplace or gas fireplace insert safely.
Is vent free or direct vent better?
Vent free gas fireplace inserts are usually less realistic looking than a direct vent gas insert. If you are mainly looking for an aesthetic, you should go with the direct vent gas insert. However, if you prefer warmth over aesthetics, go with the vent free option.
Will a direct vent fireplace heat a room?
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.
Are direct vent fireplaces any good?
Direct vent fireplaces have several advantages over traditional gas fireplaces in terms of safety, efficiency and versatility. A direct vent fireplace uses outdoor air instead of indoor air for combustion.
Does a direct vent fireplace need glass front?
Direct vent fireplaces are sealed combustion systems and need the glass on to function properly. We sell optional screen mesh panels that go on the front of the glass that takes away any reflection, and adds an additional safety barrier against accidental contact with the hot glass panel.
How do I know if my fireplace is direct vent?
0:144:14And 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.
What is the difference between vent free and direct vent fireplaces?
The two main types of gas fireplaces available today are Direct Vent and Ventless. Direct Vent fireplaces require a venting system while Ventless fireplaces are just that - completely vent-free.
Are direct vent fireplaces any good?
Direct vent fireplaces have several advantages over traditional gas fireplaces in terms of safety, efficiency and versatility. A direct vent fireplace uses outdoor air instead of indoor air for combustion.
Which is better direct vent or ventless fireplaces?
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.
What is the difference between direct vent and non direct vent?
Direct vent (two-pipe) vent system – This system uses one pipe to bring in outside air for combustion and another to remove exhaust gases. Non-direct (single-pipe) vent system – This system uses only one pipe to remove exhaust gases.
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.
Is it expensive?
A direct vent fireplace can be less expensive than a B-vent fireplace. Coaxial pipes are more expensive than galvanized piping found in B-vent. However, B-vent chimney systems require vertical venting through the roof that ends along the roofline. Since direct vent piping can terminate horizontally on an outside wall, you may end up spending less on more expensive materials because you use less of those materials than you would if you installed a B-vent system.
Will it heat as good as other gas fireplaces?
B-vent fireplaces may appear to heat better because the open firebox allows for more flame visibility. Though, it is actually worse than a direct vent gas fireplace because it sucks the air out of the room for combustion. So, with a B-vent fireplace, all you end up with is radiant heat that warms up the objects in your room.
Is there more than one style?
While some consider fireplaces fueled by gas to be fake fireplaces, the benefit to the artificial flame models are a wide variety 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.
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.
What is Napoleon GDL19?
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). kitchen direct vent fireplace.
What is a Direct Vent Gas Fireplace?
Direct Vent Gas Fireplaces burn natural gas to create heat and flames. They are versatile and easy to install. Enjoy a Direct Vent Gas Fireplace in the living room, bedroom, the basement, kitchen, bathroom, den, and even the home office – wherever you want to enjoy the comfort and warmth of a fire. Direct Vent Gas Fireplaces average about five times more efficient than traditional fireplaces while maintaining air quality and evenly distributing heat throughout a space. Installation eliminates drafts because the unit is completely sealed and requires no chimney for venting, also ensuring that no gases are released into the home. Cooler air is drawn into the firebox from the outside, which then efficiently pushes the hot air inside the box out through the venting. Indoor air is pulled in and circulated around the outside of the box that is heated by the fire and moved into the room for cozy heat. One of the best parts about a Direct Vent Gas Fireplace is that they do not require electricity to operate. Instead batteries or a self-sufficient control can light the fireplace in the event of a power outage, ensuring light and warmth.
What is Napoleon's Ascent series?
Napoleon's Ascent™ Series Gas Fireplaces feature large viewing areas to enhance the ambiance in any room.
Do direct vent fireplaces need electricity?
One of the best parts about a Direct Vent Gas Fireplace is that they do not require electricity to operate. Instead batteries or a self-sufficient control can light the fireplace in the event of a power outage, ensuring light and warmth.
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.
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.
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.
How does a firebox work?
This is made possible through a firebox in a fireplace insert where it is surrounded by a steel shell. Air that is coming from home flows into the steel shell that warms it and then redistributes that air back to the home. This method prevents the warm air from getting out of the house.
What is a direct vent gas fireplace insert?
There are various types of fireplace inserts that depend on the features and types of fuel being used, and one of them is a direct vent gas fireplace insert. This type of gas burning insert is further divided into three groups: Direct Vent, B-Vent and Vent-Free.
Do you need branch lines for a fireplace?
If the fireplace in the house is not being run by gas or electric connections to a fan, there’s a need to install branch lines services for them. There are some restrictions in doing this, for working with electricity and gas are regulated by building departments for safety reasons.
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 is a fireplace insert?
A fireplace insert is inserted into an existing masonry fireplace. If you have a masonry fireplace that is outdated, an insert is there to fill the gap and update the look of your home. This means that it will exclusively take the place of your masonry fireplace, by connecting the insert to the chimney and flue leading outside. We know it looks very similar to a fireplace, but it is definitely not the same thing. While you may not see the difference at first glance, there are many styles that make inserts and mason fireplace look very similar. Inserts can be considered a low-cost option compared to a complete renovation to install a gas fireplace, or completely replace your existing masonry fireplace.
Why are free standing stoves considered inserts?
Free Standing Stoves can also be considered inserts because they are sometimes vented out of your existing chimney.
Can you vent a fireplace through a metal box?
Direct Vent Fireplaces are Factory built fireplaces in a metal box, and their venting can be routed through a wall directly outside with flexible or ridged venting. They are usually installed in framed walls and cladded with non-combustible materials while the home is being built. You can easily install a fireplace after your home has been built; it just requires a little bit of a renovation. You can either build a cavity for the fireplace to be installed into, or the fireplace can be placed directly on the floor and then finished around it.
