Who makes the best gas fireplace inserts?
- BEST OVERALL: Napoleon Grandville VF Series GVF36-2N 37″ Vent Free
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: ProCom Vent-Free Dual Fuel Fireplace Insert
- BEST FLEXIBILITY: Empire Loft Series DVL25 Fireplace Insert
- BEST DUAL FUEL: Superior DRI2000 Gas Fireplace Insert
- BEST DIRECT VENT: Empire Tahoe Deluxe 36″ Direct-Vent NG Millivolt
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.
What is a direct vent outdoor fireplace?
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. It pulls in air from the outdoors through the outer chamber of a double vent pipe; the inner chamber of this pipe exhausts fumes.
Can you direct vent a wood stove?
The opening for the piping, or the flue of a direct vent wood stove is usually located on the top of the wood stove towards the back. This design helps increase draft, drawing the smoke up and out of the stove resulting in a cleaner burning fire. There are some very excellent companies that deal with direct vent wood stoves.
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.
What is the difference between vented and direct vent?
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 do I know if my fireplace is direct vent?
0:144:14Gas 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.
Is vent free or direct vent better?
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.
Do gas fireplace inserts need to be vented?
Gas fireplaces need to be vented by a chimney or other vent, unless you have a ventless gas fireplace. Ventless gas fireplaces do not need ventilation and are designed to burn cleaner with a lower flame that will not smoke. If your gas fireplace is not a ventless model, then it will likely need a vent of some sort.
Is direct vent better?
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.
What does a direct vent gas fireplace look like?
1:092:51What is a Direct Vent Gas Fireplace - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHere's a four seven so it's a four inch inner pipe. And a seven inch outer pipe. And then here is aMoreHere's a four seven so it's a four inch inner pipe. And a seven inch outer pipe. And then here is a five inch inside pipe and an eight inch outside pipe so 5/8. These are the two most common sizes.
Are direct vent fireplaces more expensive?
Typically, direct vent gas fireplaces are more expensive than the vent-free type. Direct vent systems rely on outside air for combustion. They vent to the roof or side of the house in order to function. This can make them more appealing for homeowners who are sensitive to the smell of ventless gas fireplaces.
How much does it cost to install a direct vent gas fireplace?
According to FixR, “The average costs associated with installing a gas fireplace include $600 for the firebox installation, $750 for the vent pipe, $2,750 for the full installation and finishing work, and between $150 and $800 for the gas line, depending on how far it needs to run.”
Do all fireplace inserts have blowers?
Inserts are available for burning wood (or wood pellets) or for burning gas. Gas inserts can be direct vent, natural vent or vent-free. Almost all inserts come with a blower, though for some, it is an optional addition.
Is a gas fireplace insert worth it?
Gas fireplace inserts are not only efficient and enclosed, but they're also cleaner and safer than traditional wood fireplaces. Easy to control and maintain, gas fireplace inserts do not need extra fuel and quickly heat up a space. Unlike electric fireplaces, they can often still be used when the power goes out.
Is direct vent the same as ventless?
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.
What does direct vent heater mean?
A direct-vent wall furnace is a self-contained sealed combustion heating appliance that warms inside air by recirculating it around a sealed chamber, and discharges combustion byproducts outside the home via direct-vent. They are permanently attached to the structure of a building, and are not connected to ductwork.
Can a direct vent fireplace be vented through a chimney?
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.
Is vented or unvented gas fireplace better?
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.
How do you vent a direct vent fireplace?
1:184:23How to Install a Direct Vent Fireplace (2020) - eFireplaceStore - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMake sure that the dimples on each pipe align with the channels on the flue collar. And firmly twistMoreMake sure that the dimples on each pipe align with the channels on the flue collar. And firmly twist the pipe clockwise until it stops. Moving double check the connection by pulling up on the pipe.
What is a direct vent fireplace?
Direct vent fireplaces feature a “sealed” intake and exhaust. These units draw air in from outside the home, exhaust to the outside, and radiate heat to the inside for an efficient design. Unlike traditional, or B-vent, fireplaces direct vent fireplace's performance are not as impacted by drafts & air pressure in a home.
Can you direct vent a chimney?
Additionally, no masonry chimney is required in a direct vent installation but clearances to combustibles must be maintained based on the manufacturer’s specifications.
Do direct vent fireplaces require electricity?
Most direct vent fireplaces are simply gas-powered and do not require electricity for basic operation. A standing pilot light combined with a simple & reliable millivolt valve system create a safe design. In newer or more advanced direct vent fireplaces, a source of electricity may be required for features such as blower fans, lights, or electronic ignition systems. In addition, most new units feature an Intermittent Pilot Ignition (or IPI) that uses electricity to spark the pilot light and ignite the unit; then, after use, the pilot shuts down as well to save fuel costs as well as extinguish any standing flame.
Is a gas fireplace a direct vent?
Most factory-built or “manufactured” gas fireplaces today are designed as “direct-vent” fireplaces. These energy-efficient venting systems have replaced more outdated designs, and in fact, are the primary style of fireplace installed in homes built within the last 20 to 30 years. These fireplaces are also perfect for use during a remodel or room addition, as well. Think a direct vent fireplace might be right for your home? Read on to learn more about these great products.
Are Direct Vent Fireplaces Energy Efficient?
Direct-vent fireplaces are energy efficient for several reasons, namely they are self-sufficient heating appliances, not drawing air and heat from the room.. For this reason, some of these units operate with up to 70 percent efficiency. These fireplaces are also much more efficient than traditional or decorative vented gas logs, which lose the majority of their heat through the chimney.
What is direct vent gas insert?
Direct vent gas inserts use outside air for combustion. This results in no cold air coming in the house from windows, doorways, or other leaks to feed the fire like a natural wood fire does. As a result, this allows the room air to not lose heat and then warm up faster.
What is the difference between direct vent and vent free fireplace inserts?
For vent-free gas inserts to reduce the risk of emissions being transmitted into the home, the burn temperature of the fire needs to be higher . So, this higher temperature produces a less realistic, sometimes blue flame. When it comes to a direct vented gas fireplace insert, it produces a realistic flame because the temperature is controlled. This results in a flame that most closely resembles a wood burning fire. If realism and aesthetics are important to you, direct vent will always beat vent free.
Why is a direct vent fireplace insert realistic?
When it comes to a direct vented gas fireplace insert, it produces a realistic flame because the temperature is controlled. This results in a flame that most closely resembles a wood burning fire. If realism and aesthetics are important to you, direct vent will always beat vent free.
What is vent free fireplace insert?
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.
How much does a vent free gas fireplace insert cost?
Vent free gas inserts, on the other hand, will cost between $1,000 and $5,000.
Can ventless fireplace inserts be installed in a bathroom?
In Massachusetts, ventless gas fireplace inserts cannot be installed in a bedroom or bathroom. They also cannot be the primary source of heat in the room they are installed in. So, you must have a conventional heating source in that room already, such as gas, electric, or oil heating.
Do ventless gas inserts have to be a certain distance away?
For example, this includes wood mantles and other combustible items that the gas insert must be a certain distance away.
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.
Do freight carriers wrap fireplaces?
Before you allow the driver to leave, take a few moments to unwrap the package and look for cracks or dents. Freight carriers do tend to heavily wrap these products and strap them down for extra protection, but at the end of the day, it is up to you to make sure you receive a fully intact fireplace.
Do you have to have clearance for venting?
There are clearances required for installing a venting system as well as specific framing dimensions to be aware of when creating the opening for your new fireplace. This is not a job you want to tackle alone unless you have significant experience in home renovation.
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.
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 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 ...
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 ...
