what is the difference between direct vent and b vent

by Mrs. Rosalia Luettgen Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

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. Direct vents can be vented vertically or horizontally through an exterior wall.

Full Answer

What is the difference between B-vent and Direct vent?

The biggest difference in B-Vent vs. Direct Vent is that the Direct Vent appliances are sealed to the room. They draw their combustion air from outside and exhaust through a collinear or coaxial pipe. In either case, efficiencies on new appliances don’t vary much between the two configurations.

What is the difference between direct and a B ventilation?

A b vent always needs to be installed vertically, and it will use the indoor air to keep the fire going. On the other hand, a direct vent has a glass seal that allows it to pull air from outdoors. Let’s take a close look at how each one works.

What is the difference between a power vent and Direct vent water heater?

Basically, the difference between the two is that the power vent water heater removes combustion gases from the atmosphere via a powered venting fan, while a direct vent water heater vents these gases into the outdoor atmosphere using a chimney or exhaust pipe. When using a direct vent water heater, water is heated by the heat of fuel combustion.

How does a direct vent air conditioner 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.

What is better B vent or direct vent?

0:562:47B Vent vs Direct Vent Gas Fireplaces and Furnaces - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow the difference is to is thus far as installation direct vent can go out a side wall or upMoreNow the difference is to is thus far as installation direct vent can go out a side wall or up through a room a B vent must always terminate vertically it can never terminate out a side wall.

What is the purpose of B vent?

B-vent gas fireplaces draw interior air from the area around your fireplace to help fuel combustion inside the appliance. Because hot flue gases are buoyant, the exhaust air moves naturally through its own pipe system, upward through your roof, where it is carried out the chimney and safely away from your home.

Is direct vent better?

Key Benefits of Direct Vent Fireplaces A Direct Vent Gas Fireplace keeps your home warmer, increases efficiency, and reduces the amount of wasted energy. Please note: Air is still used from inside the room for Direct Vent and Power Vent models, however this air is used to circulate heat and never enters the firebox.

What is a direct vent system?

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 fireplaces, direct-vent fireplaces are not impacted as much by drafts and air pressure changes.

When should b vent be used?

Type B vents are vents suitable only for listed, draft-hood equipped, gas-fired appliances, including most domestic heating and hot water systems. any appliance that produces flue gasses that exceed 480° F (249° C).

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.

Are B vent fireplaces safe?

Q: Is this fireplace safe? A: Yes. It has been tested to the ANSI Z21. 50 for gas fireplace and is listed by PFS testing laboratories.

Will a direct vent fireplace heat a room?

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.

Can you burn wood in a direct vent fireplace?

Direct Vent Fireplaces can be vented horizontally through an outside wall or vertically through the roof and will minimize heat loss through the chimney. Direct Vent Fireplaces simulate a true wood burning fire with realistic ceramic or refractory logs, a glowing ember bed, and vibrant dancing flames.

Can you use B vent for wood stove?

B-vent is rated only for category I gas appliances and not approved for wood.

What is B vent flue pipe?

AmeriVent Type B gas vent uses a double wall of metal pipe for insulation and safety. The inner pipe of reflecting aluminum heats quickly, containing the warm flue gases inside. The airspace between the inner and the outer pipes provides insulation against heat loss to keep the warmer flue gases on the rise.

How hot does a direct vent pipe get?

The heating capacity from a direct-vent fireplace can be as high as 40,000 Btuh (Btu per hour). In order to keep your family room from overheating, select a thermostatically controlled model. Some models have two-level burners so the gas logs can be fired at a lower heat level during mild weather.

How does B vent pipe work?

How hot does the outside of B vent get?

B vent is designed for venting approved gas appliances certified with draft hoods or diverters producing nominal flue gas temperatures of 135°C and not exceeding 245°C (470°F).

Can B vent touch wood?

Type B Vent shall not be used to vent flue products from incinerators, combination gas/ oil appliances, oil-fired, or wood-burning appliances.

What is B vent water heater?

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. 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 ...

How does a direct vent work?

What is a natural vent?

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 a direct vent and a B vent?

Now what’s the difference between a direct vent and b vent? Well B vent fireplaces usually are open fireplaces so it is going to pull room air for combustion so it’s going to suck air out of your house into the fireplace and it’s going to be a single wall pipe and it can vary in size depending on the fireplace, ...

Which is better: B vent or direct vent?

Well, Visually, Some people prefer B Vent units because their open they have access to a lot of oxygen and you can generally get a nice big visual flame, but you can also get a nice flame on a direct vent. Direct vent is much more efficient, you’re pulling fresh air from outside of the house.

Is a direct vent a sealed unit?

Well today that’s what we’re here to let you know. So direct vent systems is going to be a sealed unit and the direct vent pipe is a double walled pipe which means you’re inside pipe is exhausting while the outside pipe is pulling fresh air outside from you’re home and bringing into the fireplace for combustion.

Can a vent go out of a side wall?

The difference thus far is installation. Direct vent can go out can go out a side wall or outside of your wall. A B vent must always terminate vertical it cannot never terminate out to side wall.

Is a B vent a good way to build up heat?

Versus B vent you will get some heat out of it but it’s creating a negative efficiency because you’re sucking your fresh air and it’s going out to your exhaust and it’s not a sealed unit so there’s not a really good way to build up heat and retain it and get it out to the room.

What is the difference between a B vent and a direct vent?

Which is better: direct vent or b vent?

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 but still do not produce as much heat as their vent free counterparts.

How does a direct vent fireplace work?

Direct Vent fireplaces put out a decent amount of heat and operate with up to 85% efficiency. With the addition of a fireplace blower, more heat can be pushed from the firebox out into the living area.

What is a B vent?

B-Vent appliances use pipe (b-vent) that must be installed through the home and terminate above the roof. B-vent appliances use a single exhaust pipe and draw combustion air from the room into the combustion chamber and up through the chimney, but the amount of air they use is minimal. These devices are sometimes referred to as “natural-vent”.

What temperature should a B-Vent be?

B-Vent systems are designed for negative pressure applications and flue gas temperatures should not exceed 400°F above ambient room temperature for this category of appliance.

Where is B vent installed?

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.

Do vent free gas logs need a chimney?

Unlike their vented counterparts, vent free gas logs don’t need a chimney or flue to function (though they can be installed in a functional fireplace with the damper open or closed). Because of this, most of the heat stays in your home and serves as a great way to heat a space.

What is the difference between a direct vent and a power vent water heater?

Basically, the difference between the two is that the power vent water heater removes combustion gases from the atmosphere via ...

How does a direct vent water heater work?

When using a direct vent water heater, water is heated by the heat of fuel combustion. A direct vent system typically results in lower water heating costs, because the exhaust gases are vented vertically, with no extra power required as is the case with the power vent water heater.

What is a power vent water heater?

Power Vent Water Heater. A power vent water heater uses a blower or fan to exhaust gases by pushing them through vent pipes that are horizontal. In some situations, this may be the only type of water heater that makes sense, because a chimney or vertical vent is not necessary.

Can you vent a water heater through a chimney?

It could be that the location where you want to install your hot water heater is not near the chimney, or your home does not have a chimney. Either way, a power vent can be vented by simply running inexpensive pipe horizontally. However, the drawback to this type of water heater is the total cost considering the blower/fan portion ...

Can you vent a water heater?

There are several differences between a power vent and direct vent hot water heater, and it’s obvious a power vent will result in higher cost – but sometimes it simply cannot be avoided. When you don’t have access to a vertical vent or chimney, a power vent may be the right solution for you.

Do water heaters need a chimney vent?

Some locations don’t have access to a chimney or vertical vent, so your options are limited. The primary advantage of a power vent is that the water heater can be located in any area and does not require a vertical vent or chimney.

What is direct vent water heater?

Direct vent water heaters utilize special coaxial venting, which means there’s a chamber for intake air and a chamber for exhaust both housed within a single piece of vent. These water heaters are powered by gas, and they work well in homes that lack proper ventilation.

What Is a Standard Atmospheric Vent?

Standard atmospheric vent water heaters are what you’ll find in most homes, and these heaters vent exhaust through a system of vertical metal ducts until the exterior of the home is reached. The vent system that a standard atmospheric vent water heater utilizes can be shared by another atmospheric vent appliance—the most common one being a furnace.

Why is vertical ventilation important?

These systems are powered by rising hot air, and this is why vertical ventilation is so important. As hot exhaust rises, it’ll eventually reach a chimney or exit spout, and then it’ll be released into the air.

Where is the blower on a water heater?

Power vent water heaters utilize an electric blower fan, and this fan is usually installed at the top of the water heater. Because of this fan, this water heater must be near an electrical outlet. The blower pushes exhaust and excess heat through the venting system, and venting can either be vertical or horizontal.

Is it safe to install a direct vent water heater?

Direct vent water heaters utilize ventilation systems that connect these heaters to the sides of homes and buildings. They also pull and push air, so there will never be a chance of a backdraft occurring. It’s safe to install one of these water heaters, and these gas-powered systems are stronger than electric water heaters.

Is a direct vent water heater better than an atmospheric water heater?

Direct vent water heaters and standard atmospheric vent water heaters are both efficient, but direct vent water heaters are more flexible while costing less as well. Direct vent water heaters also don’t rely on vertical gas-powered venting, which means one doesn’t have to worry about a backdraft when they utilize a direct vent water heater in their home.

Can a water heater be vented?

Water heaters can be vented in a variety of ways, but some systems require specific ventilation configurations. In this article, direct vent water heaters will be compared with standard atmospheric vent water heaters, as this way the reader will be able to select the best water heater for their home.

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.

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.

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.