Vented gas logs offer a full authentic looking flame presentation with plenty of ambiance while ventless gas logs provide a reliable and efficient heating source.
Vented vs ventless gas fireplace logs.
Gas fireplaces come in two configurations.
The two main types of gas fireplaces available today are direct vent and ventless.
Vented gas logs require a fully functional wood burning fireplace and must be burned with the damper open ventless or vent free gas logs can be installed in either a wood burning fireplace or a ventless fireplace that is rated for aftermarket ventless logs and are burned with the damper closed.
This contrasts with a ventless gas fireplace which vents into your home.
With vented fireplaces the flames can run through around and over the logs creating a more chaotic and realistic appearance.
They put out a constant rate of heat.
Cost and energy efficiency however make ventless fireplaces attractive to others.
With ventless units though the flames must run through prescribed holes called posts that largely separate the flames from the logs.
Direct vent fireplaces require a venting system while ventless fireplaces are just that completely vent free.
According to the hearth association ventless fireplaces boast efficiency rates of 99 percent compared to 70 85 percent for vented units.
Vented gas fireplaces use a high temperature glass panel to separate the burning area of the gas fireplace from the inside of your home.
Despite producing far fewer fumes than vented gas fireplaces a small amount of fumes will still be emitted into your house.
Here s what you need to know to help you decide which type is right for you.
Ventless logs do not put off these emissions so no chimney or flue is needed and the heat is more likely to stay in your space.
Vented gas logs require a fully functional wood burning fireplace ventless or vent free gas logs can be installed in either a wood burning fireplace or a ventless fireplace that is rated for aftermarket ventless logs.
Vented gas logs produce carbon monoxide emissions so your fireplace must have a chimney or flue.
However because of that steady heat clearances around your firebox need to be double checked as they usually call for more space away from combustibles than a wood burning or gas vented fireplace.
Ventless gas logs will produce more heat while vented gas logs will look much more realistic.
A custom ventless fireplace ranges between 2 500 4 000 versus 5 000 6 000 for a vented unit faust says.