Gas fireplaces are popular for the warmth and beauty they provide without the mess and bother of traditional wood burning fireplaces. Unlike wood burning fireplaces, gas fireplaces can be lit with the flick of a switch. There is a wide selection of gas fireplaces on the market to suit any home and decorating scheme. They all vent combustion gases in order to run safely and efficiently. The three types of gas systems differ in the way in which they deal with these combustion gases. Natural vent, direct vent and vent-free fireplaces all have advantages and disadvantages, so the prospective buyer should do some homework before making a decision on the best gas system.
Natural Vent Gas Fireplace
A natural vent fireplace combines the appearance of a wood fireplace with the efficiency of a gas fireplace. The chimney is combined with a double wall pipe, known as a B-vent flu, which runs from the fireplace through the roof. Air needed for combustion is drawn from the room. An advantage of a natural vent fireplace is the ability to burn wood. A disadvantage is that new installations require the expensive construction of a chimney, through which considerable heat is lost. Heat loss can be lessened with purchase of a model containing a fire box inside another box. In this model, air circulates around the fire box and back into the room instead of up the chimney.
Direct Vent Gas Fireplace
Direct vent fireplaces draw air from outside and return exhaust outdoors via a flu system. The flu pipe lies at the back or top of the fireplace and vents through an outside wall. An advantage to this type of fireplace is the elimination of the chimney requirement, meaning the fireplace can be positioned on any outside wall. The tightly sealed nature of the system ensures that inside air is not used, making this type of fireplace highly efficient. The airtight design also works to prevent harmful emissions from entering the room. A disadvantage of direct vent fireplaces is the inability to burn wood. The closed construction of the fireplace prohibits access to the fire itself.
Vent-Free Gas Fireplace
Vent-free Gas Fireplace
Vent-free fireplaces do not use a chimney at all; instead, they vent exhaust right into the room. The primary disadvantage of this type of fireplace is the danger of carbon monoxide buildup. Vent-free systems employ an oxygen-detection feature that shuts the vent off when the room’s oxygen level falls below 18 percent; however, people suffering from respiratory problems may opt for a different system. Advantages of vent-free fireplaces are the ease of location and efficiency of operation.
The benefits of gas fireplaces are numerous, including health benefits over their wood burning counterparts as well as convenient operation. With no need to store wood in the home, the risk of mold spore growth is eliminated. Gas fireplaces produce less air pollution than wood burning fireplaces since the flames they produce are much cleaner. With the wide choice offered in natural vent, direct vent and vent-free models, consumers will have no trouble finding the perfect choice for their home and lifestyle.
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