What are gas logs?
Gas logs are the set of ceramic logs and burner combinations. Gas logs can be purchased on their own and are great for converting a wood-burning fireplace into a gas fireplace.
A gas fireplace insert is the gas logs plus the hearth box they are stored in.
When we say gas fireplace, we are referring to the gas logs, burner, hearth box, and ventilation system, and fuel sources that are installed into your home.
Are there restrictions on where I can put my gas fireplace?
Gas fireplaces have fewer building limitations than wood-burning fireplaces when it comes to installations. However, there are things to consider depending on the model you have.
In certain states and cities, there are restrictions on owning a ventless gas fireplace, so you must check these building codes before investing in a ventless appliance.
What is BTU?
BTU stands for British Thermal Unit and is the stand unit for energy measurement for fireplaces. A BTU is the amount of thermal energy needed to raise a pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.
Do I need a chimney?
If you have a vent-free gas fireplace, no, you don’t need a chimney! These appliances are designed to burn at nearly 99% efficiency to burn off all the byproducts, so there is no need for a chimney to vent the byproducts. If you have a vented fireplace, you will need some way to vent out byproducts caused by the flames.
What is the difference between a Vented and a Ventless Fireplace?
In short, a vented fireplace needs to be attached to a chimney, or ventilation outside of your home, and a ventless fireplace needs no such system. A vented fireplace (or set of gas logs) is sealed behind a glass panel and will burn at nearly 99% efficiency, meaning it will burn away all the byproducts. These fireplaces are usually not recommended for people with strong allergies or asthma.
Vented fireplaces do require a chimney to deliver all byproducts outside your home. Vented gas fireplaces are more efficient than wood-burning fireplaces, but it is not quite as efficient as a ventless fireplace because much of the heat will be lost out of the chimney.
Are gas fireplaces environmentally friendly?
Gas fireplaces are more energy-efficient than wood-burning fireplaces! They require a lot less fuel, and ventless fireplaces especially are designed to burn off all the byproducts. Wood-burning fireplaces require a lot more fuel and produce a lot of soot and smoke.
Gas Fireplace Buyers Guide
Natural gas fireplaces simulate the look of real wood—with none of the hassles. The
“logs” are available in a variety of wood styles. A burner module creates the flames,
which, unlike the pure blue flame on your rangetop, dance and flicker with golden
hues. Some units even re-create the look of glowing embers beneath the logs. Safety
is built in: the main burner on most units will not light if combustion cannot take
place safely; vent-free units contain an oxygen depletion sensor to turn off the unit if
the oxygen level falls.
As a Source of Heat
Some natural gas fireplace products can be used for heating. Look for the product
descriptions “vented natural gas fireplace heater” or “vent-free room heater.” These
offer substantial zone heating. Products certified as a “vented natural gas fireplace”
are not designed to heat, but offer the ambiance of a beautiful fire.
More Realistic Than Ever
Today, they don’t just look more like wood fireplaces, they can sound and smell
like them, too, with smoky incenses and crackling sounds available. They can even
improve on reality, with catalytic filters that cleanse the air.
Gas Inserts Buyer’s Guide
Inserts are self-contained units that, when installed in an existing fireplace, are efficient sources of supplemental heat. They vent through the existing chimney as long as an approve flue liner is installed. Controlled combustion and ventilation improve heating capability. Also available in vent-free models.
Gas Logs Buyer’s Guide
Gas Logs are vented in three ways: natural draft, direct vent and vent-free. Natural draft products vent out through the roof by using a relined masonry or metal chimney or newly installed “B-vent.” Existing masonry chimneys must be relined to ensure proper draft and prevent harmful condensation. Direct-vent products can be vented vertically or horizontally so a conventional chimney is not needed, providing greater location flexibility.
Direct-vent uses two pipes (often one inside the other) to both draw the air needed for combustion and vents the gases outdoors. Remember, these units cannot be located too far from building exteriors. Some units will circulate room air around the fireplace to provide additional convective heating. Vent-free products draw air from the inside of the home and burn so efficiently that there is no need for venting. They are the optimal choice as an additional heat source. Vent-free units should not be installed in bedrooms, bathrooms or other confined spaces, and are for occasional, attended and supplemental use only. Because vent-free natural gas hearth products are certified as vent-free space heaters, they are required to have an oxygen depletion sensor (ODS). Some models are available with a built-in catalyst to further reduce the emission of combustion products.
Gas Stoves Buyer’s Guide
Freestanding natural gas stoves are self-contained units that resemble old-fashioned wood burning stoves. They can take the place of an existing wood stove if a special flue liner or natural gas vent is inserted into the chimney. Natural gas stoves are available in both contemporary and traditional styles, in an array of colors, and most have a fire-viewing area. Natural gas stoves can contribute significant heat to the room or the entire house. Also available in vent-free models.
Stone Fireplaces Buyer’s Guide
If you are looking to allure nature indoors, installing a stone fireplace could be a step in the right direction. Stone fireplaces bring warmth into your home, the elegant way. Quality stone veneer can easily transform any common home corner into one filled with personality. Applying this method when it comes to fireplace surfaces can have a rewarding aesthetic effect- see examples in our Idea Gallery for inspiration. It is difficult for a free-standing fireplaces not to capture attention. Add a stone finish, and it is likely to become the focal point of the room. Color is also an important factor to consider. You can decide to go with a stone fireplace to match the overall tone of the room, or pick a hue to contrast it- either way, you will be happy with the result.
Fireplace Mantels Buyer’s Guide
Create a statement with wood fireplace mantels made of poplar, cherry, maple or oak from America’s quality source for wood mantel designs. Mantels Direct is proud to offer a large selection of high-quality wood mantels in standard and custom fireplace mantel sizes. Each of our Wood Mantel collections contains several wood mantel designs that are available in a variety of sizes, wood types and finishes.
Outdoor Fireplaces Buyer’s Guide
Fire pits are fun for bonfires or s’mores, but to achieve the finished look that contemporary patios and outdoor rooms require, there’s no substitute for an outdoor fireplace. Of course that doesn’t mean there’s no fun to be had with outdoor fireplaces or chimineas! The comfort of a heated, well-furnished patio is just the beginning of the pleasures to be found in a beautifully housed flame.
Within the past decade or so, advances in all-weather materials have opened up a new world of outdoor design sophistication. This has led to a rise in outdoor living rooms and kitchens–versatile spaces with cohesive, beautifully styled furnishings, lots of activity potential, and an emphasis on the earthy indoor comforts of heat and light. It’s a lifestyle change for which fire is perfectly fit.
