Archive for May, 2010

Being there are several different systems to choose from, the decision of which gas fireplace venting system to use in your home can be a bit overwhelming. The ventless gas fireplace, the B vent or the natural vent, the direct vent will allow for different options to be used. With all of these systems, no chimney as used with the wood burning fireplace is needed.

The ventless gas fireplace is just as it claims to be. No vent, chimney or flue is needed for this fireplace. The air is drawn in from the front of the unit and used for the combustion process. This air is then returned to the same room. Even thought there are a few of the major manufactures that does not produce the ventless gas fireplace, the leading manufactures that will produce these units have developed a system to monitor the oxygen levels in that room. If the level was to drop by a mere 2 percent, the Oxygen Depletion System or the ODS will terminate the gas to the fireplace and shut it off. While all of the producing manufactures state the safety of the ventless units are not a problem, some of the states will require a special permit for the use of these units. There are a few states that will not allow the use of the ventless gas fireplace, the majority of states see no safety issue. Check with your local codes in your area.

The B vent of the natural vent will use the air that is in the room. The air is drawn in the front of the gas fireplace, used for the combustion process. The used air is then returned outside of the room by a vent the is usually ran through the roof of the home and terminated just above the roof line, sort of like the furnace venting system. The system is more decorative then the direct venting system but is also less expensive.

The gas fireplaces direct vent is one of the most efficient systems of the gas fireplaces on the market today. The coaxial vent is what makes this system the most efficient. This is really a pipe within a pipe. The larger or the outer pipe draws in the fresh air while the smaller or inner pipe will remove the used air. The air being removed is heated and will heat the new air as it is drawn in. The direct vent pipe can be ran two different ways. Either horizontally through the wall or vertically through the roof.

A gas fireplace can add warmth and charm to any home. Deciding what type of venting system is best for your needs and home decorating before purchasing the fireplace can make for an easier install as some people are not aware of the different venting systems.   It is important to know which type of venting system you have before you purchase some of the gas fireplace accessories such as the gas log fireplaces.