1. What is the difference between vented and vent free fireplaces?
Vented gas logs produce carbon monoxide emissions so your fireplace must have a chimney or flue. 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. Each type of fireplace requires its own type of gas logs to function safely and correctly.
2. What is a fireplace insert?
Most fireplace inserts are designed to increase a fireplace’s efficiency. An insert is basically a fireproof box that’s surrounded by steel or cast iron and fronted by insulated glass, creating a closed combustion system. The steel or cast iron helps to trap the heat. Some inserts have a blower that pushes the hot air back into the room through front vents. Properly installed, fireplace inserts can be a much more efficient supplemental zone heater than a traditional fireplace.
3. Can I convert a wood burning fireplace to gas?
If you are contemplating converting, consider your options. If you have a standard masonry-built wood-burning fireplace, you have three options:
1. Have a direct vent gas insert installed
2. Have unvented gas logs or a vent-free insert installed
3. Have vented gas logs installed
4. Are fireplaces an efficient heat source?
Each unit will vary in their efficiency rating, but for a vented unit you can expect 50-75% efficiency, and with vent free 99% efficiency.
5. Can I use my fireplace when the electricity is out?
If a gas fireplace runs on a millivolt ignition instead of electricity, it can be used without power in the home. Some gas fireplaces come with a backup battery system in case of power failure – consult the user guide and item specifications.
6. Do gas log sets smell when they burn?
Some gas logs may release an odor and possibly some smoke during their initial burn. If your fireplace is vented, then the odor will escape up the chimney and won’t be very noticeable. It’s recommended that ventless gas log sets be vented during their initial burn period to remove any odor or smoke produced. After this initial period, they may continue to have a slight scent during use.