Direct Vent Fireplaces
Direct-vent fireplaces are closed systems with a solid pane of glass across the front of the fireplace; this means it pulls outside air into the firebox to feed the flame rather than pulling air from inside your home. The exhaust is then expelled through a vent pipe outside your home. They are considered primary heat sources as you can run them 24/7 to heat your home, often utilizing a thermostat remote.
All direct vents will have a solid piece of glass attached to the front of the unit that is only to be removed during servicing. Running a direct vent with this glass off is dangerous, may damage your unit, and is against the manufacturer’s guidelines. Most units will also have a thin mesh screen in front of the glass for safety which is required for all new units by law.
Manufacturers have begun to offer heat-transfer kits on some direct vent models. This option will allow for combustible facing materials (wood, drywall, etc.) to be installed right next to the unit. This also allows for televisions to be installed just above the fireplace without needing to protect it with a mantle, or to divert the heat from the fireplace to a different room all together.
Direct-vent units can be vented vertically through your roof or horizontally through an exterior wall. With the strict clearances required for these units, they are most often installed in new builds but a handful of inserts are available to retrofit.
If you’re looking for a constant source of heat that’s just a button away, a direct vent might be the option for you.
Vent Free Fireplaces
Vent free units, also known as ventless or unvented, are incredibly efficient secondary heat sources. With the array of install options (fireplaces, inserts, systems, log sets, and stoves) they’re incredibly easy to install or retrofit into your home. Due to their 99% efficiency rating, they are a cost effective and easy to use supplemental heat source.
However, manufacturers do not recommend burning this type of fireplace for more than 8 hours in a 24-hour period. While this does not sound very long, they heat quickly and you likely won’t run them that long. When burning gas, water vapor is released into the air and if the unit is run for too long, or if your home is very tight, you may notice condensation on your walls and windows. If you burn your unit as recommended above, this humidity is not an issue but rather another perk of the vent free during our dry winters.
The crux of operating a vent free is that the yellow flames are not “touching” any logs or media which creates soot and carbon monoxide. Instead, your vent free will have “pockets” of flame which allows it to burn much cleaner and more efficiently. It is essential to make sure your log set is installed properly and serviced yearly by an experienced fireplace professional.
Generally, the vent-free units will be the least expensive gas fireplace option.
If you are looking to take the chill off a room, the vent free is the right fit for you.
Vented Gas Log Fireplaces
Vented gas log sets are the most realistic gas logs available compared to a wood fire. The large yellow flames are able to move through the logs or media and create soot and carbon monoxide, just like a natural wood burning fire. Due to this, the vented gas logs must be installed in a wood burning fireplace following the guidelines and clearances of the wood burning flue system. Some county codes may require you to remove the damper completely or at least secure it open. This often leads to the addition of a fireplace door to stop cold drafts in the winter and heat invasion in the summer.
Because the damper must be open during the operation of the vented gas logs, the efficiency of these systems is about the same as burning wood (around 25%). Fireplace manufacturers are working on systems to improve efficiency, but these logs are traditionally used for aesthetics over heat production.
If you are wanting the look of wood burning, the convenience of gas, and are not terribly concerned with heat, the vented gas logs are for you.
Wood Burning Fireplaces
When deciding on a wood burning fireplace or stove, you need to also decide if you are looking for decorative units, heat-producing units, or a middle ground. The traditional masonry fireplaces you see in many homes are decorative in nature, being only 25% efficient depending on your wood as most of the heat is going up the flue. High efficiency units are also available as fireplaces, inserts, and stoves, and each come in traditional and modern styles.
Wood burning units are perfect if you have a reliable wood source and do not wish to rely on gas or electricity for heat – some can even be connected to your central heat systems. However, due to the dry nature of wood heat, kettles, steamers, or even electric humidifiers are often part of your fireplace maintenance routine.
If you are willing to put in the work of hauling wood and maintaining your fire, you can’t beat the cozy sounds and smells of a wood fireplace.
Electric Fireplaces
Electric fireplaces come in both traditional and linear sizes. While most do produce heat, think of it as a space heater rather than a furnace. There are also electric inserts that be retrofitting into defunct wood fireplaces or gas direct vent conversions. While not as realistic as wood or gas, an electric fireplace can give you a cozy atmosphere even in tricky install situations.
The key to electric fireplaces is to buy from a reputable manufacturer. This is essential for the maintenance if your unit years down the road – from simple parts, like bulbs or decorative media, to functional parts, like power supplies or heating elements. The obvious drawback to electric fireplaces that you need electricity to run them. If your home is prone to power outages, electric is probably not your answer.
If you are looking for year-round ambiance without much heat, an electric fireplace may be for you.
Fireplace Facelifts
Sometimes a full blown renovation project isn’t right for your current space. Click below to see our gallery of before-and-after fireplace facelifts.
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