- Gas Gas
The fireplace industry has three styles of gas fireplaces: B-vent, Direct vent, and Vent free.
B-vent Fireplace
This fireplace was the very first gas fireplace. B – vent fireplace is the basic style fireplace. Some people also know it as an open hearth fireplace.
It will need combustion air from the house so with this fireplace you need to have plenty of makeup air. You will also get radiant heat out of this fireplace. Depending on how many BTUs that you put in, this is about a 30% heat-producing fireplace. This fireplace can heat up to 1,000 square feet.
The advantages of this is there's no glass so you can see the flame without glass.
The downside of this kind of fireplace is you put heat into the house which here in Florida we do not want. Young children can come up and actually touch the flame. And you also have to have makeup air. If you don't have makeup air, then you're sucking your air conditioning out of the house which will increase your energy bills.
Direct vent Fireplaces
A direct vent fireplace is a type of gas fireplace that uses a sealed combustion system. It has coaxial or collinear piping. They either draws air from the outside for combustion and expels exhaust gasses back outside, or it brings cool air into the air wash glass then into the burn chamber, ensuring that indoor air quality remains unaffected. This system consists of a double- walled pipe or a collinear pipe that facilitates both the intake of fresh air and the expulsion of combustion by-products.
- We can have cool touch glass which cannot burn anyone and does not put heat into the house. Also, you can bring combustibles right up to the opening of the fireplace.
- Improved Indoor Air Quality: Since combustion air is drawn from outside and not from the room, indoor air quality is maintained, making it a healthier option for households.
- Versatile Installation: These fireplaces can be installed in various locations within a home, including bedrooms, bathrooms, and living areas. The venting system can be routed through walls or roofs, offering flexibility in placement.
- Safety: The sealed combustion chamber and direct venting minimize the risk of backdrafts and gas leaks, enhancing safety for homeowners.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Direct vent fireplaces come in a variety of styles and finishes, allowing homeowners to choose a design that complements their home décor.
Non-Heating Direct Vent Fireplaces
Non-heating direct vent fireplaces are designed to provide the ambiance and aesthetic appeal of a traditional fireplace without generating significant heat. These units are perfect for warmer climates or spaces where additional heating is not needed. They function similarly to heating models but are designed to prioritize visual appeal and atmosphere over heat output. This style of direct vent fireplace is co-linear venting. That means that there are two pipes running beside each other, one to bring cold air into the fireplace, one to exhaust the hot air out of the fireplace. The advantage of this style fireplace is it puts no heat into the house. You can also bring combustibles IE wood, wallpaper, drywall, or any any product right up to the opening of the fireplace. You can also move your television closer to the fireplace. With these fireplaces you can actually take some of the heat and dump it back into the house if you desire on those four days a year that we need heat. Children can actually come up and touch the glass and never worry about getting burnt. The downside of these fireplaces are there more expensive up front, but they are definitely a better fit for Florida.
The other style of direct vent fireplace is co-linear venting. That means that there are two pipes running beside each other, one to bring cold air into the fireplace, one to exhaust the hot air out of the fireplace. The advantage of this style fireplace is it puts no heat into the house. You can also bring combustibles IE wood, wallpaper, drywall, or any any product right up to the opening of the fireplace. You can also move your television closer to the fireplace. With these fireplaces you can actually take some of the heat and dump it back into the house if you desire on those four days a year that we need heat. Children can actually come up and touch the glass and never worry about getting burnt. The downside of these fireplaces are there more expensive up front, but they are definitely a better fit for Florida.
Vent free Fireplace
A vent free fireplace is the newest style fireplaces. With this fireplace it does not require any event. The advantage of these fireplaces are there much more economical. Because you do not need to run any event, all you have to do is set down the metal box. Put the gas logs, or class media in it and you're done.
The downside of this fireplace it can put ridiculous amount of heat into the house. This fireplace will heat 3000 square feet Also you have to always have the heat into the house. Which means you will use the fireplace three or four times a year. It also will reburn any odor that's in the house. If you have animals that have an odor, or any time you cook. Those are oder will be re-burnt by the vent free fireplace and put a different style of odor into the house. Some people smell that odor and it's a very off putting odor. The other downside of vent free fireplace is it can put up two 3/4 of a gallon of water into the house every hour you burn it. Here in Florida the two major things we do not want are heat and moisture. This fireplace will put off both a lot of heat and a lot of moisture.
Direct vent fireplaces offer an efficient, safe, and stylish heating solution for modern homes. Their ability to maintain indoor air quality while providing consistent warmth makes them an attractive choice for homeowners. By understanding the benefits and installation requirements, you can make an informed decision and enjoy the cozy ambiance without the heat and comfort that a direct vent fireplace brings to your home.