Helpful Information Comparing Gas FireplacesGas fireplaces overall are a solid choice for a fireplace in your new, custom home or addition build, an upgrade to an existing fireplace installation, or a new install in a room with no fireplace. They offer convenience, safety, and ease-of-use when you can “flip a switch” to turn on the fireplace. When comparing gas fireplaces, there are three main gas fireplace types from which to choose – Ventless, Direct Vent, and B-Vent. Each fireplace has its own unique features, uses, and drawbacks; but all of them have a place in your space depending on your needs. A ventless fireplace radiates almost 100% heat into a room, can be installed anywhere because it has no chimney and no flue, and is an affordable option for those on a budget. The direct vent fireplace has many benefits including safety (it’s enclosed in glass), an even heating system with a blower to move the heat around the space, and it’s vented, so all air pollutants are pulled out and vented to the outdoors. The b-vent fireplace is less efficient than a vent-free or direct vent, but more efficient than a traditional wood burning fireplace. The b-vent fireplace requires a vertical chimney has offers old school, traditional flames and medium heat. They can be used for traditional fireplace activities, such as roasting marshmallows as well.
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Ventless Fireplaces
When you are comparing gas fireplaces, the ventless fireplace system is the best for producing heat quickly in the room it’s installed. Speaking of installation, the ventless fireplace can be fitted into any wall, surface, corner, or space that fits the width and height requirements of the fireplace. It provides a kind of instant gratification for the user in that you don’t have to provide a chimney or vented system during the installation.
Because it uses all of its fuel efficiently and doesn’t vent anything to the outside, the ventless fireplace burns almost at 100% capacity, which warms up the room or space very quickly. The drawback of this system is that because nothing is being vented, all exhaust stays in the room. This means that you have to occasionally open a window, turn on a fan, or vent the space in some way to avoid accumulating anything that the fireplace expels during burning. A ventless fireplace is built to safety standards, so you don’t have to worry about too much exposure, but it’s recommended to use a carbon monoxide monitor during use.
Direct Vent Fireplaces
When comparing gas fireplaces, direct vent fireplaces has much to offer in terms of aesthetics, heat, and air quality. There are some constraints on direct vent installation – mainly where it’s installed and the installation requirements. Because direct vent fireplaces have a glass front, the space in which they’re installed requires a front-facing installation. Also, because it has to be vented, if you are constructing it into a wall that previously had no fireplace, venting has to be created either horizontally or vertically to the outside. However, once you have this venting system, you are assured of pristine air quality in the room because the venting is pulling in the outside air.
Unlike the ventless fireplace, a direct vent fireplace outputs about 70% of heat efficiency while it’s burning. A feature that helps with the heating is a controlled blower system which can be turned on and off depending on your heating needs. It’s a consensus that direct vent fireplaces have unbelievably realistic flames in the fireplace display. This aesthetic truly adds to the fireplace and makes it the focal point of any room or space.
B-Vent Fireplaces
The b-vent fireplace is a throwback to the more traditional fireplace setup, which was originally offered as a wood burning fireplace. B-vent fireplaces require a chimney or a flue, have realistic, old school fireplace flames, and are less efficient in their heating because the fireplace is open to the environment and is being vented out of a chimney. there are definitely reminiscent of a regular, wood burning fireplace and can be used to traditions such as roasting marshmallows.
You can install this fireplace with a variety of surrounds, hearths, mantels, and add-ons like a firewood box to create beautiful ambiance. One drawback with a b-vent fireplace is that you will need to be mindful of where the chimney is installed and if it’s covered by a floor-to-ceiling surround. The path of the chimney up the wall can heat up, which can affect an over-the-fireplace installation of a television or work of art. It’s ideal to install a b-vent fireplace outdoors, as the heat has someplace to go, and you can get really creative with the surround and hearth in an outdoor space.
Comparing Gas Fireplaces Overview
So, for immediate and intense heat, choose a ventless fireplace, which also offers flexibility in placement. If you’re looking for a “balanced approach” to a gas fireplace, you can’t go wrong with a direct vent fireplace, which has very decent heat output, flames enclosed behind glass for safety, a blower to evenly heat your room, and air quality produced by outdoor venting. the b-vent fireplace offer nostalgia, ambiance, and an opportunity to emphasize the aesthetic surround of the fireplace as it relates to decorating your space.
Learn more about our gas fireplaces in our gallery section, or visit one of our two showrooms to see each one in person. Contact us today for sizes and pricing!
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