fireplace. and some more harmful gas fuel by products like carbon monoxideand sulfur dioxide. The industry likes the term 'vent-free' when talking about gas fireplaces that keep all the exhaust gases in your home. There are two basic types of gas logs currently on the market: Yellow flame logs require venting while blue flame logs may be approved for use without a venting system. Anyway, you have typical gas logs. They must be burned in a wood burning fireplace with the damper open, so smoke goes up the flue along with most of the heat. Most energy raters and insulation contractors and some chimney sweeps are familiar with Chimney Balloons and can install one for just the cost of a 1 hr house call. Cost of Ventless Gas Fireplaces vs. Other Options, Easy Winter Preparation Checklist for Your Home. 608-467-0229      Free Shipping     Contact Us     Shop Now. I’ve looked on the metal tags but don’t see any indication of which it is. In general, the logs will only fit in the correct configuration. So get warm and save some money by choosing to use a ventless gas log set. You’ll pay $3,500 to $8,000 or more, depending on fireplace quality and the amount of remodeling … While gas logs typically function properly for years, like all gas appliances they can develop leaks. Any HVAC expert would tell you it’s not worthwhile. They are often designed to vent directly into the living area. “It’s similar to … Gas logs are the easiest way to upgrade your fireplace. If you don't have natural gas service, check with your local natural gas company before purchasing a log set. Gas logs may be fueled by either natural or propane gas. In the remaining states, a welter of regulations controls ventless fireplaces based on factors such population of the city, altitude, and surrounding geography. There is no masonry or chimney built or used. Only BLUE flames should ever touch a log. Last Updated on December 1, 2019. This prevents the damper from being completely closed. Never go to sleep and leave unvented gas logs burning. Vented gas fireplaces exhaust the air through an exterior opening in your wall. Ventless gas logs are more efficient. Ventless (vent-free) gas logs burn cleanly with a lower flame that does not smoke. The safety of ventless gas fireplaces is a subject of debate. Easier to install than vented wood or gas fireplaces and capable of warming small rooms, gas fireplaces that have no vents passing to the exterior are becoming more popular for remodeling work and even in new-construction homes. Jason. It is usually by the knob that controls the flame height. There are limitations, though. There is no simple way to identify a vented gas log from a non-vent if it is not marked, even professionals have a hard time indentifying one from another. Vented gas logs burn like a real wood fire with a yellow flame that produces smoke. Ventless gas products emit a very moderate level of water vapor and that is a very positive secondary benefit of the appliance. They don't require a chimney or venting, allowing all of the heat produced to circulate back into the room, rather than escaping up the chimney. So do we!) What are some of the most reviewed ventless gas fireplace logs? Ventless Fireplaces Vent How? YOU SHOULD NEVER SEE SOOT on a ventless gas log set or ventless gas heater or elsewhere in your home. Ventless gas fireplaces, in particular, are popular because they're clean and easy to use. Can ventless gas fireplace logs be returned? In many states, there are restrictions on where the home you can install a ventless fireplace—they may not be allowed in sleeping areas, for example. Most vent less (or vent free) gas log fireplaces do not have chimneys or flues in the first place. Q: Jason, I bought my Virginia home about 3 yrs ago, and have never thought about the amount of heat / ac leaving the home until seeing a “home energy saving” piece on the local news. If you can even find a model # you can google that number and see what comes up. They must be burned in a wood burning fireplace with the damper open, so smoke goes up the flue along with most of the heat. Ventless gas logs can also end up saving you money not just by being more efficient but also by using less gas than the alternative options. Next, the gas logs are removed and the gas line is capped off or converted to a gas log lighter. Getting this mixup wrong can be lethal, so it is nothing to guess at. This is called the Oxygen Depletion Sensor and is located just outside the range of the fire. – MW. Thanks! They say it's impossible, and I'll have to buy a new log set, and since it's a double sided log set, they start at a price that's way above my budget. I have a VERY cold fireplace & a relatively new chimney cap (installed as a condition of sale 3 yrs ago). There is a damper (presumably installed during the 1988 construction), which has been closed since move-in day. All Rights Reserved. Not a huge deal, but the ventless gas industry wants you to feel that you're being liberated of a burden by not having an exhaust vent. With any fireplace installation, a major issue is venting the exhaust gases, whether it is simple smoke from a wood-burning fireplace, or the exhaust fumes produced when you burn gas. There are 'Off', 'Pilot', and 'On' positions. Shop All Gas Log Sets . Since you gas log is disabled/inoperable and the gas is shut down to it, you can install a Chimney Balloon to stop the cold draft. If you notice the smell of gas, but cannot identify the source, leave your home immediately and contact your local gas company for further assistance. A vented gas fireplace costs between $3,500 and $8,000 to purchase and have installed, depending on the amount of carpentry required to run the ductwork. Air flowing out a chimney vent flue can even prevent combustion gases from other appliances from exhausting properly. Active 1 year, 2 months ago. The only thing you need to remember is that gas logs are hollow perforated imitation (often ceramic) logs used as a burner in the fireplace. Fake gas fireplace logs are made of ceramic or a similar material. The two types of gas fireplaces function differently. If you’re serious about switching to a vented gas fireplace from a ventless model, the best solution is to buy a new vented unit from the store. A special regulator creates a fine mixture of gas and air that burns extremely cleanly, and the units are carefully tested in approved laboratories before they can be sold. Mauldin, SC 29662, Copyright © 2017 Cleverly Solved. I’ve looked on the metal tags but don’t see any indication of which it is. Viewed 2k times 1. If you notice the smell of gas from the appliance, turn off the gas supply (at the appliance) immediately and contact a certified gas fireplace repair technician for assistance. There are many products that will cause the appliance to smell and below are just a few. This does allow them to give all of their heat to the living area, but it also allows them to give all of their fumes and moisture to the living area as well. It's therefore wise to do your homework on the units you are considering. … I am fairly convinced that I need a Chimney Balloon, but at 300 lbs with no official contortionist training, I have been reluctant to take the time to remove our toddler gate which would be required to gain access to the fireplace allowing for an appropriate measurement (trust me, it is an event to take this thing apart…14 ft of it that encircles the entire family room)!! Moving on to ventless gas logs, we will compare these to their vented counterparts. As with vented fireplace, ventless units usually have blowers that circulate air around the firebox to heat the room. Type of gas logs: A well maintained vented log set with ceramic logs will last a very long time, in some cases 10 or more years. The flame pattern with ventless logs is not nearly as realistic in comparison to vented logs. To install gas logs, a gas fireplace system must be set up by a qualified gas equipment professional. The Home Depot carries Dual Fuel (NG & LP), Natural Gas, Propane and more. The yellow flame log sets produce a very realistic and attractive fire, and will often be mistaken for a real wood fire. Ventless gas logs are extremely efficient and safe if used properly. Read the Pros and Cons of each below: ... which might tell you that there are some risks involved in operating them if these systems fail. Ask Question Asked 4 years, 10 months ago. Because venting is such a large part of the installation cost, ventless fireplaces are generally a lot less expensive than vented units. Moving on to ventless gas fireplaces, we will compare these to their vented counterparts. And you can its about the perspective of the asking party. The major price difference between the two types of fireplaces is the cost of venting. There is also a gas line that has been turned off since move-in day. Method 1 Gas fireplaces come in two configurations: vented and ventless. Make sure you wear gloves while handling the logs, as they can cause skin irritation. If the flue is already in good shape for the conversion, the process may only cost up to $300 or as little as half that much. The Importance of Annual Inspections . Broken logs result in these fibers being burned through the gas log burner. The intake vent draws fresh air into the fireplace while the exhaust vent safely removes fumes of the combustion (burning) process. 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