Gas Fireplaces

Direct Vent

A Direct-Vent system uses two vent pipes. One draws air in from outdoors to support combustion. The other exhausts the by-products of combustion to the outside. The two vent pipes may be concentric (exhaust pipe within a larger diameter intake pipe) or co-linear (separate pipes of about the same size).

Combustion takes place inside a sealed chamber – with a glass front in the case of a fireplace. Room air circulates around the combustion chamber, often assisted by a blower, to heat the room.

A DV system is often installed along an outside wall to simplify the vent run, but can also be installed elsewhere in the home and vented through the roof.

Advantages:

Good efficiency – 60 to 80%

Good heat output with thermal transfer through the glass

Separates room air from combustion air

May be used as primary heat source

Can operate with a remote or thermostat

Most systems can provide life-saving heat during a winter power outage

Vent-Free

A Vent-Free system uses room air for combustion and delivers 99.9% of the available heat energy directly to the room. Vent-Free systems have an unmatched safety record, thanks in part to their clean-burning technology and their Oxygen Depletion Sensor, which instantly shuts off the valve if oxygen in the room drops to and unsafe level. Because no venting is required, Vent-Free systems offer more installation options.

Vent-Free systems are limited to 40,000 Btu and must be operated as supplemental heating sources in conjunction with a central furnace that circulates air.



Advantages:

Unmatched efficiency – 99.9%

Offers the most installation versatility

Usually less expensive to buy and to install

Can operate with a remote or thermostat

Most systems can provide live-saving heat during a winter power outage

Gas Inserts

Gas fireplace inserts are designed to be placed inside an existing masonry fireplace and use the existing fireplace and chimney to hold the unit and support venting. A gas fireplace insert transforms an old wood fireplace into a high-efficiency gas heater that uses either natural gas or propane and many are eligible for local government rebates. Gas fireplace inserts are made to fit up to 95% of existing wood fireplaces with contemporary or traditional designs available. Gas fireplace inserts are an efficient way to fix cold chimney draft, lower your home heating bill and update the look of a room.