Unlike vented gas logs, vent-free logs do not require a chimney.
In addition, almost 100% of the heat produced remains within the
home, making this an extremely efficient option. When considering
the vent-free gas log, it is important to know that a few states
do not allow this type of option, which includes Alaska, California,
Colorado, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, and Utah.
The vent-free option has a feature called an Oxygen Depletion
Sensor, ODS. Whenever the oxygen level in the air drops below
what is considered a safe level, the ODS cuts off the flame.
While this problem does not happen very often, this is a great
safety feature. A terrific benefit of a vent-free gas log is
that they can be burned in either a regular wood burning
fireplace or a prefabricated vent-free firebox with no chimney.
In addition, vent-free logs do not require the damper to be opened.
Vented gas logs produce a yellow flame while vent-free gas logs
produce a blue flame, are designed to produce far more heat, and
burn cleaner. Many people feel that the blue-flamed fire is not
as appealing as a yellow-flamed fire but keep in mind, the main
determining factor between the two types has to do with the amount
of heat produced. In general, when it comes to sensibility and
the best option for heating your home, the vent-free gas log wins.
Best of all, the operating cost is only a few cents per hour of use.
Keep in mind that vent-free gas logs do not need electricity and
therefore offer a perfect solution during bad weather and power
outages. Many fireplace professionals will tell you that the
vent-free gas log is the most realistic and safe choice you can
make. However, before you make your final decision, here are a
few other considerations:
- If your home is not well ventilated, you may need better
ventilation before your vent-free gas logs are installed.
- If you have other appliances that burn fuel, they are using
the inside air as a means of combustion. If the vent-free gas
logs will be located in close proximity to any of these other
appliances, you will need to ensure there is appropriate fresh
air in order to support all of the appliances.
- Homes located at high altitude (above 4,500 feet above sea level)
such as Colorado often have trouble with the pilot light going out
because of low atmospheric pressure.
- For bathrooms and bedrooms, there are limits to the number of
BTUs that can be handled. For bathrooms, the limit is 6,000 and
for bedrooms, 10,000.
Vent-free gas logs are now beautifully designed to look just like
real wood. Now you can come home, sit back, and relax in front
of your cozy fire.
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