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A direct vent fireplace uses outdoor air instead of indoor air for combustion. It pulls in air from the outdoors through the outer chamber of a double vent pipe; the inner chamber of this pipe exhausts fumes.
How does a direct vent gas fireplace work?
Direct-vent fireplaces work by employing outside air rather than air inside the home for combustion. The air comes in through a double vent pipe’s outer chamber, while the inside chamber is used to send exhaust fumes outside the home. This method of operation is overall superior to that of traditional gas fireplaces.
Do direct vent gas fireplaces need a chimney?
Direct vent is by far the most common venting method and is the newest form of venting, invented by the founders of Heat & Glo in the 1980s. It remains a popular choice because of its efficiency, safety, flexibility and the fact that it does not require an existing chimney.
Is a direct vent fireplace safe?
Direct Vent gas fireplaces can be operated safely without the use of electricity. A direct vent fireplace has a completely sealed combustion chamber which allows it to vent directly out a side wall or through the ceiling of your home.
Are direct vent fireplaces worth it?
Direct vent gas inserts are also beneficial for those who want a more realistic-looking flame. Direct vent gas inserts don’t need to burn so hot because the temperature is controlled. Ultimately, both direct vent and vent-free gas fireplaces have benefits that make them worth the investment.
How hot does a direct vent fireplace vent get?
The area surrounding the fireplace can get hot as well when a fire is burning—in some cases, it can get as hot as 190 degrees.
Does a direct vent fireplace have a damper?
What is this? Ventless gas fireplaces, which vent waste air back into a home, and direct vent gas fireplaces, which vent waste air directly outside of a home through a vent in an external wall, typically won’t be found with dampers.
Do direct vent fireplaces have blowers?
Direct Vent Gas Fireplaces can also be installed between rooms and in corners where less space is utilized. Most Direct Vent models are capable of achieving greater heat gains by adding a blower to them so warm air is circulated throughout the home no matter where they are.
How long can you run a direct vent gas fireplace?
In short, you really shouldn’t let a gas fireplace on for too long—specifically more than three hours at a time.
Can you turn a wood burning fireplace into a gas fireplace?
Yes, you can convert an existing wood burning fireplace to gas, but it must be that — an existing wood burning fireplace. Wood burning appliances, such as wood stoves, cannot be converted to gas.
Do all direct vent fireplaces have glass fronts?
Not if your fireplace was shipped with a glass panel on the front. Direct vent fireplaces are sealed combustion systems and need the glass on to function properly. The other type of gas fireplaces we sell, called B-vent fireplaces, come with fixed, not sealed, glass fronts.
Can a direct vent fireplace be installed on an interior wall?
Power Venting makes it possible to install a gas fireplace almost anywhere in the home. Direct Vent gas fireplaces require outside air for combustion and exhaust – that’s why they are so often installed on outside walls of homes. But what if that perfect spot for a fireplace is on an interior wall? No problem!.
What is better B vent or direct vent?
Direct-vent appliances are typically higher in efficiency than b-vent appliances and put out a lot of heat even with a low flame setting. Cons: Direct fireplaces have a sealed glass front and typically a smaller flame than a b-vent fireplace or a vent-free fireplace.
Does a direct vent fireplace need electricity?
In addition, all direct vent gas fireplaces are sealed, keeping emissions out, and are vented to the exterior of your home using the natural buoyancy of warm air (warm air rises), meaning no electricity is needed to operate your gas fireplace or gas fireplace insert safely.
Can a direct vent fireplace be vented through a chimney?
Gas fireplaces are typically vented horizontally through the wall to the outdoors—direct vent—but they can also be vented vertically through the roof. Fireplace inserts are typically vented horizontally through the roof using an existing chimney.
What is direct vent pipe?
Direct Vent Pipe and Liners The direct vent pipe is designed with a larger pipe and a smaller pipe within your chimney. This enables fresh air to come in through one and then the exhaust goes out the other. A direct vent pipe and liner are also useful in keeping your fireplace cool and managed.
How do you stop a draft on a direct vent gas fireplace?
One way to help minimize the draft is to install glass doors on the front of your fireplace opening. These glass doors will still radiate heat throughout the room, but will not allow the open flue to let in the cold draft. Another great solution for preventing these drafts is to install a direct vent gas insert.
How efficient are direct vent fireplaces?
A direct vent gas fireplace would typically have an efficiency of around 70%, which would be similar to our forms of wood burning stove. A ventless gas fireplace can provide a similar efficiency rating as an electric fireplace of up to 100%.
Do direct vent fireplaces require a hearth?
However, natural vent gas fireplaces often require a hearth while direct vent and ventless versions may not, depending on the manufacturer requirements and local building codes and regulations.
Which is better vented or ventless gas fireplace?
Ventless fireplaces are more energy efficient than vented fireplaces because no heat escapes up the flue, so you’ll save money on gas utility bills. A vented gas fireplace uses more gas to create the same level of warmth because some of its heat escapes through the flue.
