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Does a direct vent fireplace 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.
Can I install a gas fireplace myself?
To make this upgrade to your existing fireplace, you can install a gas fireplace insert. Since this process requires working with vent pipes, electrical, and the gas supply, we recommend working with a professional instead of doing it yourself.
How much does it cost to install a direct vent gas fireplace?
It typically costs between $3,500 to $7,500 to install a direct vent gas fireplace.
How do you vent a direct vent fireplace?
In a direct vent gas appliance, fresh air is drawn from the outdoors into the hearth unit, and expelled air is sent outside via a flue system that terminates outside. Most direct vent gas fireplaces are vented to the outdoors horizontally (through the wall), but they can also be routed vertically (through the roof).
Can a direct vent fireplace burn wood?
Direct Vent Fireplaces can be vented horizontally through an outside wall or vertically through the roof and will minimize heat loss through the chimney. Direct Vent Fireplaces simulate a true wood burning fire with realistic ceramic or refractory logs, a glowing ember bed, and vibrant dancing flames.
Is there a damper on a direct vent gas fireplace?
Gas fireplaces don’t have a damper themselves, but certain types of gas fireplace will be indirectly associated with the use of a masonry fireplace damper. Although there’s no damper within our chimney, many open fireplaces do have dampers and they must be kept open for as long as a gas fireplace is installed.
Does a gas fireplace need a vent?
Traditional gas fireplaces, like their wood-burning cousins, require an exhaust flue (vent) to remove harmful fumes from the home. When possible, an existing chimney is used to run a new flue, but in a home without a chimney, the high cost to install venting can sideline the project permanently.
Do I need a hearth for a gas fireplace?
Gas fireplaces are considered gas appliances, not true fireplaces. Some gas fireplaces are built with “zero-clearance” fireboxes, meaning you can put combustible materials right up to the sides, front and bottom. Not all gas fireplaces are zero-clearance, however, and some may require a hearth.
What is a direct vent gas insert?
Direct vent gas inserts use a high temperature glass panel to separate the burning area of the gas insert from the inside of your home. So, your vented gas insert will take air in from the outside and then exhaust all the gases to the outside. This contrasts with a vent-free gas insert, which vents into the home.
Are ventless gas fireplaces safe?
Are Ventless Gas Fireplaces Safe? Ventless gas fireplaces emit dangerous and noxious gasses into the room they are operating. Ventless fireplaces produce small amounts of nitrous dioxide and carbon monoxide which can be deadly in large doses.
Are gas fireplace inserts worth it?
A gas insert can easily serve as the primary source of heat for your home, while using 50% to 90% less gas than gas logs and up to 75% less gas than a gas furnace.
Can I add a blower to my gas fireplace?
Can You Add a Fireplace Blower to an Existing Fireplace? Yes, you can add a fan/blower to most gas and wood fireplaces, inserts, and stoves. You will need to find a fireplace rated fan that will fit your fireplace and follow all instructions for installation in the unit’s manual.
How does 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.
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.
What is the difference between direct vent and vented fireplace?
A B-vent must be vented vertically and uses fresh air from inside the home to provide oxygen to the fire. A direct vent has a sealed glass front and pulls all of its fresh air from outside the home.
How do you vent a gas fireplace without a chimney?
If you don’t have a chimney, a natural vent system can also use a pipe venting system, which is typically installed through the roof. Here, you can get around having to use a brick and mortar chimney to rid the home of fumes and use a pipe system instead.
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.
How hot does direct vent pipe get?
Hence the protective screen that is placed in front of the glass. 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.
