More and more people are exchanging their standardwood burning fireplacesto theGas and electric fireplaces. While there is something magical about the crackling of a log fire, some may find it not worth the trouble and maintenance.
Gas log sets offer many benefits to the homeowner who still wants the cozy glow of a fireplace. Gas logs not only produce more heat, but they are also much safer than wood-burning fireplaces as there is less risk of fire. This gives many homeowners peace of mind when deciding how to heat their home - and as a bonus, they don't have to worry about chopping wood or removing soot!
Although gas fireplaces are safer and more efficient than wood fires, it's important to keep these two factors in mind when making the decision to purchase a gas fireplace set. Here are some ways to ensure your set is as safe and efficient as possible.
Safety for gas fireplaces
There are two main configurations of gas logs: vented and non-vented. Vented gas logs rely on an exhaust or venting system to operate, while vented gas logs operate without any type of venting system. Just like real burning logs, both types of gas logs produce carbon monoxide - a toxic gas that can be deadly - when they burn. Venting and using a gas fireplace properly can help keep CO at safe levels. Here's how to keep your family safe using these systems.
Are venting protocols safe?
Vented gas logs are safer than vented logs because they use some type of vent or exhaust system to expel harmful gases from your home. To ensure your vented gas logs are working as they should, it is important to keep your chimney or flue damper open while the vented gas fireplace is in operation. Make sure it is securely open to allow adequate venting. A closed flue damper keeps dangerous gases in your home.
Are gas logs safe without venting?
Ventless gas protocols are safe when used properly. Since they are not dependent on an open flue or chimney for operation, there is no space for the gases produced. As a result, gas can accumulate in the room much more easily than with ventilated log systems; However, all ventless fireplaces are equipped with Oxygen Deficiency Sensors (ODS) that shut off the unit if the oxygen reaches an unsafe level.
To keep air quality safe and prevent gas from building up indoors, never operate your ventless gas fireplace for more than an hour without opening a window to allow air circulation. You should also avoid running these fireplaces for long periods of time in general. Many devices come with a remote control so they can be easily turned on and off to avoid running the system for too long. Always exercise caution and common sense when deciding to cozy up to your ventless gas fireplace.
More safety tips
Whether you have vented or unvented logs, here are some basic safety tips to keep in mind when using your firebox and logs:
- There are various safety features to consider, such as B. Safety valves, which are available for different types of burners.
- Keep flammable objects at least one meter away from the fireplace.
- Always check building codes to ensure your ventless system meets safety codes. Some municipalities have ventless gas fireplace restrictions, so familiarize yourself with the laws in your city or state.
- Keep children and pets away from the heat source.
- Make sure you have a working pilot light and gas valve system. This technology shuts off the gas when the temperature gets too high or when there is too much carbon monoxide.
- Always have working carbon monoxide (CO) detectors in your home. Replace the batteries twice a year - a good time to check is at the beginning and end of daylight saving time.
With either system, it is a good idea to have your fireplace serviced by a professional technician once a year to ensure it is working properly. A qualified service technician can also identify signs of wear and tear that could endanger your family's safety.
Gas protocol efficiency
Vented gas logs are less efficient than vented logs because much of the heat escapes to the outside through the exhaust. On the other hand, ventless gas logs are much more efficient since most of the heat stays in your home. If you decide to go with a vented system, consider investing in some quality glass fireplace doors for extra heat retention.
Are gas logs expensive?
Because these fire pits are used as a supplemental heat source rather than the primary heat source, it is usually not too expensive to run a gas fireplace. Because the logs run on natural gas or propane, your gas bill may increase a bit, but sometimes homeowners down-convert their primary heat source to offset the cost. It is important to reiterate that these systems should not be operated for long periods of time and are not intended as the primary source of heat.
Vented vs. Unvented: Which is Right for Me?
It can make sense if a person goes with avented system and another with a vented system. There's really no wrong answer - it just depends on your priorities and the space you have available.
A ventless fireplace, when used properly, can be an excellent source of heat in a space such as a conservatory or outbuilding that does not have access to central heating. Again, it's important not to work for long periods of time without opening a window, as this can allow carbon monoxide to build up in the room.
Ventilated chimney systems, on the other hand, are not as efficient but safer.
Top ventless Sets
- White Mountain Hearth LS30P-VFSV30N 30″ Ponderosa Log Set with Variable Flame Burner - NG
- This large log set is perfect for people with a spacious 34″ or wider fireplace. The included remote control with variable flame height gives you full control over your fireplace.
A number of burner and log combinations are currently on back order. Please contact us to check availability for the combination you are interested in... buy now White Mountain Hearth Ponderosa Log Set - Optional Free Burner
$1053
- White Mountain Hearth LS24RS-VFSR24N 24″ Sassafras Wood Set and Millivolt Valve Torch – NG
- This set combines the most popular log style, Sassafras, with the most popular millivolt burner. Millivolts is the industry standard for control, so you can pair this set with many different remotes and wall switches.
A number of burner and log combinations are currently on back order. Please contact us to check availability for the combination you are interested in... buy now White Mountain Hearth Sassafras Log Set - Optional Free Burner
$953
- Everwarm EWPO18R-EWPO2430NV 18″ Palmetto Oak Log Set mit Millivoltbrenner – NG
- Everwarm is the most popular budget option. Get all the convenience and style of a high-end block set at half the price.
A number of burner and log combinations are currently on back order. Please contact us to check availability for the combination you are interested in... buy now Everwarm Palmetto Oak Log Set - Choice of ventless burners
442,8 $
Top ventilated sets
- RH Peterson Real-Fyre 18″ American Oak Log Set and ANSI Certified Triple-T Burner – LP
- This set features elegant American Oak logs paired with an advanced G46 burner and remote control. Just get started with this all-in-one package.
- RH Peterson Real-Fyre 18″ Rustic Oak Log Set und Glowing Ember Burner – NG
- This compact 18″ log set is perfect for smaller spaces. This package includes a manual safety valve that allows you to convert your fireplace to gas at an affordable price.
- RH Peterson Real-Fyre 24″ Rustic Oak Log Set und Triple T Burner – NG
- A large version of the rustic oak log, this pack also includes the G45 burner system and variable flame remote control for ultimate control.
To find the log set that suits your needs, take a look at oursGathering gas logs. We carry bothventedandslotless protocolsin different finishes to help you achieve the cozy look you've always wanted. If you need help finding a device with specific safety features and high efficiency,our customer support team will be happy to help you.
FAQs
Are ventless gas fires safe? ›
Are Ventless Gas Fireplaces Safe? Ventless gas fireplaces emit dangerous and noxious gasses into the room they are operating. Without proper ventilation and safety systems in place there can be serious health risks associated with burning gas in a ventless fireplace.
How efficient are ventless gas fireplaces? ›Regardless, ventless fireplaces of any kind and size are nearly 100% efficient, as very little of the heat they emit escapes the room. By contrast, an open-faced, wood-burning fireplace with a chimney may lose 85% or more of its heat output through the flue.
What are the dangers of a ventless gas fireplace? ›The two primary concerns with ventless fireplaces are carbon monoxide and oxygen depletion. Buy the right size ventless fireplace; this will prevent issues with oxygen depletion and carbon monoxide build-up.
Which is safer vented or ventless gas fireplace? ›There are pros and cons to both vented gas fireplace logs and ventless ones. One of the great things about both vented and ventless is that there is minimal cleanup. Vented are typically safer. However, they are not as efficient and will cost you a little more.
What states do not allow ventless gas fireplaces? ›Massachusetts, California, and a number of other states in the U.S., as well as Canada and other countries, have outlawed ventless gas fireplaces due to the aforementioned safety concerns. Many individual municipalities, too, have outlawed these appliances in states where they are otherwise legal.
What are the pros and cons of a ventless gas fireplace? ›Pros of Vent Free Units | Cons of Vent Free Units |
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Since ventless gas products require no vent or chimney, they cost less to install, compared to vented gas appliances. | Since ventless gas logs exhaust into the home, there is an added risk over vented gas fireplaces. |