Vented Vs Unvented Gas Fireplace Inserts

Each type of fireplace requires its own type of gas logs to function safely and correctly.

Vented vs unvented gas fireplace inserts.

The unvented models although essentially 100 efficient cause indoor air quality issues primarily due to excessive water vapor not carbon dioxide which is harmless not carbon monoxide because the co produced is minimal less than 15 ppm. The two main types of gas fireplaces available today are direct vent and ventless. Vented gas logs produce carbon monoxide emissions so your fireplace must have a chimney or flue. While most gas fireplace inserts need to exhaust fumes through the chimney a direct vent fireplace uses a sealed chamber to draw in fresh air and expel exhaust through a specialized pipe that exits the house through a wall or roof opening.

The major price difference between the two types of fireplaces is with venting. Ventless fireplaces are not permitted in some areas. Here s what you need to know to help you decide which type is right for you. Despite producing far fewer fumes than vented gas fireplaces a small amount of fumes will still be emitted into your house.

Generally gas fireplaces direct vent pricing is more expensive than a ventless gas fireplace. Maintain indoor air quality direct vent gas fireplaces. A vent free or unvented fireplace may be the cheapest way to go but for some people that smell or that extra moisture that it puts into the house may be a turnoff says eric jeffcoat owner of the highly rated high country fireplaces in statesville. Both require the same type of natural gas or propane line and stub out so there is no cost difference in terms of plumbing.

Gas inserts are more expensive to purchase and install. Ventless gas fireplaces on the other hand will cost between 1 000 and 5 000. With professional installation and any remodeling that needs to be done vented gas fireplaces will cost you around 3 500 8 000. Ventless and vented gas fireplace inserts gas units and log assemblies are competitively priced with each other.

While more efficient ventless gas inserts may compromise the quality of air in your home. This is the reason many homeowners opt for direct vent systems gas insert installation may require gas plumbing modifications prior to installation. The empire tahoe deluxe is a 36 inch direct vent fireplace that operates using natural gas. Cost and energy efficiency however make ventless fireplaces attractive to others.

Ventless logs do not put off these emissions so no chimney or flue is needed and the heat is more likely to stay in your space. We always recommend a direct vent gas fireplace where possible. Direct vent fireplaces require a venting system while ventless fireplaces are just that completely vent free.