How do I know if my gas logs are vented or vent free?

How to Tell If Your Gas Logs Are Vent-Free

Inspect the logs. All vent-free logs are firmly attached to a U-shaped burner and cannot be moved.
Follow the gas line from beneath the logs to where it disappears in the wall or floor. If the gas is merely contained by a simple gas line, then the logs are vent free.
Turn on the fireplace.

Also question is, does a gas log fireplace need to be vented?

Just like a traditional wood-burning fire, vented gas logs produce carbon monoxide emissions. For this reason, they require a chimney or flue to operate. You must remember to open the damper each time you use your unit to allow for proper venting.

One may also ask, which is better ventless or vented 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.

Correspondingly, can I put vent free logs in a vented fireplace?

Ventless fireplaces are not designed to have a vent added to them. Your only alternative is to tear out the existing ventless fireplace and replace it with a vented fireplace. You cannot use a vented gas log in a vent-free firepalce, nor can you burn wood in it.

How does a vented gas fireplace work?

Direct Vent Gas Fireplace Vent Pipe The outer pipe draws air in from the outside to create combustion for burning the gas while the inner pipe takes waste to the outside. Direct venting is considered a safe system because no air from inside is used in combustion and all wastes flow to the outside.

38 Related Question Answers Found

Can you get carbon monoxide poisoning from a gas fireplace?

Yes, gas fireplaces are one potential cause of carbon monoxide poisoning. While there are many potential sources of such exposure, including certain appliances and devices, motor vehicles and wood stoves, gas fireplaces are a common culprit to be aware of.

Do ventless gas logs produce carbon monoxide?

As a result, "When they're running correctly, ventless gas fireplaces do a pretty good job," says Bailes. Incomplete combustion creates the dangerous molecular byproduct carbon monoxide (CO)—an odorless gas that causes brain damage and even death at high-enough exposure levels.

How safe is a ventless gas fireplace?

According to the VGPA, ventless fireplaces can be safely operated in tight homes because "an unvented gas heating appliance would be operating less during the usage period." This means that the amount of nitrogen dioxide in the room would be lower. Another safety device is the thermo-coupler for the pilot line.

Which is safer vented or ventless gas logs?

Because of this reason, it can be dangerous if not properly vented to the outside through an open chimney. Since you need the damper or flue to be open, you will lose more heat than you would with a ventless set which is why vented gas logs are mainly considered a decorative appliance.

Why does my ventless gas fireplace smell?

In fact, a faint gas smell is an unavoidable consequence of using gas fireplace logs. In a gas ventless fireplace, oxygen is provided by the air in your home. If that air contains impurities, those impurities are drawn in with the oxygen and can produce odors which are amplified by the flame.

What is the difference between direct vent and ventless gas fireplace?

The Difference Between Vent-free and Direct Vent Fireplaces

A direct vent fireplace uses a coaxial pipe system to draw combustion air from the outside through the outer pipe. The inner pipe vents the exhaust through the roof or outside wall. A vent-free fireplace operates without a chimney, or outside flues or vents.

Do gas logs heat a room?

Vent-free gas logs are an inexpensive and efficient way to add extra heat to a room without having to open the damper on your fireplace. These logs use the air from within the room for combustion and then put heat back out into the room. In most cases, vent-free gas logs cannot be used in conjunction with a blower.

What is the difference between a gas fireplace and a gas insert?

Gas fireplaces are very similar to gas inserts. However, the difference between gas fireplaces vs. gas inserts is that a built-in gas fireplace doesn't require an existing fireplace or chimney. So, if you don't have an existing wood-burning fireplace, this is your only option.

How long can you run a vented gas fireplace?

two to three hours

Are vent free propane heaters safe?

The truth is, vent free heaters are, in and of themselves, extremely safe, economical to operate and, when properly sized and maintained, are proven to meet today's rigorous standards for air quality. And as long as consumers demand energy-saving products, the future of vent-free appliances looks very bright indeed.

How often should gas logs be replaced?

However, embers do fade over time and will periodically need to be replaced. Embers can last up to five years depending on how frequently you use your fireplace. We have found that replacing embers every three years keeps a log set looking brilliant.

How do you arrange fake gas fireplace logs?

How to Arrange Gas Logs

Place the largest ceramic logs on the bottom to serve as the foundation for the fire.
Leave 2 inches (5 centimeters) between logs.
Make sure none of the logs is blocking the gas flow.
Arrange smaller logs on top of the foundation logs.
Turn on the gas and light the fire using either matches or the automatic igniter.

How can I make my gas fireplace more realistic?

Gas Log Embers

Just place of few of the Platinum Bright Embers throughout the fireplace to create an even more vibrant glow. If you have vented gas logs, place small pieces on the burner bed to create a realistic glowing effect wherever the flame flows through the fiber material.

Can I install gas logs myself?

Yes, you can install our vented and vent-free gas logs yourself if you already have a gas line connected to your fireplace. Watch our easy step-by-step guide to installing and operating your gas logs.

How long do gas logs last?

Type of gas logs: A well maintained vented log set with ceramic logs will last a very long time, in some cases 10 or more years. A well maintained ventless log set with ceramic logs can also last a long time, but, if heavily used, will begin to wear in 3-5 years.

Do vent free gas logs smell?

Vent-free gas log will not produce an odor unless the air it takes in has an odor. There are many products that will cause the appliance to smell and below are just a few.

How do you tell if my gas fireplace is vented?

How to Tell If Your Gas Logs Are Vent-Free

Inspect the logs. All vent-free logs are firmly attached to a U-shaped burner and cannot be moved.
Follow the gas line from beneath the logs to where it disappears in the wall or floor. If the gas is merely contained by a simple gas line, then the logs are vent free.
Turn on the fireplace.