Is my gas fireplace vented?

Turn on the fireplace. If the flames reach above the gas logs and the look like a wood burning fireplace, then the logs must be vented. If the flames are small, an have a blue cast, the fireplace is vent-free.

People also ask, what is the difference between a vented and unvented gas fireplace?

Vented gas logs burn like a real wood fire with a yellow flame that produces smoke. They must be burned in a wood burning fireplace with the damper open, so smoke goes up the flue along with most of the heat. Ventless (vent-free) gas logs burn cleanly with a lower flame that does not smoke.

Likewise, are vented gas fireplaces efficient? Vented Gas Fireplace Efficiency Two-pipe models offer efficiency ratings of 70 percent to 85 percent, while single-pipe units offer around 50 percent efficiency, according to the This Old House website. Single-pipe models are also known as "B-vent" gas fireplaces.

Herein, does a gas fireplace need a vent?

Ventless fireplaces fueled by gas or propane rely on indoor air for combustion, and they exhaust a low level of their combustion gases into the room in which they're located. A chimney or flue isn't necessary. In fact, ventless fireplaces generally are just for aesthetics and supplemental space heating.

How long can you run a vented gas fireplace?

two to three hours

35 Related Question Answers Found

Which is better vented or ventless gas fireplace?

It all depends on your needs, but vented sets have a more realistic flame and can be used in an existing real wood fireplace, while ventless logs are more efficient. A gas fireplace makes a great alternative for homeowners looking for a supplemental heat source that also provides a beautiful ambience.

Can you get carbon monoxide poisoning from a gas fireplace?

Yes, gas fireplaces are one potential cause of carbon monoxide poisoning. An improperly maintained or ventilated gas fireplace, however, can result in incomplete combustion, creating carbon monoxide, and causing this toxic gas to linger—putting those inside at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Do ventless gas fireplaces give off 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.

Do gas fireplaces use a lot of gas?

A typical gas fireplace consumes 30k to 40k BTUs of gas per hour set on “high”, but you can look on the data tag in the bottom of your fireplace to know exactly what yours is rated for. Natural gas is normally billed per therm.

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.

Will Vented gas logs heat a room?

A vented gas log must be used in a regular fireplace, designed to burn a wood fire. The Gas Log Heater will provide up to 25,000 BTU's of heat into the room and can be used with or without glass doors.

Should gas fireplace smell?

No, it is not normal for a gas fireplace to give off a strong smell for this long of a time. The strong "urine" smell could be urethane insulation that is too close to the firebox or vent pipe. Or if you are running on natural gas, it could be the mercaptan odorant in the gas which is leaking.

Can I have a gas fire without a chimney?

What is a flueless gas fire? Having a flueless fire installed basically means that your fire will not have a flue. With no chimney or any pipes, the flueless fire will operate without both and the emissions from the fire will leave from the top or front.

Should a ventless gas fireplace smell?

In fact, a faint gas smell is an unavoidable consequence of using gas fireplace logs. As the name implies, ventless gas fireplaces don't require an open chimney to operate. Because they burn only small amounts of natural gas or propane, they are safe to operate indoors.

Are fumes from gas fireplace harmful?

Gas fireplaces are generally considered cleaner than traditional wood-burning fireplaces, but they can also pollute indoor air quality if not properly vented. Toxic gasses emitted include deadly carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide -- a gas particularly harmful to those with asthma.

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 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.

Will a gas fireplace work without electricity?

If you have a gas fireplace with a vertical pilot, it will light during a power outage because it does not require electricity to start the pilot flame. If the gas fireplace has a blower or fan, it will need electricity, but you should still be able to generate heat without it.

Can gas fireplaces give you a headache?

Few homeowners are still unaware of the odorless and colorless gas. It can cause all sorts of health problems ranging from mild headaches to death. Even gases other than carbon monoxide can cause respiratory problems if they're present in large enough quantities and/or someone in the home has sensitivity to that gas.

Can a gas fireplace be vented downward?

Most of the major gas fireplace brands approve many of their units with power vents. It is perfectly acceptable in most situations to vent downwards, use many elbows, and even vent over 100 feet horizontally.

Can you install a gas fireplace on an inside wall?

Their inner and outer shell construction allows for maximum heat insulation.” As long as you have a natural gas connection or propane availability, you can install a gas fireplace almost anywhere in your home—under a window, in either an outside or inside wall, at wainscot or floor level, in a corner or even in the

Is it cheaper to run a gas fireplace or the furnace?

Choosing to turn on a gas fireplace or a gas furnace really depends on what you want to accomplish. Usually it is more fuel efficient to have the fireplace on because it doesn't lose any heat traveling through ductwork, but that also means the heat is localized and won't warm the entirety of a large house.