So, you’re eager to add some warmth to your home for the colder months ahead, but you’re not crazy about the idea of managing a real wood-burning furnace. Fortunately, you have some excellent alternatives these days!
Most gas log systems can be classified into one of two categories: vented or ventless. Vented gas logs typically include either a direct vent or a B-vent. Direct vents are completely sealed and pull all of their fresh air from outside the home. B-vents use air from inside the home. Ventless gas logs are exactly what the name suggests—they don’t require a venting system.
There are benefits to both vented and ventless gas log systems, and the type of system you need will depend on your specific situation. We’ve provided more details below to help you determine which type of gas logs will best suit your needs!
Vented Gas Logs
There are several benefits to choosing vented over ventless. The important thing is that you understand the difference so that you can choose the best option for your home.
Here’s a quick rundown of the pros to using a vented gas log system:
• You can install vented gas logs in an existing fully functioning fireplace.
• The flames are more realistic than those from ventless gas logs.
• The logs themselves also show great detail and look very realistic.
• Vented gas logs typically cost less.
Vented gas logs are ideal for homeowners who already have a functioning wood-burning fireplace. The flames wrap around the logs just like a real wood fire, and the yellow flames in a vented system are taller. Combined with authentic-looking logs, this type of system offers superior realism.
It’s important to note that vented gas logs produce carbon monoxide emissions just like real wood does. So, the vent must be properly installed through an open chimney to ensure safety. Moreover, vented systems tend to consume more heat and create more soot than their ventless counterparts. For many homeowners, however, the fact that you can reposition the logs and the lower price of a vented system counteract those minor drawbacks!
Ventless Gas Logs
As with their vented counterparts, ventless gas logs come with their own benefits and might prove to be the best option for you, depending on what you need.
Let’s take a look at some of the main benefits of using ventless gas logs:
• They can heat your home more efficiently than vented gas logs.
• They are more environmentally friendly because they cause less air pollution.
• Ventless gas logs typically require less fuel to operate.
• You generally have more flexibility when it comes to where you can install ventless gas logs.
Though it can often be installed in a functional fireplace, a ventless gas log system doesn’t need a chimney or flue to operate. Most of the heat generated from the logs remains in your home, making it more of an efficient heating solution than vented logs. Also, since almost all of the fuel used for a ventless system burns, it produces less air pollution.
The primary drawback of ventless logs is that they appear a little less realistic than vented logs. And you don’t have the flexibility of repositioning the logs once they’re installed. If the pros outweigh the cons for you, and especially if you need more flexibility with where you can install gas logs, then going with a ventless system may be your best bet.
Conclusion
Investing in a gas log system can prove worthwhile once the colder months come around. Consider the benefits and differences of vented and ventless logs, and assess which type of system would work best in your home. If you have any questions or would like more information about our gas logs, reach out to Hearth & Patio today, and we’ll get you set up for a cozy winter!
