How Do Vent Free Gas Logs Work? [Explained]

• Ventless gas Logs release moisture and heat into the same room where your vent-free fireplace is placed and recirculates the same air back into your room
• They burn similar to real wood and you will require a chimney vent pipe that permits air to leave through outside the home instead of back into your living area
• Here’s how ventless gas fireplaces work
• Vent-free gas logs feature a control panel
• Vent free gas logs are safer to use than wood burning fireplaces.
• Vent free gas logs don’t have a chimney

How Do Vent Free Gas Logs Work

Vent free gas logs utilize interior air for combustion. They work in a U-shaped path by taking oxygen from the room. The regulator mix air in your room to produce the fire.

The vent at the top of the fireplace releases air back into the room. In this article, we will discuss how vent free logs work.

How Does a Vent Free Fireplace Work?

Typically, vent free fireplaces are connected with a propane line. The gas or propane line should be installed by a professional. That being said, you must look for a qualified plumber to do the job perfectly.

It is worth noting that vent free fireplaces are designed with burners that cleanly burn the gas. Vent free fireplace works similarly to other fireplaces in the kitchen.

The gas unit boasts of a control panel, which main use is to control the pilot light. The highly regarded vent free fireplaces use artificial logs. Most artificial logs come with holes that allow flames to pass through.

Vent Free Vs. Vented Gas Fireplaces

You might be aware that fewer homes are made with wood burning fireplaces. In the last couple of years, gas fireplaces have been gaining a lot of popularity. We have witnessed many homeowners using propane fueled vented fireplaces.

Remember that a vented fireplace has two vents fitted on your house’s exterior.

The main role of the intake vent is to draw fresh air into the fireplace. On the other hand, exhaust flame aims to remove the fumes from the burning process. You can spend approximately $3,000 to install such fireplaces.

However, the end cost depends on the quality and your preferred design.

People prefer vent free fireplaces because they are affordable to install. A typical vent free fireplace will cost you around $1,000. The regulator feature on the vent free fireplace produces a fine mixture of gas and air.

The regulator works in a unique way such that it allows the gas to burn efficiently.

According to Federal Regulations, vent free fireplaces must be tested before being released into the market. Every product must meet all health and safety conditions. You will notice that some fireplaces have carbon monoxide detectors.

In addition, the oxygen detection sensors monitor air quality in the room. If the sensors detect oxygen levels have fallen below the recommended levels, the oxygen detector will immediately turn off the fireplace. The same thing will happen when the carbon dioxide levels are high.

Are Vent Free Fireplaces Safe?

While some homeowners think that vent free fireplaces are safe, some are of a different opinion. Vent free fireplaces have been associated with emitting byproducts created from the burning gas. Keep in mind that heat pushes harmful gases into the home.

As a responsible homeowner, you should use the fireplace as intended by the manufacturer. Ensure it’s installed properly and by an expert if you want to be safe. The carbon monoxide detectors must also be installed near the fireplace.

Be guaranteed that your fireplace will be safe to use if it’s properly installed as instructed by the manufacturer.

Pros and Cons of Vent Free Gas Logs

Vent free gas logs have disadvantages and advantages like other fireplaces. Before settling on vent free gas logs, you should consider the following pros and cons.

Advantages

• Vent free gas logs don’t need a chimney or flue to work. Therefore, homeowners will save on floor space and other installation costs.
• Vent free gas logs are eco-friendly when compared to wood fireplaces.
• Higher BTU is guaranteed with vent free gas logs.

Disadvantages

• Lack of venting means that this fireplace produces harmful gases.
• The flames produced by vent free fireplaces do not look genuine.
• The logs don’t retain heat well, which means they don’t provide homeowners with enough heat.

Maintaining Vent Free Fireplaces

Vent free gas logs are required to burn efficiently and completely. Remember that they are designed with mechanical systems that are prone to maintenance and other contaminants. You will be exposed to numerous risks if the fireplace is not installed as per the manufacturer specifications.

Vent free fireplaces are carefully installed to produce less soot and fumes. With that in mind, you must clean the burner regularly to increase the durability of your fireplace.

Are Vent Free Gas Logs Your Best Option?

Vent free fireplaces are becoming more popular, especially for remodeling work. It’s easier to install vent free fireplaces than vented wood. It is good to know that there is no airflow to the outdoors from the fireplaces.

The fireplace does not result in any negative pressure problems with this design. You will love this gas log since it emits less exhaust than wood burning fireplaces.

However, you should go for electric fireplaces if you have a respiratory illness. Electric fireplaces are the best option for homeowners on a tight budget.

Does a Vent Free Gas Fireplace Have an Odor?

Unlike electric fireplaces, gas fireplaces are provided with oxygen from the air in your room. Gas logs will produce odors if the air in the home contains dust and other impurities. Homeowners are advised to vacuum debris and use an air purifier to avoid the odors.

How to Clean Vent Free Fireplace

Vent free gas logs are made to produce minimal soot and fumes. However, make sure to clean your fireplace regularly if you want it to work without issues.

Is It Possible to Install a Television Above a Vent Free Gas Log?

It’s allowed to install a television above a vent free gas log. However, install the television with care to avoid damaging it.

Final Thoughts

Make sure your vent free gas logs are installed by a professional or an experienced technician. This increases the durability and overall safety of your home. When buying a gas fireplace, you should check the material and safety features.

References

• https://blog.totalhomesupply.com/vented-vs-vent-free-gas-logs/

Eugene Duke

Hi, my name’s Eugene Duke and I love sitting by my fireplace reading a book and sipping on an adult beverage. Do you have a fireplace in your house? I’ll help you figure out the best type and style of fireplace for your home.