Vented gas logs are perfectly safe and provide a beautiful, natural-looking fire, but they do not give out as much heat as vent-free gas logs. Vented and Ventless Gas Logs are a little different. You’ll pay $3,500 to $8,000 or more, depending on fireplace quality and the amount of remodeling … How do you tell the difference between vented and vent free gas logs? The National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI) observes that although fumes are greatly reduced, ventless fireplaces still release small amounts into the home, increasing the risk of carbon monoxide exposure. How to install gas logs. There is a slight difference to the flame jets between the two styles, and as a result, ventless fireplaces tend to burn somewhat less realistically than vented units. Lee has over two decades of hands-on experience remodeling, fixing, and improving homes, and has been providing home improvement advice for over 12 years. Both require the same type of natural gas or propane connection, so there is no cost difference in terms of plumbing. Vented gas logs burn like a real wood fire with a yellow flame that produces smoke. Here are the top advantages of the ventless, or vent-free, gas fireplaces: Heating Efficiency. Ventless logs disperse almost all of the heat into the room and use slightly less energy than vented logs. The fireplaces may also have built-in CO (carbon monoxide) detectors that also automatically shut off the fireplace if high levels are detected. In general, the logs will only fit in the correct configuration. How Much Does Repairing a Fireplace Cost? These logs are ceramic and painted to look like burning wood logs. Vent-Free Gas Fireplace Safety. Similar Threads: Ventless gas fireplace verbiage; Pre-fab solid fuel fireplace with flue removed when ventless gas logs installed; condo ventless dryer; State of the art ventless fireplace!! If you don't have natural gas service, check with your local natural gas company before purchasing a log set. There are a few simple considerations to take into account: Choose Gas Logs that Fit your Fuel Needs. Another sign is you have a green or black control module some where near the gas valve with several wires plugged in it. Now that you've gone through the steps of making the really broad decisions in selecting your gas logs, it's time to get a little more specific.This is the point at which most gas log shoppers begin narrowing down the vast selections of ventless or vented gas logs based on things like fireplace size considerations, types of controls, pilot systems vs. manual gas valves, and others. In a traditional vented gas fireplace, there are two vents that run to the outside of the home. This is called the Oxygen Depletion Sensor and is located just outside the range of the fire. With any fireplace installation, a major issue is venting the exhaust gases, whether it is simple smoke from a wood-burning fireplace, or the exhaust fumes produced when you burn gas. Most ventless gas logs are certified by the American Gas Association and often comes with an oxygen depletion sensor. Thanks! Troubleshooting an Electronic Ignition Furnace That Won't Light, 5 Common Problems With High-Efficiency Furnaces, Wood Heat vs. There is no simple way to identify a vented gas log from a non-vent if it is not marked, even professionals have a hard time indentifying one from another. They recommended using a “Chimney Pillow” as a possible solution. It is usually by the knob that controls the flame height. Next, the gas logs are removed and the gas line is capped off or converted to a gas log lighter. I have a VERY cold fireplace & a relatively new chimney cap (installed as a condition of sale 3 yrs ago). Need help? Not a huge deal, but the ventless gas industry wants you to feel that you're being liberated of a burden by not having an exhaust vent. By contrast, a ventless fireplace costs between $1,000 and $5,000. First of all, let's call it what it really is. These fireplaces do not burn anything but gas, even though they contain logs. They are often designed to vent directly into the living area. The logs connect to a gas supply line at the side of the fireplace and run on either natural gas or propane. Also, it’s strongly advised that you never burn a ventless gas log for four continuous hours. The two types of gas fireplaces function differently. Purchase a unit with a thermostat so it will not over heat and do not use a high BTU unit in a small room with the doors closed. While gas logs typically function properly for years, like all gas appliances they can develop leaks. There is no masonry or chimney built or used. The cheapest way to have a ventless fireplace in your home is with gel-based units. The yellow flame log sets produce a very realistic and attractive fire, and will often be mistaken for a real wood fire. If your house is already hooked up for natural gas, then you want a burner that uses natural gas. Pellet Stove Comparison Guide, How to Install a Dryer Vent in a Tight Space, How to Test for Carbon Monoxide in Your Home, Venting a Hot Water Heater: What You Should Know, How to Check a Pilot Light on a Gas Furnace. Wood-burning fireplaces are inherently inefficient, since a good deal of the home's heat inevitably escapes up the flue rather than radiating into interior spaces. Because venting is such a large part of the installation cost, ventless fireplaces are generally a lot less expensive than vented units. So, I came to your website, spent the last 90 minutes reading EVERY one of your replies to all of these posts, and have become not only more educated on this topic but have developed an admiration for your knowledge & straightforwardness. Additions to Your Logs There are some ways to make your gas log fire look more realistic. On the surface, a ventless gas fireplace looks quite similar to a vented fireplace. If you can even find a model # you can google that number and see what comes up. I am fairly convinced that I need a Chimney Balloon, but at 300 lbs with no official contortionist training, I have been reluctant to take the time to remove our toddler gate which would be required to gain access to the fireplace allowing for an appropriate measurement (trust me, it is an event to take this thing apart…14 ft of it that encircles the entire family room)!! Ventless (vent-free) gas logs burn cleanly with a lower flame that does not smoke. 608-467-0229 Free Shipping Contact Us Shop Now. Vented and Ventless Gas Logs are a little different. There are many products that will cause the appliance to smell and below are just a few. Shop All Gas Log Sets . The damper on the fireplace should have a small clamp attached to it. Ventless gas fireplaces, in particular, are popular because they're clean and easy to use. However, most gas logs these days are ceramic, and they tend to last a big longer as they are extremely durable and resistant to extremely hot temperatures. You must have JavaScript enabled to fill out this form. ***IMPORTANT*** You Need To Register To View Images . Air flowing out a chimney vent flue can even prevent combustion gases from other appliances from exhausting properly. Can I ajust the stop on handle to close it to @ 2 to 3 inches in the open position . Ventless gas logs aren't legal everywhere, including all of California. Yes, ventless gas fireplace logs can be returned and have a 180-Day return period. Ventless gas logs will produce more heat, while vented gas logs will look much more realistic. Ventless gas logs are extremely efficient and will provide an exceptional amount of heat for your room. If there is a small cylinder attached to the gas line, then the logs are vent-free. However, all the log sets they sell can come configured as either propane or natural gas, and my research indicates that all I have to do to convert it is to replace the regulator and the orifices with ones designed for natural gas. There is no such thing as a ventless … Venting a fireplace is especially complicated in retrofit installations, where it can be problematic to find a route for the chimney flue. When using gas logs you should still open the damper about 1/2way. Find the one that will match your tastes, all at an affordable price. If there is a small cylinder attached to the gas line, then the logs are vent-free. Burn vented gas logs with the damper open. To solve these issues, a ventless gas fireplace might be the solution. Vented gas logs burn like a real wood fire with a yellow flame that produces smoke. YOU SHOULD NEVER SEE SOOT on a ventless gas log set or ventless gas heater or elsewhere in your home. Dust, pet dander, hair, and fumes from home cleaning supplies all negatively affect a precision machine like ventless gas logs. Gas logs are the easiest way to upgrade your fireplace. Also known as unvented or vent-free fireplaces, a ventless gas fireplace operates with natural gas or liquid propane (LP) that flows into a gas burner mounted in the fireplace. Vented and Ventless Gas Logs are a little different. It's really more about the f/pl itself, not the logs. Ventless gas logs are extremely efficient and safe if used properly. And non-vented burning of natural gas or propane also produces water vapor as a byproduct, which can increase humidity levels and the risk of mold. Follow the gas line from beneath the logs to where it disappears in the wall or floor. According to the industry group Vent-Free Gas Products Association, a patchwork of regulations across the United States controls the legality of ventless fireplaces. If your logs are light weight like styrofoam, they are made of ceramic fibers. I have seen plenty of homeowners assume they had a no-vent just because the damper was not removed or clipped open, but it turned out they had a vented unit. Well- you can't. Choosing gas logs doesn’t have to be difficult. 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. 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. Gas logs / how open does flue need to be opened. Can ventless gas fireplace logs be returned? The easiest would be to look at the burner and find the manufacturer tag on it with a serial Number and model #. Question: How would I know if I have Vented Gas Logs or Non-Vented Gas Logs? Thank you in advance for your time & consideration! If you have a vented fireplace with ceramic logs, that’s well-maintained, your log set can last a very long time, maybe even ten years or more. Another issue with fireplaces concerns the energy loss. There are 'Off', 'Pilot', and 'On' positions. Ventless Gas Logs Advantages. This is called the Oxygen Depletion Sensor … yes it can, open damper in fireplace for drafting while gas logs are being used. Still, hazards are present. As far as converting burners, NO. – MW. Q: Jason, I bought my Virginia home about 3 yrs ago, and have never thought about the amount of heat / ac leaving the home until seeing a “home energy saving” piece on the local news. Why Do My Ventless Gas Logs Have An Odor If you're getting a true propane or natural gas odor from gas logs or space heaters there's more than likely a very small gas leak that is causing the odor and that can be fixed by repairing the leak. How to Clean a Ventless Gas Log. However, because of that steady heat, clearances around your firebox need to be double-checked as they usually call for more space away from combustibles than a wood-burning or gas vented fireplace. To see if you have a vented or non-vented gas log I would look first on the manufacturer plate on the gas log burner itself. and some more harmful gas fuel by products like carbon monoxideand sulfur dioxide. Always leave the fireplace doors open during use. The safety of ventless gas fireplaces is a subject of debate. The red or orange one is pilot valve control and green is main burner control. The flame pattern with ventless logs is not nearly as realistic in comparison to vented logs. As far as converting burners, NO. If you think the odor could possibly be coming from an airborne odor eliminate what you think is causing the odor and let the air settle for a hour or so and try burning the log set again. | *Details on Free Shipping | Privacy Policy | Refund Policy. Jason. The only thing you need to remember is that gas logs are hollow perforated imitation (often ceramic) logs used as a burner in the fireplace. There are limitations, though. How to Choose Gas Logs. This may sound dangerous, but ventless fireplaces are engineered in a manner that minimizes the exhaust fumes. The extent of my expertise with fireplaces ceases after the determination has been made that I actually have gas logs (which I do) & not real wood! Install the gas logs. 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. These sensors detect the oxygen levels within the room, and will shut off the gas supply to the logs once it sees that the oxygen level drops to a particular percentage. This does allow them to give all of their heat to the living area, but it also allows them to give all of their fumes and moisture to the living area as well. The Home Depot carries Dual Fuel (NG & LP), Natural Gas, Propane and more. 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. So do we!) To try to do this would be extremely dangerous. Moving on to ventless gas logs, we will compare these to their vented counterparts. It's recommended that ventless gas log sets be vented during their initial burn period to remove any odor or smoke produced. Cons: Ventless gas logs do not look as good as vented gas logs. Ventless gas fireplaces have a feature called an oxygen detection system (ODS), which automatically turns off the unit if oxygen levels in the room fall below a certain level. Ask Question Asked 4 years, 10 months ago. Installation of the gas logs will vary by brand and model, so be sure to reference your installation manual for specific directions. Natural gas logs must be hard-piped to an appliance from buried gas service lines. Built-in gas fireplaces are also very much like gas inserts, in that they are very reliable providers of heat. And you can its about the perspective of the asking party. Method 1 Ventless (vent-free) gas logs burn cleanly with a lower flame that does not smoke. If you notice the smell of gas from the appliance, turn off the gas supply (at the appliance) immediately and contact a certified gas fireplace repair technician for assistance. But how then, if it is known that these ventless units contribute to the dagners outlines above, can they be considered safe for homes or even sold in stores? 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. There is also a gas line that has been turned off since move-in day. 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. A vented gas fireplace costs between $3,500 and $8,000 to purchase and have installed, depending on the amount of carpentry required to run the ductwork. Some gas logs may release an odor and possibly some smoke during their initial burn. Without them, most of the heat from the burning gas would just escape out the vent. Ventless (vent-free) gas logs burn cleanly with a lower flame that does not smoke. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI). Anyway, you have typical gas logs. All Rights Reserved. There is a damper (presumably installed during the 1988 construction), which has been closed since move-in day. By contrast, vented gas fireplaces create a dangerously high amount of combustion exhaust and therefore must be vented to the outdoors. It measures the oxygen in the area. I lose a lot of heat the way it is set now Flue is set to wide open. Similar to gas inserts and gas logs, gas fireplaces come in vented and vent-free models. Sorry. To install gas logs, a gas fireplace system must be set up by a qualified gas equipment professional. And it is not a good choice if anyone in your home suffers from breathing problems, such as asthma or COPD. Vented vs Ventless Gas Logs. Vented gas fireplaces are somewhat better at retaining heat, but modern homes are now being built so airtight that even a vented gas fireplace may create negative air pressure that hinders good exhaust. 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