Vent Free vs. Direct Vent Gas Fireplaces: Which Is Right for Me?
A fireplace is a great way to give your home some much-needed ambiance during the colder months. But not every homeowner wants to deal with a real wood-burning fireplace. Fortunately, gas fireplaces can give you the warmth of a real fire without having to deal with the lumber and smoke. All a gas fireplace requires is a gas insert and gas log set. That means you don’t need to worry about logs that actually burn.
However, when you do choose to install a gas fireplace, you will need to choose between two venting options: vent-free gas inserts or direct vented gas inserts. To help you figure out which one is right for you, we’ve compiled some of the pros and cons of each.
What are the benefits of vent-free gas inserts?
Vent-free gas inserts are flexible and easy to install anywhere in your house because they don’t need to vent to the air outside to work. Unlike direct vent gas inserts, which need to be installed on a wall that vents outdoors, vent-free gas inserts can be installed on interior walls. No renovations are necessary and no holes need to be drilled into the ceiling or wall. Because of this versatility, vent-free gas inserts are typically more affordable than direct vent gas inserts, which can be advantageous if you’re on a budget.
Another benefit of vent-free gas inserts is that they’re efficient because no heat is lost through the flue or chimney. You can heat up the room more effectively, using less heat than you might need using a direct-vent gas insert.
What are the benefits of direct vent gas inserts?
Of course, vent-free gas inserts do have a few disadvantages. Vent-free gas inserts do need to have a minimum clearance of combustibles for proper safety. That means combustible items such as wood or clothing must be a safe distance away from the gas fireplace. That isn’t the case with direct vent gas inserts. Direct vent gas inserts have a glass panel capable of withstanding high-temperatures and so the burning area of the gas insert is separate from the rest of your home.
Direct vent gas inserts are also beneficial for those who want a more realistic-looking flame. Vent-free gas inserts need to burn at higher temperatures to reduce the risk of emissions being transmitted into the home, which can sometimes produce a blue flame. Direct vent gas inserts don’t need to burn so hot because the temperature is controlled.
Ultimately, both direct vent and vent-free gas fireplaces have benefits that make them worth the investment. However, it’s important to consider your needs when you’re debating between these two types of modern contemporary fireplaces. To learn more about direct vent or vent-free installations and gas log sets, contact The Flame Company today.
