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Direct Vent vs Vent Free vs B-Vent Fireplaces

Gas Fireplace

Are you looking for the perfect gas fireplace for your home? Maybe you are unsure which type would work best for you. Let’s take a closer look at the different types: Direct Vent vs Vent Free vs B-Vent Fireplaces. At Energy Center-Manhattan Pool, we have all three types. And we would be happy to help you choose the perfect fireplace for your home.

Direct Vent Fireplaces

Direct vent fireplaces have a special pipe which has two parts. One part brings fresh air in, and the other part takes the exhaust and fumes out. Install the exhaust vent through a wall, through a chimney if you already have a chimney, or through the roof. They can even be vented directly out the back of the unit, saving on the costs of venting. This is what makes direct vent fireplaces more versatile than wood, because it doesn’t have to have a straight, vertical vent.

The front of the fireplace is a sealed piece of glass to keep combustible gases out of the house. It also has a screen that acts as a safety barrier.

In addition, the sealed firebox helps to preserve the air quality inside your home. Sometimes, you can place a direct vent fireplace insert inside of an already existing fireplace. Also, a fan or blower can be added to help put more hot air into the room.

Vent Free Fireplaces

Vent free fireplaces are unique in that they do not require a chimney or a flue. No vent is attached. All of the heat stays inside the area that you are trying to heat, making it very effective at heating your home. If you have a smaller space or do not have a place for an exhaust pipe, this may be the fireplace for you. The main purpose for the ventless fireplace is for heating the home, not for decoration.

Keep in mind that the exhaust is coming into your home, so it’s imperative that the unit installed is sized adequately for the size of the room it is going into. In addition, some homeowners can smell the fumes and we have found that typically the elder, very young and those with asthma-like conditions may be sensitive to this type of unit.

Avoid rearranging the gas logs; they are put together in a special way so that the flames do not come in contact with the logs. The ventless systems also have a sensor that monitors the oxygen level in the room; if the oxygen level goes too low, the gas is automatically turned off.

B-Vent Fireplaces

The pipe on a b-vent fireplace always has to go up through the roof. The b-vent fireplace takes air from the room into a chamber and out through the chimney via the double-walled pipe. The b-vent fireplace is open in the front, more like a wood-burning fireplace. Much of the heat goes out through the chimney. The placement of a b-vent fireplace is not as diverse as the others since the pipe must go straight up through the roof. 

A gas fireplace is a great choice because it saves you time—you don’t have to chop wood, stack wood, bring the wood in, etc. It also does not have to be cleaned after each use like a wood-burning fireplace does. Gas logs require very little maintenance. We are happy to help if you need instructions on how to light your pilot. However, many gas units are now electronically ignited, which saves money when it isn’t in use. Also, gas fireplaces will still work during a power outage, so your home will be warm even without power.

No matter what type of fireplace you decide on, Direct Vent vs Vent Free vs B-Vent Fireplaces, it will provide warmth and a gathering place for the whole family. Come Find Your Gathering Place at Energy Center-Manhattan Pool

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