Direct Vent Gas Fireplace

A direct vent gas fireplace is one of the recent types of fireplaces such as electric fireplace and outdoor fireplace that can be installed in lieu of the conventional brick fireplace with a chimney exhaust. Fireplaces are essential heating systems for the frigid regions of northern Europe, Russia, U.S., and Canada. Among the heating options available for each household are the conventional brick fireplaces, the gas type, or perhaps, the modern mechanized or electrically powered interior heating systems. Direct vent gas fireplace installation inside or outside the house is the popular alternative for those who are constrained by a relatively small budget.

How Direct Vent Gas Systems Work

All fireplaces classified under the gas type are fueled by either liquefied petroleum gasoline (LPG) or some other natural gasses. Instead of manually setting up the fireplace by lighting up wood, gas is burned inside the direct vent gas fireplace.

Among the main parts comprising the direct vent system are the fireplace insert and two exhaust vents or pipes. The direct vent gas fireplace insert, where the combustion of gas takes place, is sealed wherein only the heat produced is radiated into the room. The two exhaust vents connected to the chamber or insert work in two ways and serve as replacement for the traditional brick chimney. One of the vents draws oxygen or air into the chamber or insert and the other vent delivers the smoke and other gaseous bi-products outside. In a direct vent system, the pipes or vents are usually installed through the wall and not vertically like conventional chimneys.

Traditional Fireplaces vs Direct Vent Gas Fireplace

While a person, a couple, or the entire family is in the process of choosing a house to buy or an architectural design to implement, one particular concern would be the choice of the nature, type, and the design of the fireplace to be installed in the living room. When considering installing the direct venting type, gathering information, expert opinion, and existing direct vent gas fireplace reviews is essential. Aside from such information, the homeowner may find the following distinctions and benefits of the direct vent system from the conventional chimney-type fireplace useful.

• Conventional fireplaces require wood while the direct vent system uses gas.

This distinction primarily involves how hard it is to use them. The conventional ones will usually require some manual intervention to arrange the wood or fuel and lighten it up while the direct vent gas fireplace is automated and only requires control of buttons or switches.

• Heat gained is optimized with the direct vent system.

Several studies and observations have concluded that the direct vent system provides more concentrated heat compared to the conventional fireplaces where much of the heat escapes directly into the chimneys.

• The direct vent gas fireplace provides consistent heat levels.

The ability to control the heating level is always ensured with the direct vent system. Although the level of heat may also be controlled by adding up or reducing wood in traditional fireplaces, it’s not always precise and there is always manual intervention or effort required.

• Direct vent system eliminates smoke inside the room or house.

Aside from the benefit of providing concentrated heat, the direct vent system prevents the smoke from coming inside the room or house since the insert or combustion chamber is sealed with clear glass. On the other hand, households wanting the more natural effects and smell of burning wood should opt for the conventional type.

• Conventional fireplaces are more elaborate to build.

Conventional fireplaces are built piece by piece or brick by brick. On the other hand, direct vent glass fireplace installation is simpler since the parts are already prebuilt or manufactured.