What is the Difference Between Vented and Vent Free Gas Logs?

When shopping for gas logs it is important to know what to expect from an Vent Free Gas Log Set VS. a Vented Gas Log Set. Each is different visually, different amounts of gas are consumed, there are different installation requirements, and the heat output will be different. Vented Gas Logs are the most popular types of gas logs sold. They have been made for more than 50 years. They are required to be installed into a fully functioning wood burning fireplace that has a chimney that can exhaust the fumes to the outdoors. Vented gas logs create larger, more realistic flames than an vent free gas log set. People often confuse them with a real wood burning fire. Most 18” to 30” gas logs will use 70,000 to 90,000 BTUs per hour of fuel. Based on national averages, if used 4 hours per day, would cost between $36 and $46.28 per month.  Vented gas logs will provide radiant heat but are a decorative appliance and cannot be expected to be a heat source like a furnace. Vented Gas Logs Quick Notes

• If used 4 hours per day, would cost between $36 and $46.28 per month.
• It is recommended to have your chimney inspected prior to installing any gas log set.
• There are a number of control options from match lit (where allowed by code) to an electronic remote-control kit.
• The logs will have to be cleaned periodically depending on use.
• The glowing embers will have to be replaced every season or two depending on use.
• Factory tested ANSI log sets are available for commercial use. Also included are installations that require the control system to be installed and tested at the factory.

Vent Free Gas Logs have grown and changed significantly in the last 20 years. They once had a much smaller flame than a vented log set and were not as attractive. Innovations in technology are changing that. The flame is much more attractive than it was 20 years ago. Vent free gas logs burn less fuel than vented gas logs and are 99.9+% efficient. Because they use less fuel and burn more efficiently, the flame is not as large as a vented gas log set. Vent free appliances typically use between 20,000 and 40,000 BTUs per hour. On a national average, if used 4 hours per day, they would cost between $10 and $21 dollars a month to operate. Also, most vent free gas logs are also tested to the same operational standards as vented gas logs. They can be used with the fireplace damper open to allow the heat to exhaust up the chimney.  This is convenient for when you want to use the fireplace but do not require the heat. Vent Free Gas Logs Quick Notes

• If used 4 hours per day, they would cost between $10 and $21 dollars a month to operate.
• Because they burn so efficiently, they produce a larger amount of heat. Open areas are best for their installation.
• They are not allowed to be used in bedrooms unless they are 10,000 BTUs or less and approved by local code
• The efficient burning of gas produces water vapor (who knew fire could make water?). This is normally a good thing as most homes are dry during a heating season and furnaces often use humidifiers to increase the moisture level in the house. Using a vent free gas log set for more than 4-6 hours per day can produce too much moisture.
• Vent Free gas logs use air from within the room for combustion. If an impurity is introduced into the air, the combustion of that impurity can produce an odor. This can come from air fresheners, paint, cooking odors, construction related odors, etc.. Once these impurities disappear from the air, so will the odor.
• Each-and-every vent free log set has been factory tested for safety prior to being packaged up. They are also equipped with safety features to prevent the appliance from using too much room air.