Vented Gas Fireplace

A vented gas fireplace is often preferred by those who are concerned about combustible by-product emissions in their living space. These units are exhausted outdoors, thus lessening exposure to odors and preserving higher indoor air quality.

There are typically 2 types of vented gas fireplaces: The B-Vent, sometimes called natural vent fireplace, or a direct vent appliance.

Let’s look at some of the differences here.

B Vent

There is piping known as B-vent used for a chimney. It is an economical option. Here are some of the features:

• Costs less than direct vent fireplaces

• Can be placed anywhere in a home where a B-vent pipe can be installed

• Decorative, but lower in efficiency

• Uses air in the room for combustion, with venting taking place above the line of the roof, like a furnace would

• Not difficult to install, doesn’t require a lot of space, but will need finishing detail, such as a surround and a mantel.

Direct Vent

This type of fireplace venting uses a pipe within a pipe system and draws the air for combustion from the outside. Here are some of the distinctions:

• Warms and efficiently heats a cold room

• Always enclosed on the front (such as glass covered)

• Is a good option for well-insulated houses or those homes without an existing chimney

• Can be vented either vertically through the roof, or horizontally through an outside wall of the home

• Ideal choice for modern airtight homes

• The inside pipe vents exhaust fumes

• Space saving and not difficult to install, but will require some type of surround and mantel.