The gas fireplace direct vent does not require a chimney but it does use vents. This vent can be horizontally out a side wall or vertically to the roof. The gas fireplace that is direct vent has a completely enclosed fireplace chamber that is very efficient.

 This works by drawing fresh air from the outside for combustion that heats and then expels the by products to the outside as well. The front doors are made from a porous glass that allows radiant heat to pass into the room. 

The venting system of a gas fireplace direct vent is a double walled pipe or, think of it as a pipe in a pipe. The inter pipe is the one that carries the bad air out. The outer pipe will bring in good air. This is a system that works in two ways. As the air is brought in, it is also warmed by the hot central venting pipe taking by products out. The gas fireplace direct vent will heat a room without taking the oxygen out of the room or even from the heated air it has heated. This will keep the room free from any fumes and combustible material like the ash or embers of a wood burning fire. 

A direct vent gas fireplace is also what is call zero clearance. This simply means that the heat is pushed out the front and the sides stay cool. This will allow different items that are combustible to be place right beside the fireplaces. If you need to save even more space, the direct vent can be inserted into the wall. Or you can pick a mantel to surround your fireplace. With a choice of many different stone looks or rich looking wood grains and textures, one is sure to fit most any type home decorating scheme you have. 

The gas fireplace direct vent are highly efficient. They are great for zone heating. This means you have a room or space that needs heating without heating the whole house. This will allow the central heating system to be turned down or off when other rooms will not be used, you would just heat the place or room you are in. Some of the fireplaces will come with gas fireplaces accessories such as a remote control and will have the manual control. 

The gas fireplace direct vent will use either natural gas fireplace or liquid propane gas fireplaces. One of the great features of the gas fireplaces is the fact it can be used if the power goes out. The blower system is the only component that uses electricity and this will not work with out it, but the gas fireplaces do not require electricity. Since any energy source will produce carbon monoxide, it is recommended to have one in every home regardless of the type of heating system you may be using.

The term free standing gas fireplaces can be rather confusing. The terminology would make you think it can be placed any where. But gas fireplaces can only be placed where the gas line is ran to.

 The terminology would also make you think it only applies to the ventless gas fireplaces that do not have to use a venting system, but that is not true either because the direct vent is also considered freestanding. So all that leaves is the free standing gas fireplace called so because it does not need the chimney of the wood burning fireplace.

The gas fireplaces direct vent does not have to use the chimney but it does use a venting system to bring in fresh air for the combustion. With the sealed combustion, all the air used is brought in from the outside, completely independent of the household air, then the by products of the combustion are removed to the outside of the house. This is made possibly by the gas fireplace vent. This is really two vents in one. Think of it as a pipe inside of a larger pipe of a double walled pipe. The inner pipe will carry the by products outdoors and the outer pipe will bring fresh air inside. The air coming inside will be heated on the way in by the hot central vent pipe. This also improves the efficiency of the direct venting.

The ventless gas fireplaces will use the air that is in the house and return this same air back into the room. Some of the manufactures do not produce the ventless gas fireplaces. They feel the air needs to be vented form the outside. Certain states will not allow for the ventless gas fireplaces while some states will require a permit to install. While most states do not require either, be sure and check your states codes. The manufactures of the ventless designs will state the safety features or in plce to protect the users. A system that monitors the oxygen levels in the room is called the Oxygen Depletion System, commonly known as ODS. If the oxygen levels drop 2%, the unit will turn off the ventless gas appliances.

The designs and styles that are available are truly amazing. If you are looking for the stone look, there are plenty choices. The wood look is available in many different tones along with colors like the classic white. Some of the different styles are the corner gas fireplace that allows you to use the normally unused space of a corner to place a gas heater there. Some of the units can be mounted to the wall and there is even the outdoor fireplaces to choose from.

If you are planning to remodel or building new, using the corner gas fireplaces will allow use of space that is usually overlooked. This can be a great way to introduce the look, feel and ambiance to a room that only a fireplace can.

The use of a corner fireplace may be a great way to have a fireplace where it may have been impossible before. The design of the fireplace mantel is in the “A” shape so if it will fit into the corner and make use of all the usually unused space. This is a big plus for the rooms that are smaller or limited on space.  These corner fireplaces are available as either natural gas fireplaces or propane gas fireplaces.

The ventless gas fireplaces will allow for a fireplace to be installed without the need of a chimney or the venting system. This will use the air in the room by drawing in, using for combustion, then blowing back into the room. The vent free gas fireplaces should come with ODS, Oxygen Depletion System. This is a monitor for oxygen levels in the air. If the oxygen level should drop by even 2 percent, the ODS will shut the gas appliance off. It is also recommended not to use any burning air fresheners, incense or candles. These items be produce soot that the ventless gas fireplaces will draw in. Some of the major manufactures will not produce the ventfree designs. They feel the air must be drawn from outside and the by products from the combustion to be directed outside of the house. Also, some states will only allow ventless gas fireplaces with a permit. Some states will not allow them at all. Check to make sure for your local codes.

There are a wide variety of different styles and designs for you to choose from. With many different colors and wood tones, there is something for every home decoration scheme. But the most desired effect of the gas fireplaces is the fact of no wood. You will not have to find, purchase, chop, split and haul the firewood to your house. Just the place to store the wood can be a problem for a lot of homeowners. Then hauling the wood inside as you need it and cleaning the ashes is a big turn off for most people. And the gas fireplaces will offer instant heat off and on. 

With todays technology, most will come with a couple of different ways to ignite the flames. The match light is the most common and least expensive. The manual safety pilot is where the pilot light will remain lit. It will be operated by a control knob mounted to the gas burner log. This is a little bit more expensive then the match light. The basic on off remote control will have the pilot light constantly lit also. The flame can be turned off and on by a remote control but the flame height can not be controlled by the remote. While this is more convenient, it is also a little more expensive. While the most convenient and most expensive will be the variable flame control. While the pilot light is also constantly lit, the flames can be turned off and on and also control the flame height. Some of the remote controls will allow for adjusting the fan setting, display the room’s temperature, and some will even allow for a timed automatic turn off.  Some of these features can be upgraded by replacing some of the gas fireplace accessories like the gas logs fireplaces.

 When you decided to purchase a gas fireplace, you will find there are two different types. The natural gas fireplaces will use the cities system and be constantly available at your home, while paying a monthly fee. The propane gas fireplaces will run off propane gas.

This gas will be stored in a large tank that is places on your property. The gas company will deliver the propane gas to your residence as you need it. Delivery time will be based on the size of the tank and your personal amount of usage.

Although the fireplaces are available to operate in either gas or propane, it is important to point these out when you are purchasing the unit. Also if you ever need to replace the gas logs fireplaces, you will need to buy the logs designed for the propane gas.

The styles and designs will come in a wide variety of materials and colors to choose from. If you would like the wood tone, there are several different wood grains and textures to choose from. The rich, deep colors are remarkable. If you would like to look for stone, there are also several different looks of stones and colors to choose from as well. If you have also wanted the standard, classic white fireplace, this is also ready for your home.

The trim around the actual fireplace insert is the fireplace mantel. As well as the availability of the wood or the stone look, there are several different styles to help meet your specific needs of the room the gas fireplace will be placed in. For example, if you have a small room but need to place a gas fireplace in it, you might try one of the corner gas fireplaces or even a wall mount gas fireplace. While both of these will provide the great look and effect of the fireplaces, they will also help make use of space that is often times overlooked and unused. If you are needing more shelf space and a place to place your TV, you might consider the TV and media centers. While allowing a mantel for your TV to be placed on, the shelves can provide a place for your entertainment systems. Most will also have some adjustable shelves that will be great for the CD’s and DVD’s. A flat screen would look great hanging above on of these media centers and would also give more shelving for personal items as well.

If you enjoy sitting outside even if the air is turning a little cool, perhaps you should consider a outdoor gas fireplace. Even if you have a smaller outdoor patio, or a large deck around a pool, there is a outdoor fireplace that can fit your needs.

These outdoor gas fireplaces are great for a gazebo or the screen in porch. Without the need for vents or the chimney, these units can be placed anywhere you can have the gas line ran to.  These great fireplaces can be either the natural gas fireplaces or the propane gas fireplaces.

With great styles and designs, there is one to fit with your decor. The units can be free standing gas fireplaces by there selves or you can have some custom cabinets or seating built around them. You could even built your outdoor living area around the gas fireplace. There are plenty of wood tones and stone looks to chose from. Some of the major manufactures will have a remote control for the outdoor gas fireplaces. Depending on the model, some of the features may be that you might be able to control would be the on off function, some of the units will allow to adjust the fan settings and even a timed automatic turn off. 

One of the features that the gas fireplace owners will all talk about is the fact they no longer have to bother with the wood. No all of us live close to some woods. So we would need, first of all, to find the wood we could buy. If you can not find someone to deliver you may have to pick it up yourself. This is very messy if you do not have a truck. Even if you have someone to deliver the chopped and split wood you will need a dry place to store it. A then every time you want a fire you will have to lug the wood inside. Then there is the cleaning up of the ashes. This just takes to enjoyment out of what should be a nice relaxing time.  Don’t forget some of the gas fireplace accessories to round out the look of a great fireplace.

With the outdoor gas fireplace you do not have to worry about the hassles of wood. All you need to do is turn it on and enjoy. But you will not have be bothered with the smoke or ash problems of a wood burning fire. This will be a great way to turn your patio into a resort that you do not even have to leave the house for. And it wont take long to make this the gathering point every time your friends and family get together.

The natural gas fireplaces will normally use the city gas if it is available. If this service is not available, then the consumer would have to use the propane gas fireplaces. The use the propane, the consumer will have to have a propane gas tank left at their house.

 This will hold and store the propane and be used as needed. A propane gas company will go to the consumers hose and fill the larger tank as needed. This will of course depend on the size of the tank and how much of the gas is used.

In looks, the natural gas fireplaces and the propane gas fireplaces are pretty much the same. This is two different types of fuel so it should be noted when the purchase is made or if the gas logs fireplaces have to be replaced. The gas fireplaces will come in several different styles and designs. From the corner gas fireplaces that will fit right into the corner and make use of the space that is usually not used to the outdoor gas fireplaces, there is a design for every need. Some of the gas fireplaces also have the option to mount on the wall. With the different materials and and colors, there is something for every decorating scheme. With rich wood tones and stone like mantels, there is something for every one.

But what most gas fireplace users seem to enjoy the most is not having to deal with the wood. No finding or buying the wood, no special dry place to store it and then having to haul it in as it is needed. But the thing that seems to please them most is the fact they do not have to clean up and carry out the ashes.

Neither of the natural gas fireplaces or the propane gas fireplaces will use a chimney. There are two types of designs for the gas fireplaces. One is the gas fireplaces direct vent. This will use a system that is usually ran through the side of the house and has a two in one pipe system. The inner pipe will expel the air that has the by produces of the combustion. The second pipe will bring in fresh air. The fresh air is heated from the inner pipe air helping to make this system more efficient. The ventless gas fireplaces will use the air inside the room and return it also. Some of the manufactures will not produce the ventless, stating safety reasons. But the ventless system has a Oxygen Depletion System, called ODS for short. This is a monitoring system that will shut off the gas fireplaces if the oxygen level drops even by 2 percent. Be sure to check the state codes for the area. Some states do not allow any ventless gas fireplaces, while some allow with a permit only and most do not have any regulation.

The innovative technology of the major manufactures has brought about a large choice of the gas log fireplace. With more designs available in the natural gas and the propane gas fireplaces, you will surly be able to achieve the overall look for each room that you are using a gas fireplaces in.

Keep in mind there is two different gas fireplaces. The ventless does not use a chimney or any type venting from outside. The air of the room is drawn in and circulated back out into the room. The direct vent or vented, does use a chimney or vent system to draw air from outdoors for the combustion process and the by products will also be expelled outdoors, thus requiring some type venting.

The vent free or ventless gas log fireplace logs should come equipped with the Oxygen Depletion System, also known as ODS. This safety feature will monitor the oxygen levels in the room. If the oxygen level drops approximately 2 percent, the unit will shut down the ventless gas appliance. It is suggested by the major manufactures not to use any burning objects in the room with the ventless gas log fireplace. Things like a candle, air freshener or incense can produce soot. This could could cause a problem with the fact the ventless system will be drawing in the room air.

The vented gas log fireplace ceramic logs are designed to have a flame very similar to a real wood burning flame. These ceramic logs will need to have a fully operating chimney. They will have to have the damper in the open position to be used. They need basically the same ventilation of the wood fireplaces. Most of the ceramic gas logs are designed to produce the big flames, some heat and look really great. The vented gas logs are referred to as the gas fireplace inserts. They will be used with the glass doors closed, unlike the ventless gas fireplaces that requires the front to be opened so it can draw the air in from the room. The vented gas logs are some of the most realistic logs on the market. They will come in many different styles and finishes. Some of the wood look finishes will include the birch, hickory, oak and many others. Most of the gas fireplaces will require electricity to to use the automatic ignite system but will also come with the ability to manually start. This will allow use even during a power outage.

Some states do not allow for the use of ventless or vent free gas appliances at all while indoors.  Some of the other states will require a special permit to operate the non vented appliances indoors. Always check to make sure of your local codes. 

The ventless gas fireplaces are just what they say, ventless. They are designed to operate with out gas fireplace direct vent to the outside. The ventless gas fireplaces are designed to pull air from the room into the unit for combustion.

It is converted into warm air that is returned back into the room. With out drafts, the ventless gas fireplaces are considered to be very high efficient with a burning efficiency rate of right at 99.9 percent. There are debates as to the air quality and safety of these gas fireplaces. Modern technology has allowed for a great looking yellow flame in the isolated environment of one room, without compromising the clean burn. These technology has also designed burner elements that emit a very reduced amount of carbon monoxide in the air. 

While the literature of the manufactures of the ventless gas fireplaces will state that these fireplaces not only meet but that they will exceed the guidelines set by the EPA, there are those who disagree. The argument is that fresh air must be brought in to compensate for the used air that is returned in the room. The thought is improved ventilation or exterior ducts will be required.  While these units are free standing gas fireplaces and can be installed next to or against a wall or if you prefer, they can also be place anywhere you can run the gas line to. If you like they can be fitted into a wall recess.   

All ventless gas fireplaces will have a wire draw screen or a mesh fixed screen. Glass doors can not be used as the oxygen used for the combustion is drawn in from the room. As a safety feature, the ventless gas fireplaces should be equipped with a Oxygen Depletion System, commonly referred to as ODS. It will monitor the oxygen level in the room. If the oxygen levels drop approximately 2%, the ventless gas appliance will shut itself down. The major manufactures will also suggest the the users take special care of burning any objects that produce smoke, such as candles, air freshener or incense. These could produce a soot that would be drawn into the ventless gas fireplaces and could cause a sooting problem. 

If you are wanting the great ambiance of a fireplace with out the trouble of dealing with the firewood and the ashes, the ventless gas fireplace may be the way for you to go. This unit can be used to either supplement your regular heating or just for zone heating. The zone heating will allow you to heat only the room you are in and turn down the heat in the empty rooms that are not being used at the time. The ventless gas fireplaces can and will work during the power failures.   

The ventless gas fireplaces are not just for the standard front view look. Also designed for multi sided viewing. The development of the special burner system in the gas log firelaces will direct the fire so it looks natural and appealing from various angles. This allows for the multi sided fireplaces. As with any energy source, it is recommended to install a carbon monoxide detector in every home and building.

The gas fireplaces can have a couple of different venting options. One of the options to the gas fireplace vent is the B-vent of the Natural vent.

 This option uses the air in the room for the combustion process. The air is sucked in from the front of the unit and is then removed through venting that terminates above the roof line like a furnace. While this is a more decorative it does lower efficiencies. This option does cost less then the gas fireplace direct vent system.

The ventless gas fireplaces system operates without the use of vent, chimney or even a flue. This will allow for the gas fireplaces to be installed almost anyplace that the gas lines can be ran. These fireplaces are inexpensive and have low operating costs. Most of these units will operate during power outages. The air is drawn in from the room, used in the combustion and then returned to the same room. While some of the major manufactures will not produce these units, they are equipped with the Oxygen Depletion System, commonly referred to as the ODS. This system will shut the unit down if the oxygen in the air is id dropped by 2%. Some states will not allow the ventless systems at all while others allow with a permit. Most states have no problem with them. Be sure to check the state codes in your area.

The direct vent system is the system that draws fresh air from the outside, uses this for combustion, and returns the by products back to the outdoors. This gas fireplace vent uses a coaxial pipe, like a smaller pipe inside a larger pipe. While the inner pipe will expel the used air, the fresh air brought in outer pipe will be heated by the inner pipe. This vent can be ran horizontally through the wall or vertically through the roof. Of course no chimney is required. The direct vent will require a gas fireplace mantel for the trim. Will use the enclosed front while the ventless fireplace will use an open front.

Most of the gas fireplaces can be used as a natural gas fireplaces or the propane gas fireplaces. Make sure which you will be needing before purchase. The natural gas will be hooked up to your house, like cable TV and you will receive a monthly statement. If you live outside the city, you may have to use propane. The propane company will install a large storage tank on your property and will deliver the propane gas as needed. The delivery will be based on how large the storage tank is and how much propane gas you use.

When we think of gas fireplace accessories we of course think of the thinks that we could replace on the gas fireplace if something was to get broken.

 The first thing we would probably think about would be the gas log fireplaces. These can be replaced but it is important to know a few things about your gas fireplace. You can learn about the fireplace if you do not know.

Is the gas fireplace run off natural gas or propane? It is easy to determine. If the gas comes to your house and you pay the city or a gas company by the month, this is probably the natural gas fireplace. If you have a large, exterior tank outside on your property, and the gas is delivered by a gas company to fill up the exterior tank as you need it, this is probably propane gas fireplaces. The delivery time will be determined by your personal about of use and how large a storage tank you have.

The next question to determine is the gas fireplaces direct vent or is it one of the ventless gas fireplaces? If the only item attached to your gas fireplace is the line that the gas comes in, then you probably have a ventless fireplace. The direct vent will have a vent pipe that pulls air in and takes air out through the vent pipe. Most of these pipes can go through a wall and will not be the standard chimney for the wood burning fireplaces. The direct vent or ventless would determine the glass doors. The direct vent will have doors that stay closed where the ventless would not because the air is pulled and pushed from the room, not the outside.

What is used to light your gas fireplace? Is just a match, or a knob, a wall switch, a thermostat or even a remote control. If you are wanting to change the way you operate the gas fireplace, this can be done by changing the valve type. Be sure to check your local codes for that area. There are different burners for the natural gas and the propane gas fireplaces. The burners kits or packages will come with different pieces depending on which you need or how you are wanting to up grade. Some will come with the grate, gas connector, fittings, the damper clamp, lava rock, vermiculite and rock wool embers. Spend some time to make sure you are getting what you need to adjust to what you are trying to change or upgrade.

There are a wide variety of parts and accessories for the gas fireplaces. Most of the working parts can be exchanged or up graded. But there is also the accessories just for looks. Do not forget to compliment your fireplace with some items like the fireplace tools, the screens, knick knacks, and the hearth rugs. Accessories like the fireplace wood holders or carriers will all add to the overall ambiance of the fireplace and give your home a warm and cozy feeling.