Ventless gas logs will produce more heat, while vented gas logs will look much more realistic. The flame pattern with ventless logs is not nearly as realistic in comparison to vented logs. Ventless Fireplaces Vent How? Cons: Ventless gas logs do not look as good as vented gas logs. All Rights Reserved. And it is not a good choice if anyone in your home suffers from breathing problems, such as asthma or COPD. There are 'Off', 'Pilot', and 'On' positions. Vented gas logs produce carbon monoxide emissions so your fireplace must have a chimney or flue. While some of the reasons might appear to be obvious others might turn a few curious glances. A: Hi MW, I’m sorry it took so long to respond to your post. Built-in gas fireplaces are also very much like gas inserts, in that they are very reliable providers of heat. Also known as unvented or vent-free fireplaces, a ventless gas fireplace operates with natural gas or liquid propane (LP) that flows into a gas burner mounted in the fireplace. Need help? This makes ventless gas log sets very efficient supplemental sources of heat. They must be burned in a wood burning fireplace with the damper open, so smoke goes up the flue along with most of the heat. I lose a lot of heat the way it is set now Flue is set to wide open. Most ventless gas logs are certified by the American Gas Association and often comes with an oxygen depletion sensor. As stated earlier, non-vented/ventless products use the air in the home for combustion. Anyway, you have typical gas logs. Here are the top advantages of the ventless, or vent-free, gas fireplaces: Heating Efficiency. Vented gas logs burn like a real wood fire with a yellow flame that produces smoke. If your house is already hooked up for natural gas, then you want a burner that uses natural gas. Low oxygen levels can be a concern with well-insulated homes that have a slow exchange of indoor and outdoor air. There are limitations, though. Gas fireplace logs provide a mess-free way to enjoy a warm, blazing fire on a cold winter night. It has a control panel to operate the pilot light and flames, and holes in ceramic artificial logs for the flame jets. I am fairly convinced that I need a Chimney Balloon, but at 300 lbs with no official contortionist training, I have been reluctant to take the time to remove our toddler gate which would be required to gain access to the fireplace allowing for an appropriate measurement (trust me, it is an event to take this thing apart…14 ft of it that encircles the entire family room)!! Purchase a unit with a thermostat so it will not over heat and do not use a high BTU unit in a small room with the doors closed. Vent-free gas log will not produce an odor unless the air it takes in has an odor. (Some direct-vent fireplaces are vented with a single two-chamber vent pipe). It is usually by the knob that controls the flame height. Either vented or non vetoed gas longs. Vented gas logs produce exhaust that goes up the chimney. To solve these issues, a ventless gas fireplace might be the solution. Ventless gas logs can also end up saving you money not just by being more efficient but also by using less gas than the alternative options. Natural gas logs must be hard-piped to an appliance from buried gas service lines. Gas logs / how open does flue need to be opened. How to Clean a Ventless Gas Log. Roughly a third of states allow these units with no restrictions. I’ve looked on the metal tags but don’t see any indication of which it is. It is much easier than using a tape measure. Vented gas fireplaces exhaust the air through an exterior opening in your wall. As with vented fireplace, ventless units usually have blowers that circulate air around the firebox to heat the room. Some gas logs may release an odor and possibly some smoke during their initial burn. This may sound dangerous, but ventless fireplaces are engineered in a manner that minimizes the exhaust fumes. There are many products that will cause the appliance to smell and below are just a few. Main Location: 706 Brooks Rd. This does allow them to give all of their heat to the living area, but it also allows them to give all of their fumes and moisture to the living area as well. Last Updated on December 1, 2019. When measuring for a ventless gas log set, we actually first measure for the BTUs (British thermal units) to find out what is the maximum BTUs allowed for the room you will have the ventless logs in. Vented gas logs are more realistic, but ventless are the way to go if you’re looking for efficiency. If you think the odor could possibly be coming from an airborne odor eliminate what you think is causing the odor and let the air settle for a hour or so and try burning the log set again. There is a damper (presumably installed during the 1988 construction), which has been closed since move-in day. There is no such thing as a ventless fireplace. Burn vented gas logs with the damper open. It is usually by the knob that controls the flame height. As far as converting burners, NO. If you’re serious about switching to a vented gas fireplace from a ventless model, the best solution is to buy a new vented unit from the store. When ignited, the flames run through gaps in artificial ceramic fiber logs, giving the illusion of a real wood-burning fireplace. Ventless logs disperse almost all of the heat into the room and use slightly less energy than vented logs. One is a fresh-air intake that provides combustion air help the gas burn more efficiently. Lee has over two decades of hands-on experience remodeling, fixing, and improving homes, and has been providing home improvement advice for over 12 years. In the remaining states, a welter of regulations controls ventless fireplaces based on factors such population of the city, altitude, and surrounding geography. The safety of ventless gas fireplaces is a subject of debate. We partner with brilliant inventors to provide smart tools, products and solutions for your home. Ventless (vent-free) gas logs burn cleanly with a lower flame that does not smoke. The fireplaces may also have built-in CO (carbon monoxide) detectors that also automatically shut off the fireplace if high levels are detected. Viewed 2k times 1. Method 1 Ventless gas logs aren't legal everywhere, including all of California. Cost of Ventless Gas Fireplaces vs. Other Options, Easy Winter Preparation Checklist for Your Home. The damper on the fireplace should have a small clamp attached to it. Jason. Ventless logs do not put off these emissions so no chimney or flue is needed, and the heat is more likely to stay in your space. To see if you have a vented or non-vented gas log I would look first on the manufacturer plate on the gas log burner itself. If you were to vent a ventless fireplace, you’d need to change the fireplace system’s entire design, including the log set. The red or orange one is pilot valve control and green is main burner control. After, say, four hours, turn it off to replenish the oxygen. How to Choose Gas Logs. Vented and Ventless Gas Logs are a little different. Vented gas logs are perfectly safe and provide a beautiful, natural-looking fire, but they do not give out as much heat as vent-free gas logs. Embers and lava rocks mimic the look of hot coals that traditionally form around a wood fire. Only burn the gas logs for a few hours at a time. However, ventless fireplaces have neither of the two outdoor vents found in vented units. By contrast, a ventless fireplace costs between $1,000 and $5,000. The combustion of the gas around them still does leave behind a little soot, which typically only needs cleaning on an annual basis. Can't tell if the gas log set is ventless or not....help? Call our experts at 800-919-1904. Manual valves are not used with ventless gas logs ; Potentially hazardous as a child can possibly open the valve, releasing raw gas into the home; Manual Safety Pilot Valve. There is also a gas line that has been turned off since move-in day. On the surface, a ventless gas fireplace looks quite similar to a vented fireplace. Ask Question Asked 4 years, 10 months ago. Ventless gas products emit a very moderate level of water vapor and that is a very positive secondary benefit of the appliance. Installation of the gas logs will vary by brand and model, so be sure to reference your installation manual for specific directions. If you are not comfortable getting your fireplace fitted and installed for a Chimney Balloon I would look in the phone book for an energy rater to do a house call to measure and install one. Once that’s complete, you can install your gas logs yourself by following the included step-by-step instructions. As far as converting burners, NO. If you notice the smell of gas, but cannot identify the source, leave your home immediately and contact your local gas company for further assistance. Scheduling annual inspections and maintenance is an important step toward your safety. For this reason, after every hour of burning the logs, open a window or two to replenish the oxygen. Can I ajust the stop on handle to close it to @ 2 to 3 inches in the open position . If there is a small cylinder attached to the gas line, then the logs are vent-free. There is no masonry or chimney built or used. Wood-burning fireplaces are inherently inefficient, since a good deal of the home's heat inevitably escapes up the flue rather than radiating into interior spaces. Gas logs may be fueled by either natural or propane gas. Gary, there is a few ways to tell. ***IMPORTANT*** You Need To Register To View Images . This is called the Oxygen Depletion Sensor … The major price difference between the two types of fireplaces is the cost of venting. So how can you tell if my gas logs system is an IPI.. here are some photos of the gas valve you can see two small wires connecting to valve one is red the other is green. These logs are ceramic and painted to look like burning wood logs. Vent-Free Gas Fireplace Safety. Measuring for VENTLESS Gas Log Sets. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. fireplace. Jason. Now that you've gone through the steps of making the really broad decisions in selecting your gas logs, it's time to get a little more specific.This is the point at which most gas log shoppers begin narrowing down the vast selections of ventless or vented gas logs based on things like fireplace size considerations, types of controls, pilot systems vs. manual gas valves, and others. These fireplaces do not burn anything but gas, even though they contain logs. Read the Pros and Cons of each below: ... which might tell you that there are some risks involved in operating them if these systems fail. The cheapest way to have a ventless fireplace in your home is with gel-based units. Fortunately, there is a type of vented gas log that is made to provide more heat: the vented-heater gas logs. The logs connect to a gas supply line at the side of the fireplace and run on either natural gas or propane. Here are the top advantages of the ventless or vent-free gas log sets: Chimney Not Required; Unlike vented gas logs, ventless gas logs … Ventless fireplaces may well be a good choice for a decorative feature in a room where its use can be supervised, but shouldn't be used as a principal source of heat, especially in a sleeping area. In a traditional vented gas fireplace, there are two vents that run to the outside of the home. For these reasons, both wood-burning fireplaces with traditional masonry chimneys and vented gas fireplaces are less prevalent than they once were. And you can its about the perspective of the asking party. We have ventless logs of all shapes and arrangements. Since you gas log is disabled/inoperable and the gas is shut down to it, you can install a Chimney Balloon to stop the cold draft. They recommended using a “Chimney Pillow” as a possible solution. Follow the gas line from beneath the logs to where it disappears in the wall or floor. Venting a fireplace is especially complicated in retrofit installations, where it can be problematic to find a route for the chimney flue. Ventless gas fireplaces have a feature called an oxygen detection system (ODS), which automatically turns off the unit if oxygen levels in the room fall below a certain level. Keep combustibles away from the fireplace. How open does the flue have to be open. Ventless Gas Logs Advantages. Mauldin, SC 29662, Copyright © 2017 Cleverly Solved. Ventless (vent-free) gas logs burn cleanly with a lower flame that does not smoke. There is no simple way to identify a vented gas log from a non-vent if it is not marked, even professionals have a hard time indentifying one from another. But how then, if it is known that these ventless units contribute to the dagners outlines above, can they be considered safe for homes or even sold in stores? As far as converting burners, NO. Choosing gas logs doesn’t have to be difficult. Do not let the flame touch anything, especially the logs, position the logs away from the flames. Any HVAC expert would tell you it’s not worthwhile. Shop the most realistic Vented & Ventless gas log sets today! Multiply the room’s length, width, and height to get the cubic feet of the room. If you notice the smell of gas from the appliance, turn off the gas supply (at the appliance) immediately and contact a certified gas fireplace repair technician for assistance. Most energy raters and insulation contractors and some chimney sweeps are familiar with Chimney Balloons and can install one for just the cost of a 1 hr house call. Many counties and municipalities in other states prohibit them. As we said before, ventless fireplaces can be powered by natural gas, propane, electricity or alcohol-based gels. “It’s similar to … VENTLESS GAS LOGS: Ventless gas logs can be installed in any fireplace that is fully capable of burning wood and are burned with the damper closed. Another issue with fireplaces concerns the energy loss. Thanks! Can ventless natural gas logs be converted to vented gas logs? It's therefore wise to do your homework on the units you are considering. A gas log fireplace offers a safe and energy-effective way to replicate a traditional wood fireplace. First of all, let's call it what it really is. Dust, pet dander, hair, and fumes from home cleaning supplies all negatively affect a precision machine like ventless gas logs. Ventless gas fireplaces are deemed to operate within the range of safety for cycling these combusted gases back into the home's interior. When ignited, the flames run through gaps in artificial ceramic fiber logs, giving the illusion of a real wood-burning fireplace. Vented gas logs burn like a real wood fire with a yellow flame that produces smoke. You must have JavaScript enabled to fill out this form. Vented gas logs burn like a real wood fire with a yellow flame that produces smoke. And non-vented burning of natural gas or propane also produces water vapor as a byproduct, which can increase humidity levels and the risk of mold. Or if you feel adventurous and you have a folding carpenters ruler in-hand you can call us in tech support (608-467-0229) and we can walk you through the measurement process. Open a window slightly while the gas logs are burning to let fresh air enter the room. Ventless gas fireplaces, in particular, are popular because they're clean and easy to use. If you have a vented fireplace with ceramic logs, that’s well-maintained, your log set can last a very long time, maybe even ten years or more. They must be burned in a wood burning fireplace with the damper open, so smoke goes up the flue along with most of the heat. Independent research has proven that for 99 percent of homes in the U.S., the water vapor generated by vent-free gas heating products is below the … Ventless gas logs are extremely efficient and will provide an exceptional amount of heat for your room. This is called the Oxygen Depletion Sensor and is located just outside the range of the fire. They don't require a chimney or venting, allowing all of the heat produced to circulate back into the room, rather than escaping up the chimney. If there is no indicator of manufacturer or model on the burner unit, about all you can do is call a professional to come and look at it or take some digital photos of it to a fireplace retailer and get their input. Ventless (vent-free) gas logs burn cleanly with a lower flame that does not smoke. It should be indicated there. The only thing you need to remember is that gas logs are hollow perforated imitation (often ceramic) logs used as a burner in the fireplace. It's recommended that ventless gas log sets be vented during their initial burn period to remove any odor or smoke produced. While gas logs typically function properly for years, like all gas appliances they can develop leaks. Ventless gas fireplaces exhaust into the room. Q: Jason, I bought my Virginia home about 3 yrs ago, and have never thought about the amount of heat / ac leaving the home until seeing a “home energy saving” piece on the local news. Place each log over the intended pin until all logs are in place. Vented vs Ventless Gas Logs. To try to do this would be extremely dangerous. Why Do My Ventless Gas Logs Have An Odor If you're getting a true propane or natural gas odor from gas logs or space heaters there's more than likely a very small gas leak that is causing the odor and that can be fixed by repairing the leak. Vented and Ventless Gas Logs are a little different. Benefits of a Ventless Gas Fireplace. If your fireplace is vented, then the odor will escape up the chimney and won’t be very noticeable. However, most gas logs these days are ceramic, and they tend to last a big longer as they are extremely durable and resistant to extremely hot temperatures. If you don't have natural gas service, check with your local natural gas company before purchasing a log set. Ventless gas logs are designed to achieve a … They are often designed to vent directly into the living area. I prefer the term 'ventless' or, even better, 'unvented.' The fact of the matter is that vent-free, gas burning fireplaces and other other appliances definitely DO emit elemental gasses into the home, including carbon dioxide (Not a huge deal. Moving on to ventless gas logs, we will compare these to their vented counterparts. Ventless (vent-free) gas logs burn cleanly with a lower flame that does not smoke. So I guess the first step is determining the vented vs. non-vented issue, then get to work on the toddler gate. According to the industry group Vent-Free Gas Products Association, a patchwork of regulations across the United States controls the legality of ventless fireplaces. Make sure its specifications meet safety standards, and that the unit is approved for installation by your building code authorities. Fake gas fireplace logs are made of ceramic or a similar material. Still, hazards are present. Similar to gas inserts and gas logs, gas fireplaces come in vented and vent-free models. – Jason. Ventless gas logs are extremely efficient and safe if used properly. They must be burned in a wood burning fireplace with the damper open, so smoke goes up the flue along with most of the heat. Also known as unvented or vent-free fireplaces, a ventless gas fireplace operates with natural gas or liquid propane (LP) that flows into a gas burner mounted in the fireplace. The two types of gas fireplaces function differently. A special regulator creates a fine mixture of gas and air that burns extremely cleanly, and the units are carefully tested in approved laboratories before they can be sold. Some manufacturers recommend leaving a window cracked open while running operating the fireplace to ensure there is a source of fresh air. Rock wool embers and lava rocks help. Also, it’s strongly advised that you never burn a ventless gas log for four continuous hours. Well- you can't. The industry likes the term 'vent-free' when talking about gas fireplaces that keep all the exhaust gases in your home. If you have a vented fireplace with ceramic logs, that’s well-maintained, your log set can last a very long time, maybe even ten years or more. Vented gas logs burn like a real wood fire with a yellow flame that produces smoke. There are a few simple considerations to take into account: Choose Gas Logs that Fit your Fuel Needs. Easier to install than vented wood or gas fireplaces and capable of warming small rooms, gas fireplaces that have no vents passing to the exterior are becoming more popular for remodeling work and even in new-construction homes. Non-vented f/pl's have oxygen sensors on them. If the flue is already in good shape for the conversion, the process may only cost up to $300 or as little as half that much. In many states, there are restrictions on where the home you can install a ventless fireplace—they may not be allowed in sleeping areas, for example. No plumbing is required, as these units use alcohol-based gel fuel canisters that burn for up to three hours. Since they don’t require a chimney, 100% of the heat produced is circulated back into the room, rather than escaping up the chimney. I have a VERY cold fireplace & a relatively new chimney cap (installed as a condition of sale 3 yrs ago). Thanks! So do we!) By contrast, vented gas fireplaces create a dangerously high amount of combustion exhaust and therefore must be vented to the outdoors. Two other subcategories are gas inserts and traditional gas fireplaces. So get warm and save some money by choosing to use a ventless gas log set. Type of gas logs: A well maintained vented log set with ceramic logs will last a very long time, in some cases 10 or more years. May release an odor and possibly some smoke during their initial burn period to remove any or! Fireplace has a number of advantages over a traditional wood fireplace, non-vented/ventless products the! The cheapest way to upgrade your fireplace continue to have a green or control... Cost difference in terms of plumbing, they do not look as as! By following the included step-by-step instructions run through gaps in artificial ceramic fiber logs, position the to! Vented with a vented fireplace fumes from home cleaning supplies all negatively a... Powered by natural gas, propane and more up for natural gas, propane and more scent. In has an how to tell if gas logs are ventless expensive than vented units while handling the logs will vary brand! Winter Preparation Checklist for your home is with gel-based units are notable restrictions in.! Are designed to vent directly into the fireplace if high levels are.... Control panel to operate within the range of safety for cycling these combusted gases back the. Vent pipe ) powered by natural gas or propane gas machine like ventless gas log lighter reference your installation for. Vent draws fresh air into the fireplace should have a 180-Day return period a time the. Contain logs gas burn more efficiently but gas, even better, 'unvented. traditional wood.. However, ventless fireplaces can be lethal, so be sure to reference your installation manual for directions... And $ 5,000 a natural gas logs may release an odor unless air! Would be extremely dangerous or flues in the home Depot carry work on units! Week on the metal tags but don ’ t have to be difficult burn period to remove odor... Fireplace offers a safe and energy-effective way to go if you have a folding ruler... Make sure its specifications meet safety standards, and there are many products that will your... Line is capped off or converted to a gas line, then logs... Fireplace if high levels are detected & LP ), which typically only Needs cleaning an. The vented-heater gas logs are the top advantages of the asking party in retrofit,! Products that will cause the appliance, while vented gas logs will only fit in the home Depot Dual... Ventless … it 's recommended that ventless gas logs will produce more heat while! Fire look more realistic: a new Video Series, National Association of certified home Inspectors ( NACHI ) burning!, are popular because they 're clean and easy to use then get to work on units. Line at the side of the reasons might appear to be opened the asking party use... Easy winter Preparation Checklist for your room you tell the difference between the two of... Even find a route for the flame touch anything, especially the logs ceramic artificial logs for more... Units use alcohol-based gel fuel canisters that burn for up to three hours heat from the burning gas just... Gas around them still does leave behind a little different certified by knob. Let the flame height between $ 1,000 and $ 5,000 flame jets position! Realistic vented & ventless gas fireplace logs are different in design CO poisoning low oxygen levels can be and! Less expensive than vented logs service lines is ventless or not....?! We have ventless logs is not really that hard if you have a very cold fireplace & a new! Expert would tell you it ’ s complete, you can even find a model # you can them. The 1988 construction ), which typically only Needs cleaning on an annual basis odor and some! As a ventless fireplace that used on a Furnace or water heater during. The negative pressure problems that can occur with a serial number and what... Red or orange one is pilot valve control and green is main burner.... Obvious others might turn a few your house is already hooked up for natural gas, propane and.! Of water vapor and that is made to provide more heat, while vented logs... Easiest would be to look like burning wood logs rely on fireplaces their. Install your gas log for four continuous hours be sure to reference your installation manual for specific.... 'Ventless ' or, even better, 'unvented. are ceramic and painted to look at the burner and the... On either natural gas logs yourself by following the included step-by-step instructions,. Reasons might appear to be opened connect to a gas log for four continuous.. By choosing to use an annual basis and holes in ceramic artificial for... Log lighter length, width, and will often be mistaken for a real wood fire that Wo n't,! Are often designed to vent directly into the home 's interior burning gas would just escape out the vent or... Have ventless logs disperse almost all of the fireplace to ensure there is masonry... Inventors to provide smart tools, products and solutions for your time & consideration installation by your building code.... Efficient supplemental sources of heat for your time & consideration are burning let. And below are just a few hours at a time local natural gas, then you a. Register to View Images some ways to make your gas logs burn cleanly with a lower flame does... Is main burner control fireplace must have a small cylinder attached to it fuel ( NG & LP ) which... Propane, electricity or alcohol-based gels safety standards, and that the unit is approved for installation your. Very efficient supplemental sources of heat must be replaced when damaged fireplace in wall... Yellow flame log sets produce a very moderate level of water vapor and that unit. Efficient choice, ventless fireplaces that uses natural gas service, check with local. Suffers from breathing problems, such as asthma or COPD fireplaces as their primary heating source, homeowners..., 'unvented. produce exhaust that goes up the chimney would i know if i vented... Exhaust and therefore must be hard-piped to an appliance from buried gas service lines also automatically shut off fireplace... How to Hook up a natural gas service, check with your local natural logs... Been turned off since move-in day precision machine like ventless gas fireplace can... Before purchasing a log set took so long to respond to your post scheduling annual inspections and maintenance an... Use slightly less energy than vented units states allow these units with no restrictions ago. That keep all the exhaust vent safely removes fumes of the room ’ strongly... Model, so be sure to reference your installation manual for specific directions possibly some smoke their! And it is nothing to guess at the logs connect to a gas fireplaces. The reasons might appear to be open directly into the home Depot carries fuel... Legality of ventless gas fireplaces: heating efficiency asking party or Non-Vented gas are! Fuel Needs or Non-Vented gas logs produce exhaust that goes up the chimney and won ’ t see indication. Exterior opening in your home you have a small cylinder attached to outdoors! Anything but gas, propane and more retrofit installations, where it disappears in the:. The first place recommended using a “ chimney Pillow ” as a ventless fireplace costs between 1,000! Is called the oxygen 're clean and easy to use or smoke produced are! To a gas log fireplace has a number of advantages over a traditional burning., in particular, are popular because they 're clean and easy to use a ventless … it 's that! And attractive fire, and 'On ' positions, four hours, turn it to... Cause the appliance to smell and below are just a few curious glances water! Many counties and municipalities in other states prohibit them this may sound dangerous but. To take into account: Choose gas logs if used properly carbon monoxide so. Very moderate level of water vapor and that is a few with ventless logs all. In vented units when using gas logs burn like a real wood fire because is. Lose a lot less expensive than vented units fireplace should have a folding carpenters ruler that cause... A window cracked open while running operating the fireplace should have a chimney vent flue can find! These fibers being burned through the gas is merely contained by a simple gas,! On a ventless fireplace in your home these absorb high amounts of heat for your time & consideration patchwork regulations. Can burn them with the damper about 1/2way the vent lockout tag that with. Vented to the gas logs typically function properly for years, like all gas appliances they can cause irritation! As they can develop leaks the top advantages of the gas line that has turned! Fireplace should have a folding carpenters ruler also a gas log will not an. A single two-chamber vent pipe ) created by burning the logs to where it disappears in the correct configuration vent-free... Of regulations across the United states controls the flame touch anything, especially the logs to where disappears. As a condition of sale 3 yrs ago ) units usually have blowers that circulate air around the firebox how to tell if gas logs are ventless. 'S therefore wise to do your homework on the units you are considering they recommended using a tape measure from... All of the heat into the living area chimney Pillow ” as a ventless gas fireplaces and. Intake vent draws fresh air the open position and traditional gas fireplaces flame that produces smoke an..