Vented or Vent Free: Which is Best?

If you’re shopping around for a Gas Log set this year, chances are that you noticed there are two types of sets to choose from: Vented and Vent Free. Both have unique benefits, but it depends on your needs. Knowing which type of logs make the best choice for your home will save you time and headaches in the long run.

Lets start with the basics.

Choosing Gas instead of Traditional.

You might think that traditional wood burning fireplaces are nostalgic and great for saving energy. However, they are not the most efficient way to heat your home and they can be hard to maintain safely.

Gas Logs sets can provide the look of real logs while providing the experience of a real flame. Although they are not real wood, some brands spend hours designing and hand-painting the logs to make them as realistic as possible.

The main reason people choose to go with gas logs sets is because they are hassle free. You can forget about sweeping messy ashes and chopping wood to enjoy a cozy fire.

It’s important to note that burning wood logs releases a substance called creosote which builds up in the chimney flue. Creosote is a highly flammable substance that can cause chimney fires, health issues, and irritation. It is completely avoidable with a gas log set.

Vented Gas Logs

If your main concern is the aesthetic appeal of a fire, vented could be the best option for you. Vented Gas Log Sets are primarily known for their realistic look and overall beauty.

Placement of the logs is straightforward because they are installed into your existing fireplace. Just like a wood-burning fire, vented gas logs produce carbon monoxide emissions when in use. For this reason, they require a chimney and opened flue to operate.

Since they require venting, naturally some of the heat will escape from your home through the chimney during use. Vented Sets have high fuel consumption, which makes them less efficient than vent-free options. However, they are more efficient than traditional wood burning fireplaces because they are one third of the cost to operate.

The main appeal of vented gas logs is their appearance. Vented gas logs offer more of a realistic looking flame than vent-free gas logs, making them extremely attractive for those who may be hesitant to part with traditional wood burning fireplaces. You can purchase vented gas logs in practically any finish to complement your taste. From traditional oak to white birch, the possibilities are limitless.

To keep your family and your home safe it’s wise to have a professional technician service your fireplace once a year. Consider getting your gas log set professionally installed by Fireplace and Chimney Authority to ensure everything is in proper working order.

What you need to know: Vented gas logs are great if you value aesthetics over efficiency.

Vent Free Gas Logs

If your goal is to add an efficient heat source to your home, you may want to go with a vent-free gas log set. Unlike vented gas logs, these gas logs do not require an open flue to operate and allow more heat to stay in your home.

Vent Free Gas Logs are also more efficient than their Vented counterparts. Vent Free sets boast a 99.99% efficiency rate because all the gas is converted to heat in the home. This can be a fantastic solution to saving money on heating bills throughout the winter.

Another appeal of Vent Free Logs set is safety. Since these logs do not require venting, it’s important to note that safety sensors are an important feature of these logs. Despite the high efficiency rating, a small amount of carbon dioxide gas is still being released into your home. The sensors turn off the burner as soon the oxygen levels get too low. This provides peace of mind knowing that you and your family are always breathing clean air.

What you gain in proficiency, you sacrifice slightly in appearance. Most vent-free gas logs don’t look as realistic as vented gas logs; however, they are beautiful and a great option for your home.

Just like vented gas logs, it’s wise to have your vent-free gas fireplace serviced on an annual basis by Fireplace and Chimney Authority. Our team will ensure that the logs are working properly and safely.

Not sure how to install the log sets? No worries, we offer installation to guarantee safe use and operation of all items.

What you need to know: Vent Free Gas Logs are 99.99% efficient, and great for heating your home. If you value heat over looks, this is the best choice.

Conclusion: A gas log set makes a great alternative for homeowners looking for something more efficient than a wood-burning fireplace without losing any of the ambiance. Vented logs are known for being the most similar looking to a real fire, while Vent Free logs are known for their efficiency.

 

 

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By |2018-12-21T14:53:43-05:00December 21st, 2018|Gas Logs|0 Comments

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