Ventless General FAQ
Q: How are vent-free gas logs different than vented logs?
A: All vented gas and solid-fuel fireplaces lose some or most of their usable heat straight up the chimney or vent. For example, vented gas logs installed in a wood burning fireplace typically burn 30,000 to 60,000 BTUs/hour, and the fireplace damper must be totally open, resulting in most of the heat escaping up the chimney.
Depending on the design chosen, a vent-free gas log in the same fireplace would burn only 26,000 to 40,000 BTUs/hour, and virtually all of the heat produced would be delivered into the living space. Therefore, the savings in fuel costs with a vent-free gas log are tremendous, and the resulting comfort from the fireplace is dramatically increased versus a vented appliance or burning wood.
Q: Can vent-free gas log products be used as a home's sole heating source?
A: Vent-free gas appliances should be used as supplemental zone heaters and not as a primary source of heat, except during a power outage.
Q: What are some of the technological advances of today's ventless appliances?
A: Many designs are available with hand-held or wall-mounted remote controls for lighting the unit and selecting the heat output. Most designs offer thermostat-controlled models that automatically modulate to maintain the selected comfort level/heat output. Some models offer a timer device which automatically starts the appliance before the family rises in the morning or returns home in the afternoon.
Our Vantage Hearth vent-free fireplaces have remote control features and many of our other vent-free models have remote controls and/or thermostat controls.
Q: Aren't there limited sizes and shapes for vent-free products?
A: Vent-free products come in every size, shape and color. Every year manufacturers introduce new colors and styles of vent-free products. Selecting a vent-free appliance is easy. It is recommended that you work with your local gas appliance or hearth retailer to find the best product to meet your needs. Contact Fine's Gas today—we pride ourselves on our expertise and advice!
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