Everyone loves the idea of a roaring fire crackling in the fireplace, especially on an otherwise cold winter night. But a traditional wood-burning system isn’t always the best option for everyone. They can be messy, building and maintaining fires can be time-consuming, and you always need seasoned wood on hand. For those looking for something more convenient, gas logs are a better option.
Is Gas Right for You?
A gas fireplace can give you the benefits of a traditional masonry fireplace without the cost of constructing a brick and mortar fireplace and chimney. And turning it on is as easy as flipping a switch – literally.
Depending on your home situation, gas may be the best option, but the decision to add a gas fireplace to your home brings up a few other things to consider too. While there are many options regarding size and style, one of the most important decisions you will need to contemplate is whether you will be using vented gas logs or vent-free gas logs.
As your leading local experts in all things fireplace and chimney related, West Tennessee Chimney is happy to provide you with the information you need to make the best decision for you and your home. Here are some advantages and disadvantages to both vented and vent-free gas logs.
Vented Gas Logs
Vented gas logs provide you with a natural-looking fire in your fireplace. To use vented gas logs you will need a chimney or some type of vent.
Vented Gas Log Pros
✓ Vented Gas Logs Are Odorless
Vented gas logs emit almost no smell whatsoever. When they burn, the emissions from the logs are vented and go straight out the chimney or vent which means you don’t have to worry about a burning or gas-like smell.
✓ Vented Gas Logs Are Safe
To be fair, both vented and vent-free gas logs are safe, but the advantage here has to do with a lowered risk of gas exposure gas. Because they are vented, any fumes or carbon monoxide produced can escape easily. Therefore, the risk of carbon monoxide building up in your home is lower with vented gas logs.
✓ Vented Gas Logs Are Beautiful
Vented gas logs come in a variety of styles and patterns and they produce realistic looking flames. Vented gas logs mimic the flame patterns that come from natural burning wood which means that you can enjoy a natural-looking fire – just without having to gather, season, and dry wood.
✓ Vented Gas Logs Can Be Installed in Existing Fireplaces
Many homes have a fireplace that doesn’t get used. Vented gas log fireplaces can be installed in the fireplace you already have.
Vented Gas Log Cons
✘ Vented Gas Logs Need a Chimney or Vent System
If you don’t already have a chimney or some type of venting system in your home, you will need to install one. This means that installing a vented gas log fireplace might limit your location choice.
✘ Vented Gas Logs Need More Fuel
Operating a vented gas log fireplace will require more fuel to keep the flames going. The costs to run a vented gas log fireplace is therefore a little bit higher than it would be with a vent-free system.
✘ Vented Gas Logs Don’t Emit the Same Heat
While there are many options that can help the heat output from your vented gas log fireplace, they are unable to perform as well as their vent-free counterparts. While you’ll still get good heat output, vent-free options do win out here.
Vent-Free Gas Logs
Vent-free gas logs do not require a vent or chimney, and they are known for their ability to pour out a lot of heat, as well. Vent-free gas logs are an affordable option for homes with no chimney available.
Vent-Free Gas Log Pros
✓ Vent-Free Gas Logs Cost Less
A vent-free gas log fireplace is cost-efficient because it doesn’t require as much fuel to operate as a vented gas log fireplace.
✓ Vent-Free Gas Logs Can Be Installed Almost Anywhere
Because you don’t need a chimney or a vent system to operate it, the vent-free gas logs can be installed almost anywhere in your home. If you have a wall that would be perfect for a fireplace, it is almost always possible to put one of these systems there. With nearly unlimited sizes and shapes available to you, a fireplace can (usually) be put wherever you want it.
✓ Vent-Free Gas Logs Burn Cleanly
Designed for efficiency in burning, vent-free gas logs produce almost no smoke and burn cleanly.
✓ Vent-Free Gas Logs Are Capable of High Heat Output
If you want to zone heat your room with the fireplace and give your furnace a rest, vent-free gas fireplaces are the best choice. They are known for their high heat output which means your furnace will not have to work as hard to heat your home. Paired with high efficiency levels, it can make heating your home much more affordable.
Vent-Free Gas Log Cons
✘ Vent-Free Gas Logs Lack Aesthetic Appeal
Lets face it – the flames in a vent-free gas log fireplace don’t look quite as realistic as those in a vented gas fireplace. If you are looking to simulate a natural fireplace experience, vent-free gas logs are not the right choice.
✘ Vent-Free Gas Logs Produce Moisture & Humidity
The trade off for high heat output is humidity and vent-free gas logs tend to produce more. While this isn’t always a problem, it can be. If you prefer a low-moisture environment, vent-free gas logs aren’t your best option.
✘ Vent-Free Gas Logs Can Smell Like Gas
Most of the time it’s quite subtle, however, vent-free gas logs do tend to produce more of an odor than their vented gas log counterparts.
Our Techs Are Here to Help
No matter what you choose when installing a gas fireplace in your home, West Tennessee Chimney can help. Our experts can provide you with both vented or vent-free gas logs offer, so that you can have your home just the way you’ve always dreamed it could be.
Call us at 901-483-5113 today to learn of all the options available to you. Or you can conveniently request your appointment online today.
Thanks for making us your number one choice!
Recent Comments