A fireplace is the coziest corner of the home during cold nights and hailing days. But it can get quite cumbersome if the fireplace is vented and is releasing all the gases (harmful ones like carbon monoxide) into the atmosphere.
Even as you shop for gas logs, you will find two of its types, of which one is vented and the other is not. Unvented gas logs aid in a complete fuel combustion, thereby releasing little levels of carbon monoxide and soot. Besides, these logs are also equipped with an Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS), which is designed to turn off the gas supply once the levels of carbon monoxide crosses the dangerous level.
Installation Instructions
A vent-free gas fireplace, a natural gas/propane connection and a premeasured area for installation is all you need to set up your fireplace. Check first for the amount of humidity in the atmosphere. If the region where you stay is quite humid, you would need a dehumidifier in your home, as the vent-free units can raise the levels of humidity within home. When getting a gas connection, make sure that you get the installation done by an experienced HVAC (Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning) technician or a licensed plumber. The next step is to decide what kind of firebox (plain or ornate) would suit your home décor. Also run a check on the measurements and the location where the firebox is to be placed. Once you are done with selecting the firebox, select the appropriate fireplace mantel for it. Once the unit arrives, inspect it well and place it in the area chosen against the wall (the elevated non combustible area that is chosen is also known as hearth). Place the firebox unit over the hearth and make the connection to gas line. When making such connections, make sure that an experienced HVAC technician guides you if you are doing the installation by self. Now slide the mantel covering the firebox and install other accessories that include the firebox doors and the vent-free gas logs. Safety Measures
After installation, there are a few safety measures to be followed when using fireplaces. As vent-free gas logs vouch for a 100% combustion, a lot of heat is generated which in turn creates a lot of moisture in the atmosphere, which can lead to condensation on windows(a highly unwelcome situation that is unavoidable in winters). So to avoid fireplace problems, here are some dos and don'ts: Do NOT keep any combustible or reactive substances near the fireplace unit. When using the fireplace, ensure that the doors of the firebox unit are left open. When putting the gas logs for burning, make sure that they burn only for a few hours and that too when you are wide awake. Do NOT go to sleep with the gas logs burning indefinitely. Also open the windows for some time while the logs are burning so that there could be a proper circulation of air inside home, pertaining to the fact that your fireplace does not have a vent. Make sure that there is a dehumidifier installed in your home for sucking the extra moisture that is generated due to the combustion of gas logs. Although fireplaces are becoming quite popular, the use of unvented gas logs has not been legalized in some regions. So before you order a vent-free fire box unit, run a check on the local region codes. And last but not the least, read and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully before trying out on any of these fuel burning appliances. Direct Vent Gas Fireplace
Direct vent gas fireplaces are unlike the traditional mortar and brick masonry fireplaces. Metal made and installable handily inside a wooden frame, these gas fireplace units make the installation easy, expedient and flexible. Gone are the days, when one used to chop the wood, feed it to the fire and scoop out the ashes or clean the chimneys. With the coming of these direct vent gas fireplaces, all one has to do is turn on the fire by regulating a knob or a switch. To add to the look of the wood fire, the new burners and the artificial logs can provide with the same tall dancing flames. Even incense can be added to release the aroma of a wood fire into the room. I bet, this would not only add on to the chic appearance of your dream bedroom or your drawing room, but will also create the perfect romantic or a relaxing ambiance, you need!
Before opting for any of the fireplace design ideas, run a thorough check on details like size of the fire unit, where it needs to be placed and what are the costs incurred in the installation. Also when shopping for a new fireplace unit, make sure it is lab certified and is complaint with local region codes (like American Gas Association). However, in some regions, using this fireplace is not legal, illustrating the fact that they create unbearable heat inside homes. Although, the utility of ventless gas fireplace remains disputable, it is definitely a welcome news for people living in extremely cold weather conditions.
