VENTED vs. VENT-FREE
Vented gas logs best mimic real wood fires. They require a flue or venting pipe (hence the term the "vented") and produce a brilliant fire that offers a permanent, ashless experience. You can install these in an existing brick or stone fireplace, or install them in a pre-fabricated or "factory-built" firebox suitable for use with vented gas logs.
Vent-free (aka Unvented) gas logs offer the look and feel of fire, along with a good to large amount of heat for the room or space they are located in, and do not require the venting of a fireplace flue or vent-pipe. Because they must burn their gas supply completely, the flame of a vent-free log is typically not as active, large or brilliant. They are designed, engineered, tested and certified to literally burn all of the gas they consume. (The vent free standard is in excess of 99% efficiency to ensure a safe and clean burn.) After the initial "burn-in" or break in period the logs should offer a clean, reliable heat supply as long as you perform periodic maintenance. All vent free products are equipped with oxygen depletion sensors. This true for any vent free appliance, regardless of manufacturer or price range and should not be considered a selling point or bonus feature.
Some vent-free gas logs are "dual-listed" meaning they can operate with an open or closed fireplace flue or vent. However, for the maximum amount of effective heat, you would want to have the vent closed. This is your choice.
NATURAL GAS VS. PROPANE
Most people are going to know which gas to use. However, for those that do not have either gas, here is the choice.
Natural gas is more commonly found in new construction and in more developed areas. If you already have natural gas running to your home or building, it is probably more cost effective to have a gas line professional run a line to your fireplace or room where the gas fireplace, logs, stove or heater will be used. Natural gas yields about 1000 BTUs per cubic foot.
LP ( also called propane) is effective for those that do not have ready access to natural gas, in rural localities, if there is a desire for the appliance to be semi-portable, or if some sort of central propane supply tank is available. Propane tanks should always be stored outdoors in a way to avoid extremely high temperatures. Propane is sold by the pound (or gallon) and delivers 21,560 BTUs per pound (or 91,500 BTUs per gallon.) It yields about 2,500 BTUs per cubic foot (vaporized).
NOTE: We often have people ask about converting a unit from one gas to another. The hoses, lines, control valves, and orifices on burners for each gas are quite different in size. Some gas log manufacturers offer conversion kits for some items. However, vent free appliances cannot be converted. Propane is roughly 3.5 times heavier than natural gas therefore its regulators, gas jet orifices and even its control valves are often different versus and the same piece of equipment using natural gas.
NEVER ATTEMPT TO ATTACH A PROPANE GAS SOURCE TO ANY NATURAL GAS APPLIANCE. THIS WILL RESULT IN FLAMES 2-4 TIMES HIGHER THAN IS CORRECT AND COULD BE A VERY DANGEROUS, LIFE-THREATENING FIRE HAZARD.
Attaching natural gas to a propane appliance is of little good. The pilot light probably won't even light.
GAS CONTROL TYPES:
manual, millivolt, thermostat
Manual control is just that; manual. You turn the burners on, and can adjust the flame height by a control knob on the gas appliance. This adjusting ability is usually very desirable in a vented log, because the action of a vented log is wider and has more of a range of flame height to adjust. On a vent free appliance, you manually adjust the flame height in order to control temperature in the room. Manual control appliances are not capable of using a remote control or wall thermostat and cannot be retro-fitted.
Millivolt control has a control valve that allows for the use of a remote control, a wired or wireless wall thermostat or a simple on/off switch. Because they offer this level of functionality, they are more expensive. Use of a wall-mounted or hand held thermostat cycles the gas on and off, in order to maintain temperature. Very popular control for logs. Not too expensive, good accessories available. Flame height is adjusted by turning a knob on the gas appliance only. Can also be used manually. Millivolt (or remote-ready) offers the most overall flexibility as more different types of remote units and switches are available than for any other gas system.
Millivolt control has a control valve that allows for the use of a remote control, a wired or wireless wall thermostat or a simple on/off switch. Because they offer this level of functionality, they are more expensive. Use of a wall-mounted or hand held thermostat cycles the gas on and off, in order to maintain temperature. Very popular control for logs. Not too expensive, good accessories available. Flame height is adjusted by turning a knob on the gas appliance only. Can also be used manually. Millivolt (or remote-ready) offers the most overall flexibility as more different types of remote units and switches are available than for any other gas system.
FIREPLACE and CHIMNEY STORE RECOMMENDATION: Our most popular control type is millivolt (also called remote-ready) control. We offer a wide variety of remote controls and recommend contacting one of our sales professionals should you have any questions regarding what system is best for your application.
