Demand for natural gas fireplaces in America has increased dramatically over the years. Operating a gas fireplace can increase a home’s heating efficiency. Consumers have easy access to several types of gas fireplaces but direct-vented models are by far the most efficient.
Gas Fireplace Features
Gas fireplaces are unlike traditional wood-burning fireplaces in that they are directly linked in with a home’s existing gas supply system. As long as this type of fireplace stays connected to a home’s gas system, a simple flick of a switch is all that is needed to activate most types of gas fireplaces. Some gas fireplaces can be fitted with gas fireplace remote systems that allows the unit to be activated by a portable remote control.
Many of these fireplaces feature Peterson gas logs or other fake gas fireplace logs that are manufactured to resemble actual wooden logs. When the consumer turns on their gas fireplace, flames that shuffle through these fake logs are produced. Even though they are not necessarily needed, a whole chimney system can be designed around a gas fireplace; older, brick fireplaces are easily converted to accommodate a newer gas fireplace system. Fireplace mantels and intricate fireplace glass doors can be fitted around gas fireplaces.
Types of Gas Fireplaces
Vented fireplaces, unvented fireplaces and fireplace inserts are the three types of gas fireplaces available to consumers. The ideal gas fireplace for a home is usually determined by the amount of space in a home and the type of home. Fireplace inserts are designed to fit into a pre-existing chimney system; fumes are vented out the chimney.
The consumer will have to cut a hole in the wall if they wish to install a vented gas fireplace. Fumes are directed outside through the vent system. Perhaps one of the largest benefits offered by vented fireplaces is that no chimney is needed. An unvented gas fireplace can be fitted into the wall of a home. Essentially, an unvented gas fireplace warms and redistributes the air within a room.
Warnings About Gas Fireplaces
Many gas fireplaces emit carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and other pollutants. These fireplaces must receive proper ventilation. All consumers that employ gas fireplaces in their homes should keep a carbon monoxide detector operational near their gas fireplace. In some states in America, it is against the law to operate ventless propane fireplaces and other ventless gas-fueled fireplaces.
Gas Fireplace BTU Ratings
All gas fireplace manufacturers design their products to operate at certain BTU (British thermal unit) ratings. BTUs measure the amount of heat that is produced by a heat source. Gas fireplaces also come with annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) ratings, which describe the efficiency of the unit, higher number indicating higher efficiencies.
Sources:
- Consumer Reports: Burning Controversy
- Bob Vila: Fireplaces
- Hearth: Gas Logs
- Fireplaces & Wood Stoves: About Fireplaces
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