Venting Options

Venting Options

Gas fireplaces or hearth products are vented three ways --- direct vent, natural vent and vent-free According to the hearth , Patio and Barbeque Association, direct vent gas fireplaces are the most popular type . Installing a carbon monoxide detector will help you monitor the air quality in your home when using any type of fireplace. Direct Vent Direct vent fireplaces rely on a coaxial pipe system that pulls combustion air from the outside through a pipe.
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This type of fireplace uses an inner pipe to vent the exhaust and can be vented out the top or the back of the system. Direct vent fireplaces do not require chimneys. These units are ideal for efficiently heating a cold room. A mantel and surround are required for direct vent fireplaces. They are suitable for well-insulated, airtight homes and houses without chimneys Natural Vent A natural vent fireplace uses a b-vent pipe as a chimney. This type of fireplace venting function like a furnace uses room air for combustion and venting stops above the roofline. Natural venting fireplaces have diverse design options, but are less efficient. Because these types of fireplaces are space-saving, they can be placed in any location where a b-vent can be attached. A mantel and surround are required for natural venting fireplaces. This is a less expensive option than direct venting fireplaces Vent Free Vent-free gas fireplaces can be installed anywhere in your home and do not require a chimney, flue or vent. Vent-free fireplaces have low operating costs and are relatively inexpensive when compared to direct vent and natural vent fireplaces. According to statistics vent-free fireplaces are used in more than 8 million U.S. Homes.Vent-free fireplaces require natural or propane gas and typically do not require electricity. Natural or propane gas ignites the flame through a permanent gas line connected to a burner. Vent-free fireplaces can expel carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, oxygen and humidity. National standards regulate vent-free fireplace design to ensure they do not emit harmful levels of these byproducts. Vent-free fireplaces may not be a good choice if you or people in your home suffer from allergies or respiratory issues. Chimney and Chase How To We have assembled some essential information in regard to fireplace installation and terminology. It will touch base on most topics that need to be remembered to ensure a safe and speedy installation. Everything you need to know may not be addressed here so feel free to contact us at 1-888-634-4289 and speak to one of our knowledgeable sales specialists. You may need a dog house f you are considering adding a direct vent or vent less fireplace unit into a preexisting small room, you may consider getting a dog house. A dog house will allow you to add your fireplace into your wall and build the exterior walls and roof to cover your new fireplace and allow for appropriate venting. Exterior Pipe The exterior chase may require an extension pipe. An extension pipe will be needed if the top of your chimney is less than 3 feet above anything within a 10 foot radius.If you Fail to follow the above listed specifications it can possibly lead to smoke coming back into your house, which can be harmful to people and pets. Basic Venting There are many different ways to vent out your unit but always make sure it is done as safely as possible. The chimney should be at least 3 feet higher than anything within a 10 foot radius .This practice ensures that no smoke gets back in to the location Roof Chase A roof chase can be used to extend venting vertically if necessary. Vents need to be at least 3 feet or in some cases higher than everything else on the roof within a 10 foot radius This minimum measurement exists to make sure vent exhaust stays outside of the location with the fireplace
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