Whenever you picture a fireplace with logs, you probably picture a chimney as well. Times have changed, though. Nowadays, you can find fireplaces that don’t need chimneys or other forms of vents.
You’ll also find products catered to these sorts of fireplaces, like ventless gas logs. This type of fireplace media has developed a more efficient method of heating your home.
If you’re wondering, what are ventless gas logs, exactly? Ventless logs are a type of gas appliance that helps emit heat while exhausting into the living space.
We’re about to cover all you need to know about these types of logs.
What Are Ventless Gas Logs and How Do They Work
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Ventless logs are basically a type of gas appliance that helps emit heat while exhausting into the living space in which it’s located.
You may be wondering, if there’s no proper ventilation, how exactly do ventless gas logs work? Essentially, the gas fireplace takes in fresh oxygen from your room and combusts it, releasing heat into your living space.
As a result, the ceramic-made gas logs work in a circulatory pattern. Contrary to vented gas logs and firewood, they don’t produce a smokey flame. Their ventilation works similarly to a kitchen gas range, where it doesn’t give off any exhaust.
Since there’s nowhere the heat could escape, ventless gas logs are perfect for the colder months. Its warmth will envelop your home and create the coziest ambiance.
Vented vs Ventless Gas Logs
In scope, there are two main types of gas logs: ventless and vented. Both options have some differences as well as their own set of pros and cons.
Ventless Gas Logs
Ventless gas logs have numerous advantages. However, they come with a few downsides that you ought to be aware of.
Advantages
Here are some of the pros of using ventless gas logs:
- They emit a lot of heat. Whenever someone mentions how much they love their ventless gas logs, they’ll undoubtedly mention the extensive heat they emit. Considering the lack of vents, you’ll be getting all the heat you need from these gas logs.
- Easy to use. Since there’s no exhaust or chimney needed, ventless gas logs are convenient to install. In other words, you won’t need to dig out in your house to build a flute for airway deposit.
- Low gas consumption. Another advantage that you’ll start to notice is that ventless gas logs don’t consume as much energy as vented ones. You’ll save more money using this option.
- Low pollution. Ventless gas logs are also environmentally conscious. They don’t emit as many pollutants in the atmosphere as vented gas logs would.
Disadvantages
Now, let’s look at the cons of using ventless gas logs:
- They use up a lot of oxygen. Burning ventless gas logs excessively for a long time will diminish your room’s oxygen levels. This is why we recommend that you install them in a room with a ceiling fan to increase airway circulation.
- Unpleasant kerosene smell. Ventless gas logs can diffuse a kerosene odor. If you have a sensitive nose, then we wouldn’t recommend these gas logs for you.
- Lack of aesthetic appeal. The gas logs aren’t as pretty as vented gas logs. That’s because the logs don’t look like they’re realistically burning. It looks more as if the fire is going around the gas logs rather than blazing through them.
- They emit water vapor. While ventless gas logs don’t necessarily disperse a smoky cloud, they still do have some emissions. Among those emissions is water vapor, which over time may cause mildew or mold in your room.
Vented Gas Logs
Vented gas logs need to be installed with a chimney to dispense their waste. They typically resemble a wood-burning fire.
These gas logs aren’t built for efficiency; they’re built for decorative appeal. Like any other appliance, they have their benefits and drawbacks. Let’s take a look at each.
Advantages
Vented gas logs have several advantages that might give you what you need. Here are some:
- Excellent craftsmanship. Did you ever look at a fireplace and were lost in its enchanting dancing flames? Vented gas logs can easily imitate these captivating fire radiations. The beauty of these gas logs is the detailed craftsmanship that went into making them.
- More realistic-looking fire. The fire ignited by vented gas logs looks more realistic than its counterpart, ventless gas logs. The yellow blazes seemingly go through the gas logs, emulating the real deal.
- Odorless operation. Unlike ventless gas logs, these don’t produce a strong odor since most of their emissions are diffused through their exhaust.
- Affordable. Vented gas logs are more budget-friendly than ventless options.
Disadvantages
Vented gas logs value appearances rather than efficiency, which makes way for a few disadvantages, including:
- Less potent heat. Their heat output isn’t as strong as ventless gas logs. Due to the ventilation in their system, a large amount of the heat can escape through their exhausts.
- High gas consumption. Vented gas logs might require more energy than ventless options because it has to compensate for the heat diversion from the exhaust.
- Lots of emissions. You might find that these gas logs are messier since they produce more emissions. You’ll probably find more debris and soot residue surrounding the firebox.
How to Install Ventless Gas Logs
Now that you’ve gained a better outlook of ventless gas logs, let us guide you on how you can install them in your fireplace.
First and foremost, make sure that you are authorized to install ventless gas logs; some states require you to have certain certifications.
- Before you pick out your preferred ventless gas logs, make sure that the size and dimensions are suitable for your room.
- Turn your gas line off, and then pull out the old logs to locate your burner.
- Once you find your burner, detach it and set it to the side.
- Fasten your new burner with your gas line.
- Place the new gas logs over the burner in your chosen assortment, as per the user manual’s guidelines.
- Turn your gas line back on and wait for the gas flow to be fully distributed.
- Light your ‘Pilot’ light, start your fire, and you’re good to go.
Conclusion
Ventless gas logs are essentially made for heating benefits. They prioritize heat more so than visual aesthetics.
Although ventless gas logs may pose some inconvenient disadvantages, their benefits surely need to be considered.
