Installing a fireplace is common these days. The cost of heating continues to rise, driving people to seek more innovative means of reducing their energy bill. At the same time, people have become involved in ensuring the environment is less at risk. They want to reduce their carbon footprint on the earth. For those who want to move in both directions, the answer may lie for them in installing a gas fireplace. In particular, they may want to consider a direct vent gas fireplace.
What Are Direct Vent Gas Fireplaces?
Essentially, there are two types of gas fireplaces: vented and vent free. Direct vent (DV) gas fireplaces, as the name indicates, have a vent while vent-free or ventless ones do not. In direct vent gas fireplace systems, this means utilizing the existing chimney as a vent to draw air into the chamber for combustion purposes. It then uses it to remove the exhaust fumes to the exterior. One of the major reasons for preferring DV fireplaces to ventless ones is this capability. By using exterior air, it does not compete with any appliance requiring internal air to function appropriately.
When retrofitting an older fireplace, the most frequent type of insert or conversion is to a DV fireplace. DV fireplaces are also the type more commonly installed in basement apartments as well as in home that are airtight structures.
Why Choose A Direct Vent Gas Fireplace?
While a vent-free system may seem ideal, the preference in many cases for a direct vent gas fireplace is based on its ability to deliver what is required. As for the fuel – gas is a favorite choice because it provides all the amenities of a wood fire without its often untidy or demanding responsibilities. Simply stated, a gas fireplace gives off a warm, safe heat without requiring you to
- Get up and add more fuel to the flames
- Poke and prod to make sure the wood remains in place or stays alight
- Clean up the mess left behind in the fireplace or on the hearth
- Carry out the ashes and other debris risking spilling it on the floor
- Keep watch over the fire to prevent the risk of fire
- Make sure people keep away from the flames
- Keep anything combustible away from the fireplace
- Have to locate and order in a fuel supply that needs to meet certain requirements – dry, toxin free etc.
In comparison, it is easy to set up, control, maintain and safely enjoy a direct vent gas fireplace.
