Buying Gas Fireplace Logs

If you are new to gas fireplace logs, you have some important decisions to make about what type of log or insert you wish to buy. It’s not as simple as just going out and purchasing realistic logs.

Before you buy, you must decide what you wish to accomplish with your new fireplace. Then, you’ll need to decide which of your major options – vented or ventless gas logs – will suit your purposes and the setting in which you intend to place them.

As you may have guessed, a vented log is one that operates with an open chimney or flue. Ventless gas logs are intended to function without the open chimney. Each style offers distinct advantages.

Because they vent heat, vented logs allow the user to have the larger flames that make for a more realistic looking fire. Although vented logs use slightly more fuel than vent-free, they don’t require carbon monoxide detectors, since any fumes produced are vented. These types of fires are meant to be decorative, and don’t generate a great deal of ambient heat inside the home.

By contrast, the vent-free gas fireplace logs produce smaller flames and are used with a closed flue. The closure of the flue allows you to retain all of the heat from the fire so you can use the fireplace for heating purposes. Plus, this style of fire uses less gas, and produces less pollution than a vented unit. (For safety purposes, always use a carbon monoxide detector in any room in which you use a non-vented unit.) We cary such brands as Simpson Dura Vent, Napoleon, Rasmussen and more, so please browse our site to find the best fireplease accessories for your home.

It is also important to check local and state codes before installing any gas log system. Some states prohibit the use of vent-free heaters all together, or at least in certain home settings such as bedrooms and bathrooms.

Whether you choose a vented unit for ambiance or ventless for warmth, rely on the experts at Big George’s to guide you to the right purchase for your home.