VENTED VS VENTLESS GAS LOGS WHICH ONE TO CHOOSE
One of the best feelings is to enjoy the cozy environment, but constantly hauling wood to burn is labor now; people want to opt for a more efficient option, gas logs. Before selecting gas logs, you must know the difference between vented and ventless gas logs. Both have different downsides and benefits, so in the below article, we will discuss both so you can make an informed decision. Keep reading about the cost so you know how they work.
VENTED GAS LOGS
Vented gas logs are the best option if you are more concerned about ambiance than heat. These vented gas logs are ideal choices if you want to achieve a realistic-looking fire. Moreover, they are used in traditional wood-burning fireplaces and are mess-free, safe options. These gas logs are great alternatives against wood-burning fireplaces. They provide you with a natural-looking flame and a costly ash bed to mimic the warm glow of wood embers in a dying fire. Vented logs require a functional chimney and chimney damper to stay open at all times to avoid the backlog of hot air, gas, and combustion by-products in the home. As dampers remain open, so much heat is lost up the chimney many people use them as decorative options rather than the heat source.
3 REASONS WHY THEY ARE A GOOD CHOICE
EASY INSTALLATION FOR THOSE THAT ALREADY HAVE A FIREPLACE AND CHIMNEY
Most people choose vented gas logs that already have an existing fireplace and chimney, so there is no need for further construction or remodeling. The vented gas log has an easy installation method, and they make carbon monoxide, so make sure fumes are vented outside.
AESTHETICALLY PLEASING
When you want to enjoy absolute fireplace joy, vented gas logs are best for you. They provide real fire flames without the mess of the wood fireplace. Even they add charm to the vented gas log flame, miming the dancing motion fire does on naturally burning wood.
IT WON'T BREAK THE BANK
If we compare the cost of vented or ventless gas logs, then vented logs are more affordable. As we mentioned above, if you have installed a chimney or working fireplace, the installation procedure is smooth, which means labor cost is low. So people who don't want to spend on upgrading to the gas fireplace, then vented gas logs are a better option for them.
3 REASONS WHY THEY ARE NOT GOOD
WORKING FIREPLACE AND CHIMNEY IS NOT AN OPTION – BUT A MUST
As mentioned above, vented gas logs are an ideal option for people who have working fireplaces and chimneys to save money. But what about those people who don't have these? For them, it is a costly and time-consuming process as they have to start it from scratch.
VENTED GAS LOG IS NOT FOR EFFICIENCY
People may buy these vented gas logs for warmth, but unfortunately, they cannot get them because the heat produced by gas logs goes out of the chimney.
IT CONSUMES MORE GAS
Heat produces in the chimney gets wasted due to open dampers so more gas is needed to produce heat that's why the vented gas log system is pretty expensive.
2. VENT-LESS GAS LOG
Ventless gas logs are more efficient and will provide you with excellent warmth and a comfortable environment in your home. They are great options as they do not require any chimney or venting system allowing the heat produced to circulate in the room rather than escaping from the room. These gas logs are designed to achieve clean, smokeless flame or burn hotly so that 100% fuel is combusted. They can operate safely without a chimney system. Ventless gas logs provide you with realistic fire flames and produce blue color flame, but they cannot have large pets like vented gas logs. They are arranged in a way that affects the fire's appearance, and ventless logs should be set around gas outlets to get rid of flames that blow when they come in direct contact with logs. Because if flames come in contact with logs they emit carbon monoxide, which is hazardous to health. An odor is produced when you burn the ventless gas logs that exaggerate odors already present in home-like Air fresheners, incense, pet dander, and dust. As a precaution, ventless gas logs come with an oxygen depletion sensor (ODS) that will check the quantity of oxygen in the room; if the amount of oxygen is low, then the ODS system automatically shuts off the gas supply to the burner.
4 REASONS TO CHOOSE A VENTLESS GAS LOG
1. NO NEED FOR A CHIMNEY
For ventless gas logs, there is no need for a working fireplace and chimney, and you can run this setup in wood-burning or factory-made fireplaces. All you need is a gas line, and then you can enjoy the heat and comfortable environment at your place.
2. QUICK AND EFFICIENT
Ventless gas logs are quick and energy efficient; they burn so hotly that 100% fuel is combusted. That's why they do not require a chimney to provide more heat and warmth. They consume less gas and save money.
3. FRIENDLIER TO MOTHER NATURE
These ventless gas logs are environmentally friendly, producing no pollution and burning the fuel completely.
4. FLEXIBILITY
Ventless gas logs are flexible as they can be placed anywhere in the middle of the room or outside.
4 REASONS TO NOT CHOOSE VENTLESS GAS LOGS
1. SOME PLACES CAN BE STRICT ABOUT IT
States like Massachusetts got codes and rules that need to be followed for Ventless Gas Logs before installation. In California, ventless gas logs are utterly banned. So before purchasing, check first the validities in your state about it.
2. IT IS NOT AS AESTHETICALLY PLEASING
If we compare the ventless gas logs to vented ones, they produce less realistic flames. They give you the color of the fire, like the blue you see on the stovetop counter rather than the yellow-looking fire you see on a campfire or fireplace.
3. CAN TRIGGER HEALTH CONCERNS
Ventless gas log systems irritate your health as if logs burn with flames, they emit carbon monoxide, which causes terrible allergies and chronic lung issues. It can also irritate the eyes and trigger coughing.
4. POSSIBILITY OF GRAVE RISK
Specifically, sensors for oxygen levels are present in these log systems that will turn off the gas system if you have a small amount of oxygen in the room. You may face the fact that an error or malfunction occurs in the system.
Pro-tip
Avoid using ventless gas logs for a long time, and if it's difficult, then crack a window or door for more oxygen access.
Conclusion
After knowing about the pros and cons, are vented or ventless gas logs better? It all depends on your choice. Do you already have a working fireplace or chimney? Or do you have a modern home with no chimney or fireplace? But vented sets are best to choose from as they have realistic flame and have an existing real wood fireplace, while ventless gas logs are more efficient. If you prefer ambiance over warmness, then vented ones are best. This article will help you to choose the best one for you after knowing your priorities and the state rules of your area.