Vented gas logs best mimic real wood fires. They require a flue or venting pipe (hence the term the "vented") and produce a brilliant fire that offers a permanent, ashless experience. You can install these in an existing brick or stone fireplace, or install them in a pre-fabricated or "factory-built" firebox suitable for use with vented gas logs.
PLUSES:
Brilliant, life-like flame. Great, pleasing wood fire look. Like wood, it provides radiant heat to a given room. You can feel this type of heat with your hand.
MINUSES:
Must be installed in a masonry fireplace or pre-fabricated firebox. Will "draw" heated air out of the room/space/house, in much the same way a wood fire does. Because it only provides radiant energy heat, it will not heat the room air where the fireplace is located. Heated air gains are the result of pulling warm air from the rest of the home with the "draw" for the fireplace.
Vent-free (aka Unvented) gas logs gas logs offer the look and feel of fire, along with a good to large amount of heat for the room or space they are located in, and do not require the venting of a fireplace flue or vent-pipe. Because they must burn their gas supply completely, the flame of a vent-free log is typically not as active, large or brilliant. They are designed, engineered, tested and certified to literally burn all of the gas they consume. (The vent free standard is in excess of 99% efficiency to ensure a safe and clean burn.) After the initial "burn-in" or break in period the logs should offer a clean, reliable heat supply as long as you perform periodic maintenance. All vent free products are equipped with oxygen depletion sensors. This true for any vent free appliance, regardless of manufacturer or price range and should not be considered a selling point or bonus feature.
Some vent-free gas logs are "dual-listed" meaning they can operate with an open or closed fireplace flue or vent. However, for the maximum amount of effective heat, you would want to have the vent closed. This is your choice.
PLUSES:
Incredible supplemental heat source with a lovely flame. Adds a somewhat measurable amount of humidity to the room or home, but less than a typical humidifier. When used properly, this results in a much more comfortable environment as most homes are in dire need of humidity in the winter time.
MINUSES:
Does not have the brilliant, life-like flame of a vented log or wood fire. Adds a somewhat measurable amount of humidity to the home. When used improperly, this can cause condensation on windows in the winter time |
