Shop a Great Selection of BAC Fireside Group Gas Fireplaces, Inserts, & Log Sets Here at Owens Chimney Systems 

What Is the Difference Between a Vented and Ventless Gas Fireplace?

Shopping for a new heating appliance can bring forth a lot of questions: what kind of product are you looking for? What are your maintenance and care expectations? What is a good blend of functional performance and eye-catching beauty that ties together your living space? The list goes on.

And then, even when you do decide on the specific kind of appliance and you weigh the options between the different fuel types, depending on which direction you go – wood or gas – there are even more options and distinctions to choose between. Take, for example, gas fireplaces…

What is the difference between vented and ventless (or vent free) gas fireplaces and how do you know which one might be right for you?

It’s a valid question. As much as we appreciate the ease and accessibility of available information, it can be quite overwhelming to really get a good, solid understanding of complicated products such as gas fireplaces! But, our team of dedicated fireplace and chimney technicians are here to help iron out the wrinkles. The breakdown looks like this:

• Vented Gas Fireplace: As alluded to in the name, vented gas fireplaces require some sort of ventilation system in order to release the produced combustion fumes from the unit and into the outdoors. While some gas fireplaces utilize a traditional chimney setup (such as in the case of gas logs installed in an open fireplace unit), others are considered “direct vent” and exhaust their fumes directly to the outside through a hole in the wall.
• Ventless Gas Fireplace: On the other hand, ventless fireplace units are exactly what they sound like – gas fireplaces that do not require any venting system at all. However, the caveat with these kinds of models is that, unlike their vented counterparts, they are not designed to be operated for more than a few hours at a time. While vented gas fireplaces circulate air from outside in order to keep the fire burning without excess smoke production, vent free fireplaces recycle the combustion fumes back into the room in which they are installed. For this reason, we don’t typically recommend these appliances – especially if you’re switching to gas for increased efficiency and heat production.

What Are the Benefits of Switching to Gas?

There is certainly something to be said for the ambience created by a wood-burning fire. But, if it’s heat you’re looking for, there are better options out there. From placement and design versatility to lower maintenance and ease of operation, gas-fueled appliances have certainly come a long way over the years when it comes to blending form and function. Here are just a few of the many benefits of fueling with gas:

• Gas burns cleaner and has less carbon emissions than its wood counterpart. Meaning better, cleaner air for you and the environment.
• Gas fireplaces are significantly less maintenance than any appliance fueled by wood. No chopping, no hauling, no storing, no stoking, and considerably less creosote buildup, too. (But, yes, you still must keep up with preventive maintenance services like annual chimney cleanings.)
• Operating a gas fireplace, insert, or stove is as easy as flipping a switch or clicking a button. Some available today even have apps that allow you to bask the room in a warm glow from your phone. Did someone say “luxury”?
• Gas is known for being more efficient when it comes to heat production. When it comes to any flame-producing appliance, if you’re looking for a way to lower heating bills and increase the radiant heat in your home, gas fireplaces, inserts, or stoves are absolutely the way to go.

There are so many different options available, and many are quite realistic. No longer do gas logs and fireplaces look like a crude imitation of real timber. These days, there are countless gas-fueled appliances that cause you to do a double-take because they look so real.

How Can I Upgrade My Old, Drafty Fireplace?

We are so glad you asked. Here at Owens Chimney Systems, we’re passionate about this industry and ways in which we can improve our community – one hearth at a time! If you’ve noticed that your fireplace is just not performing the way it once was, you’ll be glad to know that there are a handful of options to consider if you’re looking for an improvement.

• Want to change up the fuel you’re burning, but don’t want to shell out a heap of money? Perhaps a set of gas logs is the perfect solution.
• Still in love with your mantle and the presentation of your fireplace, but you’re sick of the inefficiency? Let’s talk about your insert options.
• Looking to completely scrap your hearth and start over? We can help with that, too.

When it comes to upgrading your heating appliance, aside from regulations and logistics, the only real limit is how much you’re willing to pay and your imagination. All you have to do is get in touch with someone from our team, share your vision, and we’ll help you create it. The sky’s the limit!

No matter where you are in your hearth improvement journey, if you’ve found yourself periodically searching “fireplace store Charlotte, NC,” we can assure you that Owens Chimney System is the place you’re looking for. Learn more about us and what we can do for you by filling out this appointment request form right here on our website, or you can give us a call at 704-554-9595.

Ready To Get Started? Call Owens Chimney Systems & Schedule Your Appointment With Our Pros Today!

Overwhelmed? Excited? Too confused to know where to begin? Don’t worry – we’re here to help with it all. From initial conversations and answering questions, all the way through installation and scheduling preventive maintenance services, the Owens Chimney Systems team is by your side.

Whether you’re ready to sign on the dotted line and schedule your installation or you don’t even know where to begin, we’ve got you covered. Owens Chimney Systems is your number one fireplace store near Charlotte, NC and beyond. Get started today by filling out our appointment request form, or give us a call at 704-554-9595. We look forward to working with you!