What Is a Direct Vent Gas Fireplace?
A direct vent gas fireplace is a great way to add warmth and elegance to your home. It is also an energy-efficient system that won’t compromise indoor air quality. Whether you’re planning a remodeling project or are building from scratch, a direct vent gas fireplace will fit the bill.
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Direct vents are great because they are an easy way to keep the warm air inside your home without letting cold air from your doors or windows get in the way. Another benefit is that the fireplace burns cleaner. The waste fumes from the burn are vented outside through the same vent pipe that takes the heat out of the fireplace.
This type of venting is also a good choice if you are considering installing a new room addition or a second floor. You can easily route your gas line through the wall or through the side of the home, giving you more flexibility.
In addition to using the most efficient means of venting, a direct vent system has many other features. For example, a lot of direct vent fireplaces are rated for 20,000 to 30,000 BTUs per hour, which is about one-third of the output of a typical natural gas furnace.
The most important feature of the direct vent fireplace is its ability to pull in fresh air from the outdoors. Most models are equipped with a barrier screen that prevents children or pets from burning themselves. Likewise, some advanced models are even able to run a timer.
Among the best direct vent fireplaces are the Napoleon Direct Vent Fireplace. These units are designed to work with the existing chimney in your home. They can also be vented through the roof, if necessary.
Other direct vent units, like the DRL direct vent gas fireplace, offer a versatile linear design that can be viewed both inside and out. Their high-quality ceramic glass and ceramic logs offer the best of both worlds. Similarly, the Tahoe Luxury models feature an intricate 13-piece log set and an automatic blower.
While a lot of people may not think of a gas fireplace as an aesthetic improvement, some are actually a better option than a wood-burning fireplace. Especially in a small room, a gas fireplace is more convenient to operate than a wood-burning unit. Furthermore, a direct vent model can be installed nearly anywhere you can put an exterior wall.
If you aren’t sure if a direct vent fireplace is right for you, consult your local fire department. Some states require that all direct vent fireplaces have a barrier screen. If the screen is not removable, it can block the view of the flames, which can be dangerous for children or pets.
A modern gas fireplace will come in many styles and sizes. The Element4 fireplaces are considered to be a fine art, and feature clean lines and efficient yet robust flames. Moreover, some modern models are even designed with a “multi-stage” blower.
There are numerous ways to vent a gas fireplace, so you will need to do some homework before you begin. Installing a venting system is a complex process that requires experience in home renovations. Once you’ve figured out what kind of system you need, you’ll have to make sure you have the proper clearances for the vent.