Gas Fireplaces Logs have become very popular in the last decade. With this new popularity, however, has come the usual barrage of questions regarding these products and their uses. First, some information common to all these types. They are all available set up for Natural Gas or LP (Propane). They all require that you have an existing wood burning fireplace with a decent chimney system installed (have a chimney sweep check your chimney and fireplace). They are all available (or standard) with multi-function safety controls to assure that unlit gas cannot be sent into the living area. Gas Logs are available in three basic types:
Vented LogsMillions of vented logs are in use in fireplaces across the US. These
tried and true log sets have been sold for 20 years or more, and are still
the most popular type. They are available in lengths from 12" to over
60" (that's a big fireplace !). Vented logs are the most realistic
wood fire substitute made, and are available in different styles and finishes
which resemble oak, birch, hickory and many other wood species. This realistic
beauty comes at a price; vented logs are also the least efficient of the
three types. They consume for 50,000 to 90,000 BTU/HR of Gas which costs
40 cents to 80 cents per hour (Natural Gas) and 60 cents to $1.00 per hour
(LP). The efficiency is rather low, meaning that only 10% of this heat is
returned to the home. The rest goes up the chimney, much like your old wood
fire did.
Technically speaking, the reason Vented Logs look so good is they intentionally
burn the Gas "dirty". A dirty gas flame is a yellow flame...which
simulates wood very well. The glowing embers found on most of these sets
add to the charm and realism. The Vented Log Sets are also the most flexible
- logs can be moved around and repositioned, remote controls and wall switches
are available and additional logs, embers, branches and pine cones can be
added. If you are looking for the most realistic fire, and don't have a
heating problem in the room or in your home, then the Vented Logs may be
a good option for you.
Unvented Logs (Ventless and Vent-Free
Logs)In the past three years, unvented log sets have become extremely popular,
and the sales volume is approaching that of the Vented logs. The real revolution
occurred when engineers figured out a way to produce a yellow flame with
these sets, while still achieving a clean burn. Many folks are curious how
you can burn a fuel in the home and have little on no effect on the air
quality in the home. The easiest way to understand is to use your Kitchen
Gas Range as an example. A range uses a special burner design to achieve
a clean, smokeless flame. Unvented gas logs use a similar technology.
Because the damper can remain closed, a high degree of efficiency is achieved--over
99%. The small amount of carbon dioxide and water vapor released into the
home (as a by-product of the gas combustion) is well under the current Federal
guidelines. Unvented logs are also economical to use. They burn a rates
from 10,000 BTU/Hr to 30,000 BTU/HR which costs from 6 cents to 30 cents
per hour (Natural Gas) to 10 cents to 50 cents per hour (LP). These logs
do have yellow flames and glowing embers, but they do not look as real as
the Vented Logs. This is due to the smaller BTU rating and the clean burning
design.
There is some controversy over unvented logs. Some states (Mass., Ca. and
a few others) do not allow the use of any unvented gas appliance. People
with asthma, or other respiratory sensitivities may find the slight odor
and small decrease in room oxygen levels uncomfortable. This may be a bigger
concern in newer, tightly constructed homes. Rest assured, however, that
these logs are equipped with a modern safety device called an ODS (oxygen
depletion sensor), which would shut the flame off if the oxygen content
of the air dropped below a safe level. In my extensive experience, I've
never heard of one of these sensors failing or even going off. Unvented
logs do not allow for the repositioning or adding of additional logs or
branches. Remote controls, wall thermostats and other options are not as
prevalent as with the Vented logs. It is not a good idea to use these logs
for full time heating or to use them while you are not in the area or sleeping.
They are, in effect, an "open fire" and the normal precautions
should be considered. Since these logs produce so much heat, wood surfaces
(mantels, shelves, etc.) above the fireplace should be protected or removed
- see installation instructions or ask your hearth retailer for these specs.
If your intention is to replace your wood fire, supply some space heating
(attended) and provide a backup emergency heat source for your home (yes,
they work during power failures), then an Unvented Log Set could have your
name on it !
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Partially Vented Logs
Movie of Burning Partial-Vent Logs (200K)
These Logs allow you to close your fireplace damper most of the way, leaving it only 10% open. The result is plenty of heat in the room, while most of the combustion by-products go up the chimney. Although not as effective as Unvented Logs, and not as realistic as Vented Logs, these logs provide the ever-so-important middle ground and are probably a good option for many. They use less BTU's than fully Vented types (30,000 to 50,000 BTU/HR) and are available in a few different styles and colors.
It is highly recommended that your new fireplace logs be installed by a qualified plumber or heating contractor. This is not the right job for a DIY's. Most jobs are installed with threaded pipe, which must be cut and threaded on the job. In addition, technical knowledge and certain instruments are required to set up and adjust the gas logs. Installation prices can vary, usually running from $200 to $350 for a basic job. It's well worth it for the peace of mind--support your local contractor !
Gas logs are a convenient way to convert your fireplace from wood. You
didn't use your open fireplace to heat your home on a full time basis, and
your new Gas Logs are not designed for that purpose either. If you are looking
to convert your fireplace to help heat an area on a ongoing basis, consider
the Gas Fireplace Inserts or Gas Stoves.