- Vented log sets are designed for externally vented fireplaces (chimneys) and operate more closely to a real wood fire, than do vent-free logs. Operating with the damper fully open on a wood-burning fireplace, vented gas logs can be used in either masonry with an open flu and chimney or a prefabricated firebox with vent pipe. Vented gas logs do produce heat but are not as efficient as vent-free logs and use more gas.
- Vent Free logs are very efficient, burning less gas because the damper is closed which keeps the heat in the room. However, vent free logs are not as realistic as vented gas logs. Vent free logs can be used in an existing masonry or prefabricated wood-burning fireplace with the damper closed.
Vent Free Gas Logs
- Benefits: very efficient because all of the heat being produced by the Vent Free logs stays in the room and burn less gas than Vented gas logs.
- Fire Characteristics: do not have quite as realistic appearance, compared to the Vented gas logs.
- Type of Heat: Designed to be a supplemental source of heat and there are codes governing where they can be used and how many BTU’s they can burn within a home.
Vented Gas Logs
- Benefits: They have a higher efficiency and higher quality air - average of five times more efficient than traditional fireplaces. Vented Gas Logs are also easy to install.
- Fire Characteristics: Vented Gas Logs produce a yellow, smoky, wood-like flame, so they must be used in a fireplace with a working chimney.
- Type of Heat: Vented Gas Logs produce less heat than vent-free logs.