Vented Gas Fireplace Styles

B-Vent

• How the fireplace vents is an important consideration. When the fireplace is in use it produces hot gases. A B-vent fireplace draws the gaseous air and particles from inside the room and vents it outdoors. B-vent units have a pipe that creates a natural draft to draw the gases up through the pipe. The pipe is typically 4 inches in diameter and can run up through the a chimney, or it can be fitted to pass through a wall and run vertically up the exterior walls of the home past the roof line. This makes it possible to install a fireplace in an unconventional place, such as on a second floor or inside a bedroom or bathroom.

Direct Vent

• A direct vent gas fireplaces uses air from the outdoors to produce combustion. Direct vent fireplaces have a double-walled vent pipe. The outdoor air circulates through the outer pipe, which is typically 7 inches in diameter. The inner pipe is usually 4 inches in diameter, the same size as B-vent pipes. However, the dual-pipe configuration makes direct vent gas fireplaces more efficient than B-vent gas fireplaces at ventilating the room. Direct vent pipes are also considered safer than B-vent pipes because they circulate fresh air from the outdoors and do not totally rely on indoor air to produce combustion.

Insert

• An insert is a prefabricated firebox used to install inside an existing masonry fireplace. Gas inserts are used when you want to convert from wood burning to gas. You can choose from both direct vent and B-vent style gas fireplaces and utilize the chimney. However, you should have the chimney and masonry work inspected for leaks and components prior to installation. A professional fireplace technician who has experience in making conversions and working with gas fireplaces should install the insert. In most areas, you will also need a permit from your local building code enforcement office to convert the fireplace. You will also need to make arrangements with your local gas utility provider to hook up the gas line and connection to the fireplace.

See-Through and Peninsula Gas Fireplaces

• If you install a direct vent or B-vent fireplace that does not require attachment to a chimney, you can choose from some of the more contemporary gas fireplace designs. Consider a see-through gas fireplace installed between adjoining rooms, such as a kitchen and a family room, or a peninsula that’s visible from three sides inside a master bedroom and bathroom.

Wall-Mounted Inserts

• Another contemporary design option you have with gas fireplaces is wall-mounted inserts. The inserts are custom fitted into a wall instead of having a base on the floor. You can even add sophisticated accessories such as fire glass to create colorful flames and give the gas fireplace a high-tech and exotic look.