- Gas Logs for people who have an existing fireplace but seldom use it, a set of gas logs may be the best way to have dancing flames at your fingertips. Fireplace logs provide dramatic realism from the lifelike ceramic fiber along with concrete or refractory sets down to the glowing embers. These sets have a burner that uses either natural or propane fuel.
Vent free models offer high efficiency but may not be permitted in some areas (check with your local building official or hearth specialty retailer before installing any unit). Vented units have a spectacular flame pattern but are decorative only. Whether you want the look of a charred split oak or massive sassafras logs there is a gas log set for you.
Fireplace logs are relatively inexpensive and are easy to retrofit. Most fireplaces now include a built-in provision for running the line and flexible piping saves time and money.
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Vent Free 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 Range as an example. A range uses a special burner design to achieve a clean, smokeless flame. Unvented uses 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 products 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 Fuel) to 10 cents to 50 cents per hour (LP). These sets do have yellow flames and glowing embers but they do not look as real as the Vented sets. This is due to the smaller BTU rating and the clean burning design.
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 Set could have your name on it ! |
