Gas Fireplace Inserts
Benefits of Gas Fireplace Inserts
Gas fireplaces have many benefits that traditional wood fireplaces don’t have. Easy operation, no charcoal and ash mess, smoke, or even owner maintenance. Properly installed and operating wood fireplaces let 90 percent of the heat generated go straight up the chimney. Many have a negative affect by taking the air you’ve already heated from your home and pulling it up your chimney. This can make your central heating system work more than twice as hard as it would otherwise.
Better Venting and Reduced Emissions
Fireplace inserts don’t pull your heated air, they use venting to pull in outside air. Fires burn slower and hotter, radiating the trapped heat into your home. Proper venting also eliminates cold drafts, downdrafts, and smoke problems.
Fireplace inserts are also better for the environment. EPA certified fireplace inserts reduce emissions to nearly zero and combustion is far more complete than traditional wood fireplaces.
Gas Fireplace Insert Size
Your heating needs will determine what size fireplace insert you will need.
The sizes listed below are simply guidelines. You also need to consider heat loss, construction type and air circulation when selecting your fireplace insert.
Small: 10-18,000 BTU – up to 800 sq. ft.
Medium: 25-30,000 BTU – up to 1400 sq. ft.
Large: 35-40,000 BTU – up to 1800 sq. ft.
Gas Fireplace Insert Venting Options
Direct Vent makes use of a sealed firebox. Air is drawn into the stove or fireplace from the outside for combustion, and the exhaust is vented back out. Because heated room air isn’t used for combustion, it increases efficiency and reduces drafts. Venting can be accomplished several ways, including out the wall, ceiling, an existing chimney, or even through a fireplace. Gas fireplaces inserts with direct vents are well suited for well sealed homes where there is reduced air infiltration.
B Vent is open to the room air around the fireplace, which is drawn into the stove or fireplace for combustion. The existing interior chimney or fireplace is used for venting. Since room air is used for combustion, gas fireplace inserts with B vents work best in older homes which are less airtight.
