Fireplace Venting 101: B Vent vs Direct Vent

Buying a new gas fireplace is a lot like rediscovering a long, lost flame. They’re easy to turn on, add tremendous warmth, and look absolutely fantastic anywhere in your house. Sounds sexy, doesn’t it?

Not as attractive as your fireplace’s looks, however, is the fact that it needs to be able to breathe – something we sometimes take for granted. Venting is an important consideration that can affect the location and efficiency of your new fireplace.

A lesson in fireplace venting - B Vent vs Direct Vent

Direct Venting

 

Direct venting is all the rage these days, due to its flexibility, practicality, and efficiency.  Our direct-vent fireplaces allow you the ability to place your fireplace virtually anywhere in your home. The venting in this sealed system can be placed on top or on the rear of most units, and can run through an outside wall horizontally or through your roof vertically. A direct-vent fireplace is typically a cheap date as well, thanks to minimal piping and amazing efficiency. The two-part vent system uses one inner pipe for exhaust and one outer pipe for air intake and uses no inside air, keeping you nice and cozy on those cold winter nights.

B Venting

 

If you know exactly where you want to put your fireplace, or are looking to transform your existing wood-burning fireplace into a more efficient gas model, traditional B-vent venting options are also available.  The venting pipe runs out of the top of the fireplace, effectively expelling combustion air. This method is easy on the wallet and installation is a snap. Efficiency, however, can sometimes be compromised as downdraft of cooler air can sometimes find its way into the area you are trying to heat.

No matter which method you choose, you can be assured that your new fireplace will bring you many, many years of comfort and reliability. Be sure to consult one of our fireplace experts to help you determine which option is right for you!

                 

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