Is Using A Ventless Gas Logs Suitable For Me

Considered purchasing ventless gas logs? It's important to note that they may not be suitable for all homes. Certain companies market vent-free gas logs as the ultimate solution for heating, yet this is far from accurate.

The heat output of modern ventless gas logs can reach up to 40k BTU's, although they have improved in appearance and flame patterns, they may not meet the heating needs of every individual. At CJs Hearth And Home, our primary goal is to match you with the appropriate heating appliance to fit your requirements. In this article, we will be discussing who vent-free gas logs are suitable for and who they are not. Vent-free gas logs are ideal for people who require additional heating. If you have a spare room or a converted garage that doesn't seem to retain heat like the rest of the house, installing ventless gas logs could potentially be a solution. This is often caused by high ceilings and compartmentalized layouts that hinder heat circulation throughout the house.

Consider adding ventless gas logs as an alternative to increasing the heat from your furnace and potentially overheating other rooms. Vent-free gas logs should only be used as a secondary source of heat and for no more than four hours continuously. This makes them ideal for rooms that require additional warmth. However, it is necessary to leave the doors to the firebox open when using vent-free gas logs as they do not require a venting system. This allows the little amount of by-product produced by the logs to escape. If you have young children or pets, it is best to opt for a direct vent fireplace instead to avoid any potential safety hazards.

It is important to note that the emission rates of vent free fireplaces and gas logs have been thoroughly studied by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Their findings suggest that vent free appliances emit significantly lower levels of carbon monoxide and nitric oxide than the maximum levels set by the CPSC. It is worth considering that the CPSC uses children, pregnant women, and the elderly as the baseline for its standards. While there may be a small amount of gas fumes that emit from any gas appliance, rest assured that their safety has been thoroughly tested and they are not harmful to your health. For those looking to update an old masonry fireplace, gas fireplace logs are a great option to maintain the beauty of the existing structure while relieving the burden of heavy maintenance that comes with burning wood.

It is important to exercise caution when choosing ventless gas logs. Not all models are created equal, and it is best to avoid cheaper options found in boxed stores. While these may be tempting due to their affordability, they do not burn as cleanly as newer systems that utilize modern burner designs. The outdated u-shaped burners, which were once acceptable, can no longer compete with newer pan burners that emit no odor. It is wise to invest in higher-quality gas logs to avoid future expenses and ensure a successful upgrade to your masonry fireplace.

It is not recommended to use ventless gas logs in certain locations. After discussing the areas where vent-free gas logs are suitable, it is important to acknowledge the spaces where they should never be used.

If you frequently cook with pungent ingredients like garlic, onion, curry or certain vegetables, your home might not be a suitable place for ventless gas logs. This is because most gas logs, particularly the inexpensive ones mentioned earlier, have a high level of porosity that allows cooking smells to permeate the air and become absorbed in the log set's material.

Imagine this - you light your logs a couple of days later and suddenly, you're greeted with the overpowering smell of burnt onions and curry filling your room. While these ingredients may be flavorful when fresh, they lose their appeal once they've been charred and left to stale. If you're a chef who wants to avoid this, consider getting a wood burning stove instead. Cooking on top of one can be just as enjoyable and won't subject your home to unpleasant odors. Alternatively, you could try installing a direct vent gas fireplace that can be vented either vertically or horizontally, and uses a glass pane to prevent any cooking-related smells from seeping into your living space. 

Houses that accumulate dust frequently and are not cleaned regularly may not be suitable for vent-free gas logs. This may not be an obvious reason to some, but it is important to consider if you are elderly, physically ill, have pets, and have difficulty moving around. It may be necessary to reconsider purchasing ventless gas logs in this situation.

As previously stated, gas fireplace logs possess a high level of porosity, resulting in potential adherence of strong odors, dust, and pet hair that can become airborne when ignited. This can lead to undesirable outcomes, such as flaming debris scattering throughout your living space. If maintaining a consistent cleaning regimen is not feasible, an electric fireplace may be a preferable alternative for a low maintenance and aesthetically pleasing supplemental heating solution.

If your home has multiple divided rooms or a complex floor plan, you may encounter an issue with moisture buildup when using gas fireplace logs. The heat may accumulate in one room and lead to humidity, especially if the ceilings are low. It is crucial to address this problem promptly, as the condensation may eventually develop into mold or mildew, posing a significant threat to the living environment.

Vent free gas logs are most appropriate for indoor use in homes with high ceilings or an open floor plan to allow for moisture dissipation. In the event that you have decided that vent free gas logs are the right choice for your home, let's discuss the two types of gas fireplace logs available. The first option is ceramic fiber logs, which are less expensive and lightweight, with a material similar to cardboard. Their high porosity makes them susceptible to absorbing strong odors and collecting cat hairballs, as discussed earlier. Due to their thin construction, they can be produced inexpensively, but it's important to scrutinize the wording to ensure the desired level of quality.

Ceramic refractory logs are next on the list and offer enhanced durability, akin to reinforced cement. Although they are not very porous, any residual material on their surface will be eliminated when they are ignited. These logs are constructed with a fortified cement mixture, which enables them to endure high temperatures and last longer than ceramic fiber.

The article concludes with a review of the various types of vent free gas logs and their intended users. I trust that this information has helped you determine whether or not ventless gas logs are suitable for your household.