What To Know When Buying Gas Logs

The inquiries made to some customers of CJsHearthAndHome.com regarding their top concerns when selecting gas logs online yielded unexpected results. Instead of technical questions, customers expressed statements such as "I don't know how to get started", "All of the gas logs look the same", and "I'm afraid that I'll choose the wrong gas logs and I won't be able to use them or they won't work right". In light of these concerns, we determined that the optimal approach was to create a simple, straightforward walkthrough to alleviate any confusion in the process of selecting the ideal gas logs. If you're currently reading this, then you've found that walkthrough. Without further delay, let's begin.

When selecting gas logs for your residence, choosing between natural gas or liquid propane is a straightforward process. Many customers have already determined their preferred fuel source before beginning their search. For those who have not, it is essential to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each fuel type. Natural gas has several advantages, such as a lower purchase price compared to propane gas logs. It is also lighter than air, which means it will dissipate into the atmosphere following combustion. If your household already uses natural gas appliances, like a water heater or oven, selecting natural gas logs may be the simplest decision since your home is already equipped for natural gas usage.

Disadvantages of using natural gas include the requirement for hard-piping to appliances from buried gas service lines, as well as the unavailability of natural gas service in certain areas. On the other hand, liquid propane has advantages such as its higher carbon dioxide content and ability to burn almost three times hotter than natural gas.

Additionally, liquid propane can be used independently of natural gas lines or appliances and is suitable for areas where natural gas service is not available.
The downsides of using propane gas logs include their higher cost compared to natural gas logs, the need for a separate tank installation outside the house, and the requirement of contracting with a propane supplier for tank refills. It is important to note that natural gas service is not available in all areas and may not be practical for every situation. Gas logs are typically installed by a professional and it is recommended to contact a local natural gas service provider or propane supplier prior to purchasing gas logs.

The topic at hand is the comparison between vented and ventless gas logs. After determining the type of fuel to be used, the decision regarding which type of gas logs to install must be addressed. Although this may seem daunting, it is important to be knowledgeable about the differences between the two before making a choice. The primary distinction between the two types of gas logs is that vented gas logs expel the exhaust produced by burning fuel through a vent or chimney, while ventless gas logs do not. Consequently, when using vented gas logs, a significant amount of heat and other substances are released outside the home, whereas ventless logs retain almost all of the heat within the household. It is useful to further compare these two types of gas logs.

Advantages of Vented Gas Logs: They are cheaper to purchase compared to ventless logs. They are perfect for homeowners who want ambiance from their gas logs rather than heating capacity. A higher yellow flame can be achieved with venting, resulting in a more realistic-looking flame. No carbon monoxide (CO) detector is required. As these logs are operated with an open damper, any odor produced goes up the chimney.

There are a few downsides to using vented gas logs. Firstly, they produce notably less heat compared to ventless gas logs, which means they may not be able to fully warm up larger rooms. Secondly, vented gas logs typically require slightly more fuel to operate than vent-free logs. Lastly, vented gas logs necessitate a chimney or other ventilation mechanism, which may not be present in all homes.

Advantages of using ventless (vent-free) gas logs: - Vent-free gas logs provide superior heat output compared to vented gas logs, making them a more efficient choice for heating a room or home. - Due to the near-complete burning of fuel in ventless gas logs, they emit less pollution. - Ventless gas logs consume slightly less fuel than vented logs. - Ventless gas logs do not require venting, allowing them to be used in a traditional fireplace or even in a self-contained cabinet.

Ventless gas logs have a few drawbacks to consider. Firstly, because burning fuel cleanly creates moisture, using ventless gas logs introduces some moisture into the atmosphere inside the home. Secondly, burning vent-free gas logs gradually depletes the oxygen in the area, meaning that burning them for long periods of time requires cracking a window to allow in oxygen and some cold air, which can offset some of the heating benefits. Additionally, it's important to note that using ventless gas logs is illegal in California and some municipalities, so it's necessary to check local regulations before using them. To ensure safety, it's also necessary to have an Oxygen depletion system (ODS) and Carbon Monoxide (CO) detector in the home when using ventless gas logs. Lastly, it's worth noting that ventless gas logs produce a smaller, less realistic blue flame compared to vented gas logs and can produce a slight odor that most people compare to burning kerosene, although some customers report enjoying the light odor.

Positive and negative aspects exist for both vented and ventless (vent-free) gas logs. The requirements for each type of gas logs vary depending on the home and homeowner. It is important to note that legal requirements apply to both types in many municipalities. Thus, it is necessary to check with local gas and housing authorities before making a purchase. After that, the above information can provide a starting point in selecting the appropriate gas logs.