Gas Fireplace Buying Guide

These fireplaces offer a great balance between aesthetics, heating efficiency and installation flexibility. Direct vent fireplaces are designed with sealed glass fronts and are vented using a special two-wall vent system. This sealed system brings all the air used for combustion into the fireplace through the outer vent wall and all the exhaust exits through the inner vent wall. No air loss from the home combined with the heat circulating features of these fireplaces makes them a very efficient source of supplemental heat.

• Choose from traditional, contemporary and transitional models in a variety of sizes
• Front-open, see-through, corner, peninsula and linear-opening styles are available 
• Special co-axial vent system may be run vertically, horizontally or a combination of both for optimal design flexibility
• Power vent systems available for select models allowing for down-and-out installations
• 50% to 80% heat-efficient models offer superb zone heating capabilities
• Millivolt control models offer reliable on/off operation with remote control capabilities 
• Electronic ignition control models feature gas-saving intermittent pilot ignition (IPI) and seamless battery backup that provides continued operation in the event of a power failure
• Wall switch, on/off remote controls and multifunction remote controls are available for easy fireplace and features operation
• A variety of interior liner and exterior trim options are available to fit your style

Vent-free or ventless gas fireplaces are a great choice if you are looking for the highest heating efficiency possible. Since they are not vented to the outside, all the heat produced is realized in the living space making them a superb supplemental heat source. The main byproduct of vent-free systems is moisture, so it is important that they are properly sized for the room. Download and complete the Air for Combustion and Ventilation Worksheet and check with local building codes to make sure a vent-free gas appliance is an appropriate option for your home.

• Choose from complete fireplaces or fireboxes only that allow you to select from a wide variety of vent-free gas log sets sold separately
• Available in traditional, contemporary and transitional models in a variety of sizes
• Front-open and linear-opening styles are available
• No venting required but adequate air must be available for combustion and ventilation
• 99.9% heat efficiency offers exceptional zone heating capabilities
• Required oxygen depletion sensor (ODS) ignition pilot is included on all vent-free appliances that automatically shuts off the fireplace if oxygen levels drop below an 18% safety threshold
• Bedroom and bathroom installations are limited (check appliance listings and approvals)
• Millivolt control models offer reliable on/off operation with remote control capabilities
• Electronic ignition control models feature gas-saving IPI and seamless battery backup that provides continued operation in the event of a power failure
• Wall switch, on/off remote controls and multifunction remote controls are available for easy fireplace and features operation
• A variety of interior liner and exterior trim options are available to match your style

Primarily chosen for decorative applications, these fireplaces offer the aesthetic appeal of a traditional open-front fireplace with the convenience of gas controls. These fireplaces are vertically vented, naturally drafting appliances that use an economical Type-B gas vent for installation. Glass fronts and outside air kit options are available to help reduce the amount of room air that is drawn out of the living area.

• Available in traditional models in a variety of sizes
• Front-open and see-through opening styles are available
• Uses economical B-vent natural draft chimney systems for vertical installation through roofline
• Primarily used in decorative applications due to 10% to 30% lower heating efficiency
• Millivolt control models offer reliable on/off operation with remote control capabilities
• Electronic ignition control models feature gas-saving IPI and seamless battery backup that provides continued operation in the event of a power failure
• Wall switch, on/off remote controls and multifunction remote controls are available for easy fireplace and features operation
• A variety of interior liner options are available

Today’s factory-built, open-hearth, wood-burning fireplaces offer the look and feel of a traditional masonry-constructed fireplace at a much lower installed cost. They also are considered a “dual-fuel” appliance in that they can be used to burn natural wood or be retrofitted with gas log sets. Because the chimney system can withstand the higher temperatures of burning wood, it can also accept gas log sets that burn with larger flames than a gas-only fireplace. Combined with heavy-duty grates and realistic ember beds, a wood-burning fireplace combined with a vented gas log set is an option to consider if you want a decorative fireplace.

• Available in traditional models in a variety of sizes
• Limited to front-open opening style
• Wood-burning-listed natural draft chimney systems for vertical installation through roofline 
• Vented gas log sets require that fireplace be operated with glass doors and damper fully open
• Used in decorative applications due to low, less than 10% heating efficiency 
• Gas log sets are sold separately and come in a variety of realistic wood styles
• Gas log burner systems include match-light and electronic ignition controls 
• A variety of poured refractory or “kiln-fired” firebrick interior liner options are available

Now that you have a better idea of the type of gas fireplace that best fits your needs, visit our Gas Fireplaces product catalog to select the perfect fireplace and accessories. Already know what you are looking for? Visit our Where to Buy locator and find one of our helpful hearth professionals in your area.