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- Uses
economical B-vent pipe for a chimney.
- Uses
room air for combustion and venting terminates above the
roof line (like a furnace).
- More
decorative, lower efficiencies.
- Zero
clearance to combustibles.
- Relatively
easy to install, space-saving depth, but requires finishing
such as a mantel and surround.
- Large
traditional fireplaces in clean-face or circulating models.
- Ideal
for locating anywhere in the home where B-vent can be installed.
- Less
Cost than Direct Vent
The
Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association recommends the installation
of a carbon monoxide detector with all gas hearth products.
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A
vent-free gas fireplace operates without a chimney, flue or
vent, so you can install one just about anywhere. A variety
of vent-free gas fireplaces are available as well as stoves,
fireplace inserts and gas logs. Modern vent-free gas fireplaces:
-
are
inexpensive and have low operating costs
-
are
99 percent energy efficient
provide warmth during power outages
-
are
Design-Certified to the latest national safety standards
(ANSI Z21.11.2)
-
do
not exceed 40,000 Btu/hr of heat output
-
and
are a source of pleasure that will serve your family for
years to come.
Eight
million American homes and more than 45 million households
worldwide already enjoy the comfort and convenience of vent-free
gas fireplaces. In fact, more Americans are buying vent-free
gas fireplaces than any other type of supplemental gas heating
product. However, there are some areas where these units are
restricted. Consumers must check with their local building
departments before purchasing.
How
they work
Vent-free fireplaces operate on natural or propane gas. Most
models require no electricity. The flame is fueled by natural
or propane gas through a permanent line that is connected
to a blue-flame/yellow-flame burner or ceramic plaque burner
within the heating appliance.
Indoor
air quality
The primary gas combustion byproducts that can affect indoor
air quality are carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen
dioxide, oxygen and water vapor (humidity). Today's vent-free
fireplaces operate well within nationally recognized standards
and recommendations for all five byproducts. These low emission
levels are confirmed by American Gas Association Research
Division.
Oxygen
Detection Safety-Pilot
Since 1980, vent-free gas heating appliances have been equipped
with a unique safety-pilot system called an oxygen detection
safety-pilot, or ODS. The ODs is the proven technological
innovation that revolutionized the safety of vent-free gas
heating appliances. The ODs automatically shuts off the gas
supply in the rare event that the oxygen level in the room
falls to 18 percent. Until recently, questions remained about
the long-term effect of vent-free gas fireplace emissions
on indoor air quality. In 1995, the Vent-Free Gas Products
Alliance of the Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association (GAMA)
commissioned a study on indoor air quality as it relates to
vent-free gas heating products in the home. The results proved
that vent-free gas heating products meet or exceed the most
current and applicable nationally recognized standards and
guidelines for indoor air quality. Even so, the Hearth, Patio
& Barbecue Association recommends the installation of
a carbon monoxide detector with all gas hearth products.
Source: gamanet.org
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-
Uses
a coaxial pipe system (small pipe within a large pipe)
and draws combustion air from the outside through the
outer pipe.
-
Exhaust
is vented out through the inner pipe.
-
Can
either vent out the top or out the back, for installation
versatility.
-
Can
vent horizontally through an outside wall, or vertically
through the roof - no chimney required!
-
Ideal
for adding warmth & efficient heating to a cold room.
-
Most
are certified as gas wall furnace for highest efficiency.
-
Zero
clearance to combustibles.
-
Convenient
to install, space-saving depth, but requires finishing
such as a mantel and surround.
-
Suitable
for well-insulated homes or homes with no existing chimney.
-
Always
have an enclosed front.
-
Best
choice for newer, more air tight homes.
The
Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association recommends the installation
of a carbon monoxide detector with all gas hearth products.
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