Gas Log Question

[tobybul]

I'm planning on installing a gas fireplace log in to a Superior wood fireplace that is prepped for a gas log. I would like to get some heat out of the fireplace and I read that a vent-free unit would do that. But vent free supposedly produces an odor. My fireplace has a capability of bringing in outside air thru a vent controlled by a push/pull lever by the left side of the glass window. Will having this vent open help prevent the odor and make the fireplace more efficient?

[Juan Madera]

You have a vented fireplace, why not a non vent free logset?

Vent "free" just means the products of combustion including copious moisture are vented into the living space....

[tobybul]

You have a vented fireplace, why not a non vent free logset?

Vent "free" just means the products of combustion including copious moisture are vented into the living space....

Yes, I know a vented unit would be the logical way to go. But never having had a gas log before I thought the heat would just all go to the flue while my understanding is as vent free unit would give out heat (with the flue damper closed). That is why I am asking the experts.

[kdean1]

Vent free is a euphemism for “my house is a chimney.”
Do you heat your garage by running the car in it?

In case I’ve been too subtle, I disapprove of ventless heaters.

[Gas-Xpress]

You can't have a fire in your living room with no vent and not have an odor.
Vent free= bad idea. If you want heat look into a direct vent gas insert. A lot more money but worth it

[Juan Madera]

Least case issue with "Vent free" is you get a TON of moisture in the home... Might be a good thing if you have a drafty old victorian. But, if you have a modern relatively tight home, expect a lot of condensation on the windows, wood rot, and mold.

I like the Petersen real fire logs on a sand pan. Looks like the real thing. If your firebox is glass door and relatively airtight, you should get some heat out of it.

[DavidDeBord]

Vent free is a euphemism for “my house is a chimney.”
Do you heat your garage by running the car in it?

In case I’ve been too subtle, I disapprove of ventless heaters.

[DavidDeBord]

Least case issue with "Vent free" is you get a TON of moisture in the home... Might be a good thing if you have a drafty old victorian. But, if you have a modern relatively tight home, expect a lot of condensation on the windows, wood rot, and mold.

I like the Petersen real fire logs on a sand pan. Looks like the real thing. If your firebox is glass door and relatively airtight, you should get some heat out of it.

[Liam142]

I think at the beginning it is necessary to think through the ventilation, and then install a fireplace. In my opinion, it is logical: D
Also, keep in mind that if the thrust in the air outlet is not enough, then you really start to have problems in the room, from smoke or moisture.

[hearthman]

A vented logset requires the damper be blocked wide open to maintain a stated "minimum permanent net free opening" which usually starts around 50 square inches. That equates to an 8" flue. Wide open. 24/7. You can install glass doors if they are listed for use with that fireplace but not aftermarket doors. That will minimize the loss of heated room air up the chimney when off duty but the doors must be wide open while burning.

A ventfree set has many special requirements. For starters your fireplace must be listed for use with VF. If it was built prior to May 1999, it can't possibly be listed for VF because that's when UL127 first offered the optional VF test. Not all units are listed for VF. You typically have to install an ugly canopy or hood across the opening if the mantel is less than about 14" away. As noted, when you burn for 3 hrs. at 33,000 BTU/hr. you've made one gallon of water. Yes, VF will stink. No, the combustion air kit will not help and could hurt if its on the downwind side. Those factory built fireplaces were not designed for heat output but convenience. If you really want heat, replace it with a listed hybrid half fireplace/ half woodstove that will legally and relatively safely cook you out of there.
HTH

[DavidDeBord]

A vented logset requires the damper be blocked wide open to maintain a stated "minimum permanent net free opening" which usually starts around 50 square inches. That equates to an 8" flue. Wide open. 24/7. You can install glass doors if they are listed for use with that fireplace but not aftermarket doors. That will minimize the loss of heated room air up the chimney when off duty but the doors must be wide open while burning.

A ventfree set has many special requirements. For starters your fireplace must be listed for use with VF. If it was built prior to May 1999, it can't possibly be listed for VF because that's when UL127 first offered the optional VF test. Not all units are listed for VF. You typically have to install an ugly canopy or hood across the opening if the mantel is less than about 14" away. As noted, when you burn for 3 hrs. at 33,000 BTU/hr. you've made one gallon of water. Yes, VF will stink. No, the combustion air kit will not help and could hurt if its on the downwind side. Those factory built fireplaces were not designed for heat output but convenience. If you really want heat, replace it with a listed hybrid half fireplace/ half woodstove that will legally and relatively safely cook you out of there.
HTH

We are hoping to have our remodeling done here before next winter, where we can burn wood, cook on the stove if necessary, & possibly employ some kind of coil to assist in our DHW needs.

After several severe ice & wind storms, it hit me, "What If", the power went out for longer than a week, & "What If", propane couildn't be delivered.

With the great abundance of firewood available here, ..... We're going to go Wood.

[jackfowler]

Can I convert my gas logs from LP to natural gas or from natural gas to ... Can I remove my gas logs and burn wood on the hearth kit?

[DavidDeBord]

Can I convert my gas logs from LP to natural gas or from natural gas to ... Can I remove my gas logs and burn wood on the hearth kit?

You can convert from LP to Natural Gas, only if, the Gas Valve is set up for conversion Jack.

As far as burning wood, in a fireplace that was made for Gas? The chances are very, very slim, that a Gas fired unit was manufactured to burn wood also.

If You can not find a Data plate, that Explicitly states that the unit is "Listed" for burning wood, then ABSOLUTELY Do Not Do It.