Best gas fireplace?

[Deltaforce]

We are taking out a wood burning prefab insert and would like to install a gas fireplace( tired of the mess of wood).

What are a few of the best fireplaces that require little maintenance and are well built?

TIA

[4jime]

I got a set from Northern Tool for around $800. I think they are 40,000 btu and unvented with a remote. They are great to back up to and take a chill off, but I would want something vented for full time.

[parsky1]

Try Napoleon fireplaces

[parsky1]

Also before you buy, review the efficiency of the units. Some are horrible, <50%.

[FLF]

Never, buy unvented products!!!!!!
Mendota is the best fireplace out there. IMO

[ngarry243]

Why do you recommend Mendota? What are the benefits?

[fixitguy]

The Best is one thats working!! Unvented not really good for full time use /combustion gases inside and added moisture,,
The amount of water produced from burning a fuel is large, with over 4.8 gallons produced in 24 hours of operation of a 28,000 Btu/hour natural gas heater. This will fog your windows!!

[kdean1]

But unvented heaters are 100% efficient because all the heat stays in the house.

[R600a]

But unvented heaters are 100% efficient because all the heat stays in the house.

I noticed they quit rating them 100% efficient now I think it's something like 99.8% efficient.

[kdean1]

I noticed they quit rating them 100% efficient now I think it's something like 99.8% efficient.

Evidently trying to avoid liability.

[R600a]

Evidently trying to avoid liability.

I am not sure it has anything to do with liability. It must be something in energy labeling laws.

[hearthman]

The gas direct vent fireplace was invented by Ron Shimek in 1987, who founded Heat N Glo. They are part of Hearth N Home Technologies, the largest fireplace company in the world. They have excellent units that are well designed and built. You also need to consider who is installing the unit. Read the warranty as some mfrs. refuse to honor a warranty if not installed by a dealer or if sold over the internet. Make sure you pull a permit. You'll want a contractor who can do the whole job including the gas and electrical supplies.

Most current gas DV's have these things in common: electronic ignition that can be over-ridden to function as a continuous pilot, multi-function remote control that can be locked out, barrier screen front, adjustable flame height and fan speed, ceramic fiber glowing logs, rockwool glowing embers, ceramic glass (allows 3x more heat than tempered glass), reduced clearances to combustibles, many iterations, listed for venting both sidewall and vertical termination.

Ventfree are condemned by every building scientist in North America who are trying again, through ASHRAE, to ban VF again. The one tenth of 1% off the efficiency is consumed making light (luminous flame). We call these "lung vented" logs. YOU are the chimney. At 33 BTU/hr continuous burning releases 1 gallon of water vapor into the room. Meanwhile, they can legally emit 200ppm CO AF along with aldehydes, NOx, and odors.

Consider the qualifications of who is going to install and service the appliance. You want someone qualified who is fully ensured including workers comp.

A Heat N Glo 6000 CLX, which is the grandson of the original gas DV is rated at 67% efficiency. It has accent lighting to the ember bed and firebox, ceramic glass with a special coating that blocks 87% of the glare, and can take brick liner panels or black enamel reflective panels. It can take decorative fronts ranging from $560- $2,600.00 available in black, bronze or graphite finishes. It can use many different vent terminations including a powervent option. It has a battery backup for power failures (no fan or lighted embers) and a 50% flame turn down.

There are many cool competitive units out there. Each has a very different flame pattern, different logs, brick liner panels, etc.

Make sure before the new fireplace is installed, the exterior wall is weatherized per the energy code. This includes air sealing, insulation, and interior wall sheathing with joints sealed.

If you want a TV over it, mock it up so you know the placement first. Next, refer to the manual to determine the clearance to a TV and to a combustible mantel. This gives you the maximum height that unit can be mounted above the floor if you don't want it on the floor level. Pay close attention to clearances to combustibles especially over the top of the unit. Many now come with factory installed noncombustible insulation board that must be covered by a noncombustible material.

Visit your local hearth retailer showrooms.
HTH,

[kangaroogod]

[QUOTE=R600a;26319003]I noticed they quit rating them 100% efficient now I think it's something like 99.8% efficient. [/QUOT

Edit.. hearthman answered before I read his great post wish there was a delete option?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[R600a]

[QUOTE=kangaroogod;26319775]

I noticed they quit rating them 100% efficient now I think it's something like 99.8% efficient. [/QUOT

Edit.. hearthman answered before I read his great post wish there was a delete option?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I always try to read his posts even if it's not a subject I'm interested in because I always learn something.

[Hvac-walk]

FYI - check local codes as some states don’t allow ventless… which should tell you something… go vented.

My Mendota has been trouble free for about 15 years.

[Jamesla00]

I have a heat n glo direct vent fireplace in my basement . Installed about 3 years ago . No issues looks good and works as expected

[Ramprage]

Original poster banned. Content deleted.

Thanks for posting this!

[numbawunfela]

Here are a few gas fireplaces that are known for their low maintenance and durability....

Chatbot alert....

[numbawunfela]

If you are looking for a gas fireplace that requires little maintenance and is well-built, consider popular options like the Napoleon GVF36 Vent-Free Gas Fireplace, Heat & Glo True Series Gas Fireplaces, or Mendota FullView Gas Fireplaces.

These models are known for their durability, efficiency, and ease of maintenance.

However, I would recommend you consult with a professional or fireplace specialist in your area to ensure proper installation and compliance with local regulations.

Smells like another chatbot.....

[hearthman]

I think this is A.I. bot jabber. Those brands and models have nothing in common. Nobody publishes a rating of durability, efficiency and ease of maintenance. There is nothing 'easy' about maintenance on two of those units. I vote Insta-Ban.