According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), gas logs are becoming more and more popular because of their convenience and ease of use. Another reason why homeowners are frequently choosing to update their fireplace with a set of gas logs is to increase the energy efficiency of their homes. The higher the energy efficiency rating is, the less you have to spend on heating costs. You can even find a set of gas logs that has an energy efficiency rating of 99 percent. Since gas logs are available in two different types, it is important to know more about these types when you are shopping for this gas hearth appliance. Aelite Chimney Specialties offers sales and installation services for both types of gas logs, and we would like to tell you more about each type to help you choose which one is the best for your home.
Vented
If the aesthetics of a wood fire are important to you, you will want to consider a vented set of gas logs. Also known as “yellow flame” logs, vented gas logs look much more realistic than the other type of gas logs. However, since these logs do not burn as cleanly and produce exhaust similar to a wood fire, they must be vented through an existing chimney. This means some of the heat from these gas logs escapes out of the chimney, which reduces the energy efficiency of the heating appliance. Vented gas logs still have efficiency ratings from 70 to 85 percent, which is a big improvement over the average 15 percent rating of an older traditional wood-burning fireplace.
Ventless
Are you considering adding a fireplace to your home, but are concerned about the expense of building a new chimney? Installing a set of ventless gas logs is the perfect answer because they do not need to be vented through a chimney. Ventless gas logs provide much more warmth than vented logs and have energy efficiency ratings up to 99 percent. Because ventless logs do not have a way to exhaust fumes, however, they do have some safety concerns. You are required to also install a carbon monoxide detector alarm when you update your home with a set of ventless gas logs because of the increased risk of a leak of that toxic combustion gas. Despite these concerns, ventless gas logs are safe to use when you carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Aelite Chimney Specialties will help you to understand the safest way to operate your ventless gas logs after we install a set in your home.
Considering adding a set of gas logs to your home this winter? Contact us at Aelite Chimney Specialties to find out more about our sales and installation services of both vented and ventless gas logs.