VENTED OPTIONS

When someone is talking about a vented option, they usually mean a Vented Gas Log System.  Using this option gives the most realistic looking fire with some heat.  Since the damper needs to be open the entire way when burning a Vented Gas Log, there is the concern of heat being lost up the chimney.  However, many of our customers have found that they receive enough heat off of the gas log burner even with the damper open to give a nice comfortable warmth.  Venting we feel is really the best option, however, if you want more heat and are ok with a little less of a realistic look then see the Vent Free Option.  Most of our customers that purchase vented log systems, purchase fireplace doors to combat any draft issues. 

VENT FREE OPTIONS

We at MBC have lowered the amount of Vent Free options that we provide our customers.  The reason is due to our experience over the past 9 years of installation & service.  Although Vent Free is a good option for those who have no way to vent and need warmth, or want the look of a fireplace, it is not an option that we always recommend. 

As we explain to all our customers, you need to be safe & treat the Vent Free product with some guidelines.  We recommend only burning a Vent Free product for no more that 4 hours at a time.  If you decide to burn it longer, we recommend you either open a window slightly or open your damper a crack.  Many of our customers that purchase Vent Free logs found that having their damper cracked open slightly is enough to eliminate any odors that may be and to help bring in some air from outside.  There is PLENTY of heat from a Vent Free burner to ensure that even if your damper is slightly open, you will get warmth. 

Please be aware there is always a slight odor with Vent Free.  Some people that are sensitive to odors such as paint, glues or have asthma, sometimes find that they can not tolerate the Vent Free Log system.  Used with caution, and understanding that a vent free product puts moisture in the air, uses your homes air for combustion, and can have a slight odor, a vent free product may be the choice for you.

DIRECT VENT OPTIONS

Direct Vent is a sealed combustion unit – stove or fireplace.  The unit uses a vent pipe that has an interior core which carries the combustion out of the home, and the exterior core allows outside air in to fuel the fire and cool the combustion down.  The benefits are numerous, the unit can be installed in customers homes that want a fireplace but do not have one.  They also provide an excellent source of supplemental heat. 

We recommend that if you are purchasing a Direct Vent unit, also spend the extra money to get a thermostatically controlled remote.  The remote can be set for a certain temperature and the unit will then cycle on and off in adjustment to that temperature.  With all the options out there now, its easy to find a direct vent that looks more realistic and meets your style.

GAS/PROPANE INSERTS

WHAT IS A GAS/PROPANE INSERT??  That question comes to us all the time.  A gas fireplace insert – is a way to make a masonry fireplace more effiecient.  It works much like the direct vent, it is sealed combustion that is installed into a existing masonry fireplace, the co-linear vents go up the chimney and terminate at the chimney.

WOODBURNING INSERTS

A woodburning inserts into a masonry fireplaces sounds kind of redundant….but it's not.  An insert for wood helps to make the masonry fireplace more efficient when you would rather burn wood.  The insert is installed into the existing fireplace and again vents are used to line the existing chimney.  This allows proper heat flow and constant control of the flame. 

WORKSHEETS

The worksheets we’ve attached to our website, can be viewed and printed to give you an idea of information & measurements required to figure out which fireplace or stove option best suits your needs.

FIREPLACE SOLUTIONS WORKSHEET 1 – for inserts, stoves, direct vents.

FIREPLACE SOLUTIONS WORKSHEET 2 – for diagram drawing & placement.

FIREPLACE CUSTOMER QUALIFICATIONS – for information on structural questions.