Gas Fireplaces

Gas Fireplaces

"Fireplaces are increasing in popularity, both in remodeling and in new construction. One industry association estimates that over seventy-five percent (more than 500,000) of all fireplaces installed each year are factory-built.

Because these units are now more commonly being installed in non-traditional areas of the house such as kitchens, it is critical that code officials and building inspectors become familiar with their installation considerations.

Factory-built gas fireplaces are vented in three ways: natural draft (vented through the roof), direct vent and unvented (vent-free or ventless).

The majority of gas fireplace sales are direct vent units.

Direct vent fireplaces are popular because these sealed systems draw 100% combustion air from outdoors and then exhaust the combustion products outside as well, which protects indoor air quality of the home."(Source: The Michigan Bureau of Construction Codes)

See thru fireplace photo courtesy of Heatilator

The Michigan Bureau of Construction Codes (MBCC) has an excellent training series for contractors to educate the industry on building product information, installation details and performance standards guidance to meet the revised codes.

If you are even thinking about building you own home, you are part of thie building industry.

Here is the MBCC video on direct vent gas fireplaces.

To view video on the MBCC website click here

To view as a Windows Media Video (WMV) click here

As more and more locales (even states) ban wood burning, gas fireplaces increase in popularity. Some gas fireplaces are inefficient. Like wood burners, they suck heated air out of a room & up the chimney, while giving the illusion (radiant warmth) of heating the room.

Direct vent fireplaces don’t require a chimney. They vent straight out the back. They can literally be installed anywhere, even under a window!

And, because direct vent gas fireplaces bring in 100% of the air used for combustion, they are not only energy efficient, they actually do heat a room, instead of sucking heated air out of the room (and up the chimney) to use for combustion.

Even though you aren’t supposed to smell wood smoke from your fireplace inside your house, many people complain about “missing the smell” of a real wood fire. (The wood burning smell is actually back drafting exhaust gases…not good)

If you miss the “smell” of wood burning, burn a stick of incense.

Enjoy,

Carl