FAQ's About Fireplace Venting

We have compiled several pages of frequently asked questions about fireplace safety, maintenance and cleaning.

Venting
There are several types of venting for fireplaces: ventless, direct vent, totally vented, and b-vent. What is the difference between the different types?
The simplest explanation is that a wood burning fireplace will always be totally vented.

What type of venting (b-vent, ventless, or direct vent) is it acceptable to install a cabinet around?
While a mantel is a wood frame that will extend only about four to six inches from a wall, a cabinet is a box that encases the fireplace and will extend approximately eighteen inches from the wall.
• You can not install a cabinet around a b-vent. Since all the piping needs to be hidden in a b-vent, it needs to be installed into the wall. It is alright to use a mantel with a b-vent.
• If you plan to vent the piping out the back it is acceptable to use a cabinet with a direct vent.
• Cabinets work well with direct vents.

Where is it appropriate to use vented gas logs (stove, coal burning fireplace, wood burning fireplace)?
A wood burning fireplace is the only acceptable place to use vented gas logs. There are safety problems with using vented gas logs in a stove. A coal burning fireplace will usually be too shallow for vented gas logs.

What style of fireplace would work best for a basement remodel, a vent free or direct vent?
Your best bet would be a direct vent as this will give you the beauty and warmth of a fireplace without putting off too much moisture. While vent free fireplaces will also give you beauty and warmth, many people complain that it actually emits too much warmth. You can get a vent free fireplace that will not cause problems with either moisture of too much heat if you ensure that it is the proper size for the space.

Can you tell me what a chase is?
A chase helps to protect your vent pipe and keep the gases in the flue venting properly. It is a wooden structure that surrounds the vent pipe.

Can you compare the energy efficiency of direct vent and b-vent fireplaces?
A b-vent can be vented either horizontally or vertically and is the least efficient venting option. A direct vent can be vented horizontally, vertically, or both. Direct venting is your most efficient venting option, with some direct vent fireplaces even being “heater rated”.

 

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