Direct Vent Gas Fireplaces

Direct vent fireplaces are one of the most popular ways to add a fireplace to an existing home.  They do not require a pre-existing masonry or brick fireplace for installation, and are relatively easy to install due to the small amount of venting required.  These fireplaces can be vented horizontally (through an outside wall) or vertically (through the roof) and will minimize heat loss through the chimney.

Direct vent simply means that the fireplace uses outside air brought in through the outer wall of your chimney pipe for combustion, while exiting byproducts of combustion (Carbon Monoxide, moisture, smells from burnt particles, etc.) are vented through the inner vent pipe to the outdoors.  A sealed glass front will keep all of these byproducts from entering the home, while allowing radiant heat to pass through into the home.  A sealed direct vent fireplace will not spill or back draft byproducts of combustion into the living space and are approved for bedrooms and baths (check your local codes).  Your inside air quality is not effected and heat efficiency is about 60% - 80% (efficiency differs from unit to unit).  A blower can be added to most models to achieve even greater heat gains.