Fireplace Technology: Direct Vent

Our world is buzzing with exciting technologies that are changing the way we live and work. In the fireplace category, direct vent technology has had a profound effect on the convenience, safety and enjoyment of fires in the home.

Gas fireplaces outfitted with direct vent technology are fueled either by natural gas or propane and burn very clean and efficiently. They feature a sealed combustion firebox that eliminates heat loss associated with some wood-burning fireplaces, such as masonry constructed fireplaces. Without sealed combustion, warm air drafts into the firebox and is sent straight outside the house through the chimney. This is highly inefficient and wastes considerable energy.

Depending on the model, direct vent gas fireplaces can be up to 85 percent efficient. They are great heat producers that draw all combustion air needed for the flame from outside the home through the outer channel of a coaxial direct vent pipe. Meanwhile, an inner pipe exhausts 100% of all combustion byproducts outside, maintaining indoor air quality.

If you already have a masonry built wood fireplace, you can have it transformed into a heat producer with a direct vent gas insert. Inserts are installed directly into the existing fireplace without needing to demolish the stone or brick surround.

So next time you’re in the market for a gas fireplace or insert, be sure to choose a direct vent model. A video that explains the technology in more detail is available here.