If an individual wants to improve the heating efficiency or add a level of sophisticated ambience to an existing room by fitting a gas fireplace, some factors should be taken into consideration before making a choice. Here the local codes and permits required should also be considered. The different types such as the vent type, type of fuel, the style of the heater, the operational efficiency, effort for maintenance, and installation should all be considered.

Gas heaters provide the sophisticated look and appeal of a burning fireplace made out of wood, without the work and effort that is required in maintaining a fireplace made out of wood. The wood need not be cut, hauled, split, firewood stacked, and there is no question of ash being created when the fire is out. Gas heaters take up very less space compared to a wood-burning unit.

The types of gas heaters are: Direct Vent, B-Vent, and Vent Free. Each type has a unique requirement and specification. Before choosing the exact type of fireplace he/she wants, the customers should quickly check with the local building codes and get the necessary approvals. It is very important to note that all gas fireplaces cannot be installed in all locations. Experts recommend that it is better to hire a plumber or heating and cooling specialist technician who can install the gas lines. In order to prevent voiding of warranties, professionals should be used as much as possible.

Direct Vent Gas heaters

Direct Vent Fireplaces always use direct vent chimney pipe that are made up of two different parts; a small pipe that is placed inside a larger pipe. Combustion air is passed through the pipe located externally while the pipe located internally gives out the exhaust gases. This appliance is totally enclosed in a glass enclosure in order to help in preventing dangerous gas. A direct vent fireplace is vented through a sidewall or on the roof.

B-Vent Gas heaters

B Vent Fireplaces, also called Natural Vent, use B vent type of chimney pipes and should be installed through a house and cut just above the roof. Minimal quantities of room air are used in order to combust the fuel and the fumes from the exhaust are let outside. Installing B-vent gas fireplace is usually done for decorative place. Considering the styles and options that are available to suit a particular décor, a realistic yellow flame is a good option if the user requires the ambience and does not require a lot of heat.

Vent-Free Gas heaters

Vent-Free Fireplaces, also called Ventless fireplaces, provide heat in phases, and do not require to be vented out. These fireplaces burn in the air and giving out very few fumes. Because there is no venting required, the cost for installation is much less compared to the other types of gas heating units.

Fuel Type Used In Gas Heaters 

When choosing a particular gas fireplace, the customer will need to ensure that the right kind of unit with the right type of gas outlets for a particular fuel type is chosen. The house might already have natural gas lines hence a natural gas appliance must be chose in order to make efficient use of this existing system. Natural gas is normally the preferred fuel type because it burns efficiently and cleanly and provides a very good looking fire. If the household appliances are run only on electricity, the customer should choose a liquid propane fireplace. Propane burns with greater efficiency and a propane tank should be installed at the property, too. Considering both the fuel types, the user should check the local codes in the area to see the type of permit that are required.