Gas Fireplace

[tlbuser]

Getting ready to do a remodel job and am seriously considering adding a 0 clearance LP gas fireplace. Any experience and buying tips / sites you can recommend?

 

[kenmac]

All brands are about the same .I guess you are talking about the unvented models.The better looking the logs , the more money they will cost.The unvented logs don't look as good as the vented logs while burning ,but they will give you more heat.With unvented ,it you have wood within 36"(I think it is) above fire place opening you will need a heat shield.

 

[thatguy]

We went with a friend to shop for gas logs and the Peterson Charred Aged Split Oak logs were the most realistic I have seen in a long time.. they retailed for around $700, but you can find them online for around $600

you can check out rhpeterson.com (im an idiot and cant figure out how to put in a real hyperlink) look at the vent free gas logs..

I would recommend either getting a remote control or have them on a thermostat (although i dont like the idea of them being able to come on while i am not around - but i do keep the pilot light lit 24/7). Depending on the size of your room you may want to investigate a blower system as well. Most of the fireplace shops we visited did not recommend a blower though.

Other than that sorry, I am not much help..

 

[ronjhall]

My neighbor had a Lennox fireplace install in place of his wood burning heat-o-lator. Sure is great looking. Click Here

 

[ericinmich]

I've got a direct vent (Lennox) in the bedroom/bath area, and a 'fake' real fireplace that would burn wood but we have gas logs in them. I can't tell which type (or maybe vent free) you are talking about. In the basement we're adding another direct vent. We talked about a vent free as they are more efficient, but I've been told (and have experienced) that there is a bit of smell (slight burning of my dry eyes) with vent free. The 'fake' real fireplaces work well.

 

[PineRidge]

Can't actually tell you a brand name but we have the vented fireplace/gas logs w/remote control & heat-a-lator. It's pretty slick to see the expression on visitors faces when I tell them I'm going to build a fire and then push the button on the remote. Instant burning realistic looking logs with no mess to fuss with. Call me spoiled.

 

[tlbuser]

A general reply to all, thanks. Which type would a zero clearance propane gas fireplace. Need to get the whole thing, firebox, logs, chimney etc. My understanding is that the direct vent (DV) can be used for additional heat output (input) and the unvented are more for decorative purposes. If this is the case, I would prefer DV.

 

[2nstonge]

I had a direct vent gas 'wood'stove in my last house. Direct vent meant it could be postioned closer to the wall - only 6 or 8 inches away if I recall. The flue pipe came out of the top about 3ft and then did a 90 degree turn and straight out thru the wall, the exterior just had a large-ish stainless steel vent hood on the pipe (it's rather obtrusive looking, I wouldn't want it on the front of my house) it didn't need to rise up above the roofline or anything. Had a nice flame and did a good job warming the house. The unvented had a smaller flame, and, to me, had a bit of a smell when they were on. They also weren't legal in MA at the time.

-Norm

 

[Jimbrown]

For a remodel I would suggest that you look at some of the new electric fire places. They make real heat are simple to install need no venting and can be moved later if your decide to move things around in the room. My personal opinion that on the better models the flames look better than the propane logs.

 

[kenmac]

If you want max heat get the unvented logs .With DV you will loose heat. You don't need a chimney with the unvented you just need a fire box only.Unvented logs are the only ones that are 99.9 percent efficient.