Fireplace Buying Guide

Vented vs Ventless Gas Logs 

The term gas logs refers to a gas burner covered by artificial wood made either of ceramic fibers, ceramic clay, or refractory cement. Each of these composites is designed to withstand high heat and resemble natural wood as closely as possible. Each set usually includes a burner system and a grate. Gas logs are especially versatile because they can be used in a pre-existing wood fireplace, making installation requirements minimal. 

There are two different styles of gas logs: vented and ventless. The type of logs you’ll need depends on several factors, including appearance, efficiency and whether or not you have an existing fireplace. 

Vented gas logs 

When it comes to a realistic looking fire, vented gas logs are your best bet. They deliver large, yellow flames that resemble exactly what you’d see in a wood-burning fireplace without all the hassle and mess. Additionally, vented gas logs can be installed in an existing fireplace, making it easy for those who want to make the switch from a traditional, wood burning fireplace.

Just like a wood-burning fireplace, vented gas logs create carbon monoxide — therefore, they must operate with an open chimney or flue damper to properly exhaust the fumes. The downside of this is that most of the heat escapes, making these types of gas fireplace logs not as efficient as their ventless counterparts. In addition, vented gas logs require more fuel to operate than vent-free gas logs, so if you’re looking to save energy, they may not be the best option for you. 

Pros: Vented gas logs look more realistic than ventless logs, making them ideal for those who value ambience. Vented gas logs also have the option to burn brightly with little heat, which means you can enjoy the appearance of a fire on a summer evening without heating the house. 

Cons: Vented gas logs are less efficient than ventless logs and require more fuel to operate. 

 

Ventless gas logs 

Ventless gas logs distribute heat more efficiently throughout the room. Because they do not rely on vents to operate, vent-free logs are much better at keeping heat where it belongs: inside your home. They also don’t use as much fuel as vented gas logs. 

Ventless gas logs do not require a functioning chimney for installation, making them ideal for that old fireplace you’re not sure what to do with or newly constructed homes. All you need is a gas line and you’re good to go. 

The downside of ventless gas logs? They don’t look as pretty as vented logs, but this may not be an issue if you value efficiency over appearance. Also, if your room is well-sealed and insulated, moisture can build up and create condensation — although a little bit of humidity may be ideal if you live in a dry area! The last thing to keep in mind about ventless gas logs is that they cannot be installed in a bedroom unless they’re 10,000 BTUs or less. If you’re looking to add heat to your bedroom, consider a vented heater instead. 

Pros: Ventless gas logs are more efficient than vented gas logs and use less fuel. They also do not require a functioning chimney to operate. 

Cons: Ventless gas logs do not look as nice as vented gas logs. 

Some log sets, like White Mountain Hearth’s 24″ Sassafras Gas Log Set, are available in both vented and vent-free configurations. 

For a more detailed comparison between vented and ventless gas logs, see our blog entry: https://blog.totalhomesupply.com/vented-vs-vent-free-gas-logs/

Propane or Natural Gas Logs? 

Before choosing a fireplace, you need to determine the source of your fuel, as you’ll be purchasing your logs to match your source. If you’re not sure which you have, propane is usually delivered to your home and stored in a tank outside. Natural gas is delivered by an underground pipe directly to your home. When purchasing a gas log set, you’ll be able to choose the appropriate gas type for your installation.This is important as burners cannot be converted from one fuel type to another. 

 

Gas Logs Size 

Sizing is important when it comes to gas logs. 

Log sets that are too large will overcrowd or not fit in your fireplace, and gas logs that are too small will leave your fireplace looking sparse. But choosing the wrong size gas logs for your fireplace affects more than aesthetics. Improperly sizing gas logs can impact your equipment’s ability to operate properly. Buying a log set that is too large may cause your fireplace to overheat, leading your gas log system to malfunction.

 

How to Measure a Fireplace for Gas Logs 

When measuring your fireplace, take the following metrics into consideration: Rear Width (A), Depth (B), Front Width (C), Height (D). 

To understand what size gas logs you need, you’ll need to take a few different factors into consideration, including the size of your fireplace and the size of your gas logs’ fuel control system. 

Step 1: Measure Your Fireplace 

The first thing you’ll need to do is measure your fireplace. Begin by measuring the front width, back width, height, and depth of your fireplace. In order to accommodate gas logs, your fireplace should be at least 12-14 inches deep, although some options are available for fireplaces as shallow as 9.5 inches. 

Step 2: Ensure Proper Clearance 

Next, you’ll need to pay attention to something that can be easily overlooked: the clearance needed for your gas logs and equipment. You’ll also want to make sure to take the size of the fuel control system (i.e. pilot light or manual on/off valve) into consideration. All of our product listings will list the specific minimum clearance requirements for each log and burner system. 

Step 3: Measure Gas Logs 

Once you know the size of your fireplace and how much clearance you’ll need for your gas logs and respective equipment, you can measure your gas logs for your fireplace. The length of your gas logs should not exceed the width of your fireplace.

 

Gas Logs Styles 

Once you’ve determined the above factors, the next step is to decide the appearance and overall ambience you’d like your new fireplace to provide for your home. And while selecting “more charred” logs vs. “less charred” might seem silly or unnecessary, it’s an essential part of the process. And so is determining the type of material your gas logs will be made from. 

For more information about the different gas log sets and styles, see our blog entry: https://blog.totalhomesupply.com/most-realistic-gas-log-sets-styles/

 

Gas Log Materials 

Manufacturers use molds of actual wood to create the realistic look of gas logs, whether made from ceramic fiber, ceramic clay, or refractory cement. Each material is rated to withstand high amounts of heat, and you shouldn’t need to replace your gas logs for at least 2-5 years, depending on frequency of use. A good way to determine when your gas logs need to be replaced is to keep an eye on their appearance; if they seem faded and start to show signs of wear and tear or are beginning to crack or crumble, it’s time to replace them. 

 

Things to Keep in Mind:

Ceramic gas logs tend to last a little bit longer than cement logs due to their high heat rating, and won’t fade with long-term use as quickly as the cement ones. Consider replacing cement logs after about 2-3 years of frequent use. Ceramic logs can usually go 3-5 years before being replaced. 

Some ceramic gas log models are reinforced with steel bars to keep them from cracking and bending, and will make them even more durable in the long run.

As for their safety and efficiency, see our detailed entry here: https://blog.totalhomesupply.com/gas-logs-safety-efficiency/

 

Gas Logs Appearance 

You want your gas logs fireplace to appear as natural as possible. Fortunately, there’s a lot of realistic models to choose from, and in the end, it’s going to come down to your personal preference and the ambience you want to create in your home. Some gas log sets come with “extras”, like wood-style grates, glowing embers, or sand granules for placement beneath the logs themselves. Keep in mind that some sets are aesthetically designed to be viewed from all sides, and work particularly well in island, peninsula, or see-through type fire boxes, so placement of your gas logs is important as well. Most sets are designed to prevent controls from being visible, and this is especially true of any designed for fireboxes that are see-through. 

 

Top Picks for Gas Log Sets 

If you’re looking for a realistic charred log set, the White Mountain Hearth Whiskey River Vented/Vent Free Gas Log set is a great choice. These refractory logs are available in 18”, 24”, or 30” sizing to ensure the right fit for your fireplace, and the set can be used in either a vented or vent-free unit. Each log is hand-painted, which provides nuanced details that are extremely realistic and every set is made up of 7 logs total. Flames shoot up between the logs and also glow like embers from beneath, providing the perfect resemblance to a real fire and offering plenty of warmth. 

With sizing options the same as the Whiskey River set, the Everwarm Low Country Timber Gas Logs is a versatile model made of refractory cement. Designed specifically for vent-free units, this gas log set also has the option to add a remote (when purchased with the millivolt burner), giving you easy control over your heating source from anywhere in the room. Lightly charred effects on the highly durable logs bring a realistic and cozy feel. 

If you’ve been trying to find the perfect gas log set for your peninsula or see-through firebox, the White Mountain Hearth Rock Creek set is it. Hand-painted refractory logs provide a realistic look from any angle. Size options are available, and the number of logs included in the set varies with sizing (18” – 9 logs, 24” and 30” – 11 logs). Designed for use with a vent-free firebox, the flames flicker around and through the logs much as a real fire would, and you can choose the propane or natural gas option, which gives you even more freedom.

For more gas fireplace and log set options, refer to our Brand Guide: https://blog.totalhomesupply.com/gas-fireplace-log-set-brands/