A fireplace brings to mind thoughts of cold winter evenings and staying relaxed and cozy in front of a crackling fire. More traditional fireplaces are made of masonry or stone and connect seamlessly to the flue and chimney in the home as one element.
The direct vent gas fireplaces of today consist of a metal box built at the factory that is then framed in a house without masonry. They are usually installed in framed walls while the home is being built and encased in non-combustible materials. However, they can also be installed after the home has been built with some renovation to the home.
Basic Features
Direct vent gas fireplaces have venting that is routed directly through a wall to the outside. The venting can be done with or without the use of a wood burning chimney that already exists. Fresh air is drawn into the firebox from the outside which is different from a traditional masonry fireplace. In homes where there is no existing fireplace, zero clearance direct vent gas fireplaces can be used to improve efficiency, distribute heat evenly throughout the home and maintain air quality.
These fireplaces can also operate without electricity. The blower and other accessories need electricity for power, but regular batteries or a self-generating millivolt system can power the flame control and burner. They can also be installed with venting from the rear or top or at a 45-degree angle.
Installation
A vent system that incorporate either flexible vent, or rigid pipes, is used to install a direct vent fireplace. The use of flexible vent pipes enables installers to maneuver around obstacles, such as beams, joists and columns, making the fireplace easy to install.
Placement in the Home
Most of these fireplaces can be found in a basement, living room, a den, a bedroom or anywhere the comfort of a fire is desired. Classy and elegant, they become the focal point of a room and offer many opportunities for decorating. Without the need for a chimney, this kind of fireplace enables a homeowner to become creative regarding the fireplace’s location in the home.
