About Ventless Gas Logs

Gas logs are basically of two types, gas logs without ventilation and gas logs with ventilation just like a wood burning fireplace. Unvented gas logs are also known as ventless or nonvented gas logs. These are designed for producing an immensely hot flame that almost results in full fuel combustion. This then leads to a decrease in carbon monoxide levels and soot from the other gas logs. The nonvented gas logs offer you clean burning and more heat than vented gas logs. The unvented gas logs come with an Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) that is able to turn off the gas before carbon monoxide attains dangerous level inside the room. However, installing a carbon monoxide detector irrespective of the type of fuel-burning appliance you use is always advisable.

Moisture And Unvented Gas Logs

Combustion leaves water as the byproduct. In case of a vented gas log moisture is vented out, but if you are using an unvented gas log, the extra moisture enters your home. This may be a good experience in the dry winter months. However, if your home is having a humidifier or is tightly insulated, the excessive moisture may gather in the form of condensation on cold windows of your house.

Odor And Ventless Gas Logs

This is the most common issue associated with ventless gas logs. Odors may be caused if airborne chemicals or contaminants enter the burner and the combustion process alters them. However, it is not an issue at all if the burner has enough fresh, clean air. The best thing is to keep your house clean because an odor problem is generally related to in-house chemicals, such as chemicals from deodorizers, cleaners, new carpet, newly finished wood, and so on. Initially, ventless gas logs may produce odors because of the curing of logset. However, the problem does not last more than 4 to 8 hours during its first operation. You must keep a window or the fireplace damper open to vent out the odor.

Log Positioning

It is one more concern associated with ventless gas logs. You should position it according to the specifications mentioned in the owner's manual. You cannot alter the original arrangement. A majority of ventless logs come with groves or pins for ensuring that they are properly installed in the right position. However, make sure that the flame does not touch the log because it may lead to sooting.

Installation Of Ventless Gas Logs

Installing unvented gas logs must not be a major issue. You may house them inside a masonry fireplace or in specially designed fireboxes that resembles a hearth.

Safety Parameters For Your Unvented Gas Logs

•  Always keep the fireplace doors open while using it.

•  Do not keep combustibles near the fireplace, as unvented gas logs produce a lot of heat.

•  Do not burn the gas logs for long. Never sleep leaving your unvented gas logs burning.

•  Keep a window open while burning takes place so that fresh air may enter the room.

•  Before installing an unvented gas log make sure that your local building codes allow for its installation. Installing unvented gas logs in some areas is illegal.

•  Always buy only those unvented gas logs that are approved for installation for the size of your room. Do not think that the bigger a gas log the better it is.

•  Always follow instructions from the manufacturer's side while using any fuel-burning appliances.

The ventless gas logs are not as aesthetic as the vented gas logs. However, they offer you an affordable and quality fire burning solution. They are definitely the right solution for those who want to supplement their heating systems.