The sight of a wood-burning fire represents comfort and warmth to so many people around the world. For those living in colder climates, a fireplace serves as a gathering place for loved ones escaping the frigid weather. For those who live by the coast, it's may take the form of a bonfire on the beach as the chill of a late summer night rolls in. Some might even find a wood-burning fire to be a calming visual and tend a flame at home to decompress after a day’s work. Burning logs are more than just a fire or source of warmth, but rather something that universally represents home.

In our day and age, people have several options to choose from when installing a fireplace in their homes. Some houses, especially those built in previous decades, come equipped with a chimney and proper ventilation for a fireplace or furnace. More contemporary homes, especially in warmer climates, might lack this feature and instead offer gas lines to power modern heating technologies. While the consumer has never had so many options to choose from when it comes to fireplaces, you might still prefer the classic image of logs burning in the hearth when it comes to warming your house.

If you’re not convinced of the modern gas-powered fireplaces on the market today, we recommend you first learn the ins and outs of fireplace maintenance. For starters, traditional wood-burning fireplaces require proper ventilation to prevent smoke, harmful byproducts, and other materials from entering the home. Burning firewood can also be messy, and therefore requires homeowners to regularly clean their hearth to prevent soot build-up or other fire hazards that accumulate over time. With today’s heating technology, modern homeowners can achieve this classic fireplace look by using their home’s gas lines and forgoing the hassle of tending to firewood. However, there are still some pros and cons that should be considered before making your purchase.

When it comes to replacing a wood-burning fireplace, gas logs are maybe your best bet. These ceramic fibers or refractory cement pieces look like actual logs of wood and allow you to enjoy the visual aspects of a fireplace without any of the mess that comes with them. While both options are durable, refractory cement logs usually last longer and only show minor signs of discoloration over time.

Another factor that homeowners need to consider is whether they’re interested in purchasing vented gas logs or ventless gas logs.

The homeowner must ask themself if they are more interested in functionality or ambiance. Vented gas logs are a great option for obtaining that classic wood-burning fire look. The flames will glow that amber, red color, and burn in a realistic-looking flame pattern. These logs are intended to be used in traditional fireplaces with a chimney.

However, vented gas logs are not the most effective conductors of heat and are usually more of an aesthetic choice. Ventless gas logs, while maybe not as authentic-looking as their vented counterparts, are much better conductors of heat and do not require a chimney to use. Let’s explore these two options further to best inform you of your upcoming purchase.

Pros & Cons Of Vented Logs

The flames produced by vented gas logs are large and bright like the ones we’re used to seeing in natural wood-burning fireplaces. These pieces also do not have a BTU limit, meaning they can endure varying levels of heat without concern of them cracking or producing harmful byproducts in the home. Most of the other pros that come with this option are aesthetic choices as well. These ceramic or cement pieces can be rearranged to create a realistic look in your hearth, and they can handle direct contact with flames. The expansive ember bed that comes with using these logs also contributes to the overall look.

Since vented gas logs are intended to be used in a traditional fireplace, homeowners must keep their chimney damper open to provide proper ventilation. Failure to do so can result in a dangerous build-up of harmful byproducts and smoke in your home, which can pose risk to family members’ health. The major downside to constantly ventilating your chimney is that most of the heat produced by your fireplace is lost. That is why vented gas logs are often deemed to be an aesthetic choice, rather than a feature meant for heating your home. It has been calculated that about 90% of the warmth produced by your flame is lost when using these pieces.

Burners for vented gas log sets can either be labeled as “standard” or “ANSI Certified”. If you purchase a standard vented gas log set, it gets assembled after it has been delivered. ANSI Certified sets are tested in the factory for safety and efficacy prior to delivery. It should be noted that some cities require homeowners to use ANSI Certified vented gas logs. We recommend you check your local regulations before making a purchase.

Pros & Cons Of Ventless Logs

Ventless gas logs receive their name because, unlike vented sets, they do not require a proper chimney or ventilation to use. The two major pros of using these pieces are that they produce a clean, smoke-free flame while achieving up to 99% efficiency. These pieces are deemed safe to use in the home because most of their byproducts consist of water vapor and carbon dioxide. Harmful byproducts, such as carbon monoxide, are minimal when burning ventless gas logs and are not considered to be a significant hazard.

Other benefits that come from using these pieces are a lower consumption of gas, ANSI Certification on all models. An Oxygen Depletion Sensor for additional safety measures. This ODS feature works by monitoring the quantity of oxygen in the room and automatically shuts off your burner if levels drop below 18%. The BTU output of ventless gas logs has a limit of 40,000 to prevent the depletion of oxygen in the room.

The main drawback of ventless logs is the fact that flames produced with ventless gas logs are not nearly as large or realistic as ones achieved from vented sets. This doesn't mean you aren't able to stare deep into the flames, lost in your thoughts. The flames are just smaller and blue-colored flames while using their ventless sets. Also, these logs usually come pre-assembled and do not leave any room for personal customization. This includes log arrangement since flames cannot come into direct contact with the materials because this will produce carbon monoxide. This ultimately detracts from the fireplace’s natural look as well.

As previously mentioned, water vapor is one of the two main byproducts released when burning ventless gas logs. Without proper ventilation in the home, it’s common to witness condensation appear on windows while your flame is on. To solve this you can crack a window open when planning to use your ventless logs for extended periods of time. If you are planning on only using your gas logs for a short period, the extra moisture emitted into your room may be a nice relief in the dry winters. But excessive moisture can lead to mold and mildew growth in the home.

The lack of ventilation while using ventless gas logs is the main factor for both its safety regulations and risks. Another downside to these firewood alternatives is the potential odors released when burning these pieces. This minimal exhaust that is released from ventless gas logs can prove to be an irritation to those with respiratory conditions or severe allergies. Those who are particularly sensitive to smells might also be turned off by this odor. Ventless gas logs also tend to intensify other smells in the home, such as air fresheners, candles, or perfume. This is because of the excess humidity produced from the gas log set.

Although ventless gas logs are deemed safe to use, homeowners should never tamper with their arrangement and routinely ensure that they are working properly. Ventless gas logs that are not properly functioning can result in hazardous conditions in your home. Some states, including California, have banned the use of ventless gas logs inside the home due to these potential risks, therefore it’s recommended that you check your local regulations before making a purchase.

Best Gas Log Sets

For those who have a functioning chimney and are interested in the natural look of vented gas logs, look no further than the Weathered Oak Gas Log Set by Grand Canyon Gas Logs. The main selling point for this set is its realistic appearance. Each piece is individually cast and hand-painted to create a unique and beautiful work of art. This ventless log set also has a high heat output and can produce up to 37,000 BTUs. Its heat output can be adjusted from high to low for more control as well. Homeowners can purchase this set in three sizes and choose between natural gas or liquid propane configurations. Enjoy this fireplace from the comfort of your couch with its hand-held remote for ultimate convenience.

If you’re interested in a ventless gas log set, we recommend the Fiberglow Ventless Gas Log Set by Napoleon. This device provides up to 40,000 BTUs, making it ideal for the upcoming winter weather, while the charcoal embers and lava rock/cinders give it a natural appearance. The accompanying grate, andirons, and damper clamp provide this gas log set a "kit" feel, allowing you to complete your gas log search in one trip. Although a bit on the pricier side, this set of gas logs offers you a millivolt remote control system with 50 percent flame and heat adjustability. So the on/off switch gives you greater power than you may expect

Looking For Your Next Fireplace?

Fireplace Deals’ inventory has dozens of design options for your perfect installation—whether you’re focused on a more efficient burn or having the most inviting centerpiece for your next family get-together. If you have specific questions email us or call us at 866-848-3473. Or, for more general knowledge, check out some of  the other articles from our Learning Center:

• Ventless vs Direct Vent Fireplaces
• Gas Logs FAQ’s
• Chimney Maintenance Guide