Vented Gas Logs: A Complete Guide to Pros, Cons, and Setup
Today’s topic is one of my favorites: vented gas logs. If you’ve got a wood-burning fireplace with a functional chimney, this might just be the upgrade you’ve been looking for! Vented gas logs give you the warm, inviting look of real wood-burning flames—minus the hassle of chopping, stacking, and hauling wood. It's the best of both worlds, with all the ambiance and none of the mess!
Let’s go over everything you need to know—from how they work, to the pros and cons, and even some tips on installation.
Live setting of a Grand Canyon Gas Log Set
What Are Vented Gas Logs?
Vented gas logs are designed to work in fireplaces with functioning chimneys. They replicate the look and feel of a traditional wood-burning fire, complete with tall, golden flames and lifelike logs. Some popular brands include Grand Canyon Gas Logs, Hargrove Gas Logs, Realfyre Gas Logs, Rasmussen Gas Logs, and Superior Fireplaces Gas Logs—all known for high-quality, authentic-looking products.
How Do Vented Gas Logs Work?
Vented gas logs operate by burning natural gas or propane. However, to use them safely, you need to keep your chimney damper open. Why is this important? Well, the flames from your gas logs produce byproducts like carbon monoxide, which need to escape through the chimney. By keeping the damper open, you prevent these harmful gases from accumulating in your home.
This is one of the biggest differences between vented gas logs and ventless gas logs, which don’t require a chimney. While vented gas logs offer that beautiful, real flame, you do lose most of the heat up the chimney, making them more for ambiance than for efficient heating.
Easy to Use, No More Splitting Wood!
One of the best things about switching to vented gas logs is the ease of use. Imagine—no more splitting, stacking, or storing firewood. There’s no mess of ashes to clean up afterward, and you can enjoy a fire at the flip of a switch or turn of a knob.
That said, you will need to hire a plumber or gas fitter to install the gas line properly into your fireplace if you don’t have one already. Since you’re working with gas, it’s important to have this done correctly and safely. Make sure to check your local building codes to ensure that everything is up to standard.
Burner Types for Vented Gas Logs
When it comes to vented gas logs, you’ll have two different types of burners to choose from:
Standard Burners: These are more basic and affordable but require some assembly. You’ll need to set it up when you receive it, so it’s a bit more hands-on.
ANSI-Certified Burners: These come fully assembled and tested for safety and efficiency. In some areas, local fire codes may actually require that you use an ANSI-certified burner, so it’s always a good idea to check with local authorities before making your purchase.
The Pros of Vented Gas Logs
There’s a reason why vented gas logs are such a popular option for homeowners with existing wood-burning fireplaces. Here are some of the top benefits:
Realistic Flames: The flames from vented gas logs are tall, golden, and natural-looking, making them the closest option to a real wood fire. Many brands cast their logs from real wood samples, and the result is stunning.
Customizable Look: You can arrange the logs in different ways to create the look you want. Whether you prefer the appearance of a freshly stoked fire or a slow-burning set of embers, you have the freedom to adjust the logs as you see fit.
Unlimited BTUs: There’s no limit on how much heat the logs can generate, though keep in mind that most of the heat will escape through the chimney. This makes vented logs a great choice for people more interested in ambiance than in heating efficiency.
Realistic Ember Bed: Many vented gas log sets come with ember material to place around the logs. This creates a realistic glowing ember bed, adding even more to the authentic look of a wood-burning fire.
The Cons of Vented Gas Logs
While vented gas logs have a lot going for them, there are a few drawbacks to consider:
Heat Loss: Because the chimney damper needs to stay open, most of the heat generated by your fire will escape up the chimney. That means only about 10% of the heat stays in the room, making these logs an inefficient source of warmth.
Constant Venting: You’ll always need to keep the chimney damper open, even after the fire is extinguished, to ensure that any lingering gases can escape. This is a safety measure you can’t skip, but it does mean some cold air can come in when the fire is off.
Not for Heating: Since most of the heat escapes through the chimney, vented gas logs are better for ambiance than for heating your home. If you’re looking for a heating solution, ventless logs or other gas-powered heaters might be a better fit.
Installation Considerations
Switching to vented gas logs is a relatively easy process, but it’s crucial to do it right. Here are a few things to keep in mind during installation:
Hire a Professional: Installing the gas line isn’t a DIY project. You’ll need to bring in a licensed plumber or gas fitter to ensure the gas is hooked up properly and safely. They’ll also help you install the burner and logs to ensure everything is working as it should.
Check Local Codes: Always check your local building and fire codes before installing vented gas logs. Some areas may require ANSI-certified burners, and there may be other safety regulations to follow.
Damper Clamp: Most vented gas log sets come with a damper clamp that locks your chimney damper in an open position. This is a safety feature to ensure the damper doesn’t accidentally close while the logs are in use, preventing dangerous gas buildup.
Final Thoughts
In short, vented gas logs are a fantastic option if you love the look and feel of a real wood fire but don’t want the hassle of dealing with wood, ashes, and smoke. They’re easy to use, highly realistic, and give your home that warm, cozy atmosphere we all crave during cooler months.
Just remember, while they provide stunning visuals, they’re not the most efficient choice if you’re looking to heat your space. Most of the heat will escape up the chimney, so they’re best for ambiance rather than warmth. And don’t forget to hire a professional to install the gas line and check your local codes before you get started.
With brands like Grand Canyon Gas Logs, Hargrove Gas Logs, Realfyre Gas Logs, Rasmussen Gas Logs, and Superior Fireplaces Gas Logs, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from when upgrading your fireplace!
