Variety Of Gas Fireplace Logs
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In the last ten years or so, gas fireplace logs have become very popular. They are available for use by natural gas or LP i.e. propane. Gas fireplace logs require an existing wood burning fireplace with its decent chimney system installed. Further, they are all available with multi-function safety controls in order to assure that unlit gas may not enter the living place.
Types Of Gas Fireplace Logs
Gas fireplace logs are available in three basic types: vented logs, unvented logs, partially vented logs.
Vented Logs
Vented logs are in use in the US for over 20 years and are the most popular type of gas fireplace logs. They are usually 12 inches to over 60 inches. Vented logs are the most realistic wood fire logs, available in different styles and finishes, which resemble oak, birch, hickory and many other wood species. However, vented logs are also the least efficient of the three types of gas fireplace logs. They consume for 50 thousand to 90 thousand BTU per hour. This means that only ten percent of this heat is returned to the home. The rest dissipates up through the chimney. The main reason that vented logs look so good is that they burn the fuel dirty (the flame is yellow, which simulates wood quite well). This brings charm and realism to the look of the embers. Also, the vented logs are the most flexible and can be moved around, their position changed. Even remote controls and wall switches are available.
Unvented Logs
Unvented logs (also called ventless or vent-free logs) have become very popular in the past three years. This popularity owes to the fact that they can produce a yellow flame while still giving a clean burn. They use special technology consisting of a special burner to achieve a clean and smokeless flame. In this case, the damper can be left closed, which results in a high degree of efficiency as much as 99%. Further, they let a small amount of carbon dioxide and water vapor as a by-product of combustion. Unvented logs are also more economical, burning at rates from ten thousand BTU per hours to 30 thousand BTU per hour. This costs from six cents to 30 cents per hour of natural gas. However, some states (Massachusetts, California and others) do not allow the using unvented gas appliance because people with respiratory diseases like asthma are uncomfortable in room oxygen levels resulting from using these logs. That is why these gas fireplace logs are now equipped with a special safety device known as an ODS (Oxygen Depletion Sensor) which automatically shuts the flame off if the oxygen content drops below a safe level.
Partially Vented Logs
Partially vented logs allow you to close your fireplace damper (mostly leaving it only 10% open). This produces ample heat in the room while most of the by-products of burning go up the chimney. These logs are not as effective as unvented logs, nor as realistic as vented logs. Still, they provide a middle ground and are probably a good option for many consumers.
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