There are different types of fireplaces. In recent years, the direct vent has become an increasingly popular choice among homeowners. Even if you don’t have a chimney in your home, you can still install a direct vent fireplace. Direct vent fireplaces still require ventilation, but they don’t require a chimney. For a better understanding of direct vent fireplaces, keep reading.
What Is a Direct Vent Fireplace?
A direct vent fireplace is a type of gas fireplace that vents directly to the exterior of the homes and buildings in which they are installed. Like all gas fireplaces, direct vent fireplaces will produce combustion gases. They are distinguished from other types of gas fireplaces, however, by the way in which they are vented. Direct vent fireplaces feature a flue system that connects the firebox to the exterior.
How Direct Vent Fireplaces Work
The flue system for a typical direct vent fireplace has two passages. One of these passages serves as an air intake, whereas the other passage serves as an exhaust outlet.
When using a direct vent fireplace, combustion gases will be expelled through the exhaust outlet. Rather than building up inside the fireplace, combustion gases will enter the flue system. Once inside of the flue system, combustion gases will travel through the exhaust outlet where they are eventually expelled.
Direct vent fireplaces will also pull fresh air from the exterior to the firebox. They have an air intake passage and an exhaust outlet passage. The direct vent fireplace will use the former flue system passage to pull in fresh air. This fresh air will help to feed the fire in the firebox.
Benefits of a Direct Vent Fireplace
Direct vent fireplaces are efficient. They are among the most energy-efficient gas fireplaces on the market. The dual-passage flue system prevents the loss of heat. Heat will radiate out the front of a direct vent fireplace rather than exiting through the flue system.
As previously mentioned, direct vent fireplaces don’t require a chimney. You can install a direct vent fireplace in your home regardless of whether it has a chimney.
You can rest assured knowing that direct vent fireplaces are safe. The firebox is typically sealed. In other words, it features a pane of heat-resistant glass on the front. With a sealed firebox, combustion gases won’t be able to enter your home’s living spaces. Direct vent fireplaces will still produce combustion gases when burning natural gas, but these combustion gases will enter the exhaust outlet where they are expelled to your home’s exterior.
