The direct vent gas fireplace has become the norm in most modern homes today. Wood burning fireplaces are quickly disappearing from modern homes simply because they are inefficient and costly to install. Installing a conventional masonry fireplace can cost $12,000 to $15,000 dollars whereas a direct vent gas fireplace cost approximately $3,000.

In addition, installing a gas direct vent fireplace can be done either during construction of the home or after the home is complete. Here are some of the attributes of a direct vent gas fireplace:

Efficiency:

A direct vent gas fireplace is sealed tight so you get to enjoy the heat while the carbon monoxide is ventilated out of the home. In a conventional fireplace most of the heat simply goes up the chimney. A direct vent gas fireplace provide you with all the heat with very little escaping out the vent stack. You can run a direct vent gas fireplace all day if you want to. You don't have to be concerned about moisture building up in the room or air quality suffering.

Safe:

One of the best reasons to purchase a direct vent gas fireplace is how safe they are to operate. Unlike the traditional wood fireplace, you'll never have to build a fire in your home. There is not hot embers or smoke to be concerned with. A direct vent gas fireplace will contain the fire, smoke, carbon monoxide and moisture.

Convenience:

When you want a fire to warm your home, just flip a switch and it's done. Some direct vent gas fireplaces even come with remotes so you don't actually need to get off the couch. If the room gets too warm, press a button to turn off the fireplace.

Easy Conversion:

If you already have a conventional fireplace installed, you may be thinking you're out of luck. Actually you can convert a conventional wood burning fireplace to a direct vent fireplace quite easily. The technology has come a long way since the 1980s, whereby older fireplaces can be modified with a direct vent insert that sets inside the conventional fireplace opening and is vented up the chimney.

Some homeowners really love the traditional fireplaces because they give off the smell of burning wood and make a telltale crackling sound. Obviously, burning propane or natural gas won't give off this effect. Instead, it will operate almost without any noise at all.

If you're concerned about the environment, using propane or natural gas may not sit well with you. However, burning anything in a fireplace is going to produce a byproduct. At least with a direct vent gas fireplace, you're not wasting as much heat and potentially are not spending more on carbon to keep your home warm.

Fireplaces add style and warmth to any home. If you'd like one for your home, consider installing a direct vent gas fireplace. No other option is as safe, convenient, and effective.

See related articles:

Installing a Wood Burning Fireplace Insert

How Wood Burning Stoves Work

Maintaining Marble Fireplaces

Multi Fuel Stoves

Outdoor Fireplaces

Starting Fireplace Fires