Buying Guide

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Your Complete Guide to Buying a Gas Fireplace

From fuel types to measurements, we’re answering all your burning questions.

Perfect for upgrading a preexisting hearth space without the stress of a major renovation, a gas fireplace

is low-maintenance, energy efficient, and easy to control, making it an ideal alternative for heating your

home. When searching for the right gas fireplace, start by considering the gas and vent types that best

fit your space and heating needs. Then, follow our step-by-step measuring guide to make sure it fits, and

read up on all installation requirements.

Insert vs. Logs

Gas Insert: Designed to slide into masonry fireplaces, these closed-combustion fireboxes are usually

made of steel or cast iron, and fronted with insulated glass. Most models include logs and a built-in fan

to help circulate an even distribution of heat throughout the room.

Zero Clearance Fireplace: Featuring a firebox comprised of materials that prevent the outside of the

fireplace from becoming hot enough to burn other materials, this type of gas insert does not require a

hearth space to function properly. It can be placed almost directly against combustible materials like

woods, walls, or paneling, and will always require a venting system.

Log Sets: Installed directly inside of a fireplace, gas logs mimic the look of real wood, but are usually

made of ceramic, which allows them to withstand high temperatures. Log sets require minimal

installation since they do not come with a firebox, and feature a flame that is accessible. All sets also

include a burner and a grate.

Summary of content (4 pages)

PAGE 1
Your Complete Guide to Buying a Gas Fireplace From fuel types to measurements, we’re answering all your burning questions. Perfect for upgrading a preexisting hearth space without the stress of a major renovation, a gas fireplace is low-maintenance, energy efficient, and easy to control, making it an ideal alternative for heating your home. When searching for the right gas fireplace, start by considering the gas and vent types that best fit your space and heating needs.
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Fuel Types to Know Natural Gas: The most common fuel type used by consumers for a gas fireplace, this is the best option when a natural gas line already runs through your house. Since it is lighter than air, natural gas will dissipate more quickly and create less black residue. Liquid Propane: Widely available and convenient in areas where a gas line is not accessible, this fuel type requires the existence or installation of an external liquid propane tank.
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B Vent: Using a single-walled pipe that pulls air from the room into the fireplace for combustion, B vent gas fireplaces must always terminate vertically out of the home, either through the chimney or through the roof via a pipe. This is not a closed system. Ventless: Requiring no flue, ventless gas fireplaces burn at a higher temperature to exhaust harmful fumes. Ventless fireplaces also boast oxygen-depletion sensors that automatically shut off the gas should oxygen levels dip too low.
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Step 2: Measure the Height of the Fireplace Opening To find the right height, measure up from the base of the fireplace opening at each corner, taking stock of the lowest measurement in case of any difference. Then, choose an insert that’s closest in size to the height of your fireplace opening, making sure that any trim will fit over the edge of the opening if needed. Step 3: Measure the Depth To find the usable depth, measure from the front of the opening to the back wall.