Buying Guide

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. Due to it’s high amount of
carbon, liquid propane burns nearly three times hotter than natural gas.
Vent Types to Know
There are three main structural types of gas fireplaces: Direct Vent, B Vent, and Ventless. While they all
serve the same primary function of heating a space, they differ in structure and how they operate.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of each.
Direct Vent: Using a two-layered piping system, fresh air is pulled from outside of the home for
combustion and vents the waste to the outside as well. The most common type of venting system, direct
vent fireplaces can terminate vertically or horizontally through the roof, chimney, or a wall. This is a
closed system with the flame behind glass.