By Mike from Harrisburg, PA on January 2, 2013
How is a "natural vent" fireplace different than vent-free? Is there an odor with vent-free fireplaces / fireboxes? Is it safe to use a thermostat with all vent-free fireplaces?
By Customer Service on January 2, 2013
Answer:
B-Vent pipe is usually smaller in diameter than Class A chimney pipe (used for wood-burning/coal-burning hearth appliances), and it is much cheaper. However, B-Vent fireplaces and stoves have very poor efficiency ratings. As with a traditional wood-burning fireplace, B-Vent units are open and use the air from the room for combustion. As a result, you will lose a lot of heat up your flue or chimney as the exhaust travels out of the home, so don't expect to use these as a reliable heat source.
Vent-free appliances can present a nuisance because the smell of the burning gas is bothersome to some people. It depends on how sensitive the occupants are to odors. It is indeed safe to use a thermostat with vent-free fireplaces that are able to accept a thermostat.
By Customer Service on January 2, 2013
Answer:
Natural vent (B-Vent) fireplaces use the air from the room for combustion. The byproducts and majority of the heat will travel up your flue or chimney as the exhaust travels out of the home. You shouldn't expect to be able to use these as a reliable heat source.
The difference with vent free units is that the exhaust from combustion and the heat are going to stay in the room, since they have nowhere else to go. Some people do notice an odor with vent-free fireplaces / fireboxes. It is safe to use a thermostat with a vent-free appliance.