If you’re in the market for gas logs you’ve probably noticed that there are two types of gas logs to choose: vented and vent free. While they may look alike on the surface, there’s actually a big difference between them.

Gas fireplaces come in two configurations: vented and vent free. Vented gas logs produce carbon monoxide emissions so your fireplace must have a chimney or flue. vent free logs do not put off these emissions so no chimney or flue is needed, and the heat is more likely to stay in your space. Each type of fireplace requires it to be properly measured to function safely and correctly. Learn more below.

Vented Gas Log Sets

If you adore the look and feel of a real, wood-burning fire, you’ll love the vented gas logs. These sets can be installed in an existing fireplace, making them perfect for homeowners who are looking for something more efficient than a wood-burning fireplace with NO mess.

Just like a traditional wood-burning fire, vented gas logs produce carbon monoxide emissions. For this reason, they require a chimney or flue to operate. You must remember to open the damper each time you use your unit to allow for proper venting. If you don’t have an existing flue or chimney, vent-free gas logs may be the better option for you.

Because they require a chimney or flue to operate, some of the generated heat will inevitably escape from your home. A huge appeal of vented gas logs is their appearance. They offer more of a realistic looking flame than ventless, making them all the more attractive for those who may be reluctant to part with their wood-burning fireplace. You can purchase them in practically any wooden finish to complement your home’s unique style. Vented gas logs are ideal if you value ambience over efficiency, or if you have an existing wood-burning fireplace that you want to convert to gas.

Vent Free Gas Log Sets

If you're looking to add supplemental, efficient heat source to your home, you may want to consider a vent free gas log set. Unlike vented, these logs do not require a chimney or flue to operate, allowing more heat to stay in your home. The increased amount of heat means vent-free gas logs are more efficient.

You can use vent free logs in a vented fireplace. If you do use a vent-free logs, you won’t have to open the damper since these logs don’t require venting. Even though the chimney can remain closed, you will still lose some of the efficiency and heat from using this type of set in a vented fireplace.

What you gain in efficiency, you sacrifice in appearance. The flame on most vent free log sets don’t look as realistic or aesthetically pleasing as vented sets. However, the vent-free gas logs look just as beautiful as their vented counterparts. You have many options to choose from to make your home warm and cozy during the winter.

On top of being more efficient, vent-free gas logs are also less expensive. All you need is a gas line and you’ll be well on your way to a warmer and cozier home.

Ventless gas logs are ideal for homeowners who value efficiency over ambience. They’re also great for those who are looking for a secondary vs a primary source of heat.