Looking for help in designing space for a gas fireplace in a small room – how long of a wall do you really need so it doesn’t look bad? Bring it in or stick it out the SIDE of a house – bad exterior view if choose to doghouse it on the side of a house?
In certain scenarios, flat roofs make more sense than pitched roofs (and vice versa).
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Replies
Gas fireplace - a real nit in this household at the moment as we proceed toward new home construction. Every store we visit either tells us something different or has no idea how to answer our questions but they will tell us something rather than say "don't know". I am not as well versed in this as my husband so suggestions may be sketchy. As to size, base this on estimated btu's. As to placement, inside - just balance it & place shelves/bookcase/s if greater length needed. Outside - we've seen the doghouse look on some might expensive homes! Do not like that look though!
Ventless - Check out the safety factor. Do you need to crack window to eliminate fumes? Many vendors say no; but check the manufacturers sites to learn what they recommend. So many of these being sold to the unsuspecting dwellers! Cheap & easy to sell no doubt, but illegal in some states & perhaps Canada? May look good but how safe & durable (last 5 years or 25 years)? In small room, how much heat do you need? Will it be your main energy source or a back-up? Once heated, how do you turn down the heat? Do you want gas for aesthetics (looks good?) or to keep warm? Once room is warmed, do you wish for fire to disappear until room cooled & then fire to reappear? So many unknowns!
Vented - Check manufacturer's sites for requirements. Have been told many tales here! Again, the ventless are such an easy sell, being cheaper & knowledge is lacking on vented. Plus what is the efficiency factor?
Direct Vent - In this area of country, not a lot of knowledge by vendors. Now waiting for vendor to check with manufacturer on questions here. Relatively new , costs more & not as easy to sell! Had salesman tell us yesterday he would never use because of heat factor on glass might burn his child...true glass does get hot!Hopefully a knowledgeable source will provide interesting replies for both of us!
"Had salesman tell us yesterday he would never use because of heat factor on glass might burn his child...true glass does get hot!"
As opposed to the open flames? That has to be one of the sillier things I've heard from a salesman - any fireplace or stove is dangerous around children and should be treated with respect. Personally I would never, ever, ever go with a ventless. It's the safety factor of poisoning room air with carbon monoxide - only with perfect installation and a good maintenance can these things be even remotely safe. They depend on super high efficiency to keep byproducts of combustion out of the room, so you end up spending a lot more having somebody inspect and clean it every year than you saved by buying it.
Vented - this I would do if I really wanted a chimney. But on newer homes I think chimneys are overrated and not an energy conscious choice. For a chimney to look right to me, it needs to be stone or brick, and after that expense I'd put in a real fireplace or wood stove.
Direct vent - my choice for gas. These are easy to install (or have installed), they are attractive, safe, and energy conscious.
Ventless is banned in about five states. I don't know who is right, but do you really want combustion in your living space? I've been looking at the Valor gas inserts for old fireplaces that had gas stoves in them. Expensive, but nice.
?? I'm the one who said I would never,ever use ventless.
Oh, I know. I'm just not good at picking reply to's. Don't really look at who replies to me, either.