A direct-vent fireplace is a gas-fired fireplace that vents combustion gases directly to the outside through a hole in the wall. Direct-vent fireplaces have enabled far greater flexibility in the placement of home heating units because they don't need access to a masonry chimney or a freestanding flue above the roofline. Prefabricated from metal, they use zero-clearance technology (see zero-clearance fireplace) and have a glass door that securely seals the combustion from interior rooms. Air for combustion is drawn outside. Air for convection is drawn from inside the room, circulated through passageways around the firebox and heat exchanger, and then returned it to the living space without ever coming into contact with the fire itself.

 

Direct-vent fireplaces burn very efficiently, extracting most of the heat from the combustion gases. Unlike wood-burning stoves, they produce virtually no particulates, require no user maintenance or clean-up, and are simple to operate, using a switch, or even a remote control, and a thermostat. On the other hand, although they burn cleanly and efficiently, they do use a non-renewable, fossil-fuel resource and, like all combustion devices, produce carbon dioxide, which contributes to global warming.

 

Styling and options

 

KOZI Direct Vent Gas Fireplace 3620

 

Direct-vent gas fireplaces come in a great many of styles, both modern and traditional. One-sided models are the norm, but two-sided, three-sided (peninsula fireplace), and four-sided (island fireplace), bay-window shaped (bay fireplace, and corner units (corner fireplace), are also available. Sizes vary from about 30 to 48 inches (76 to 122 centimeters) wide, about 24 to 30 inches (51 to 76 centimeters) high, and about 13 to 18 inches (33 to 46 centimeters) deep.

 

Nearly all manufacturers make both top- and rear-venting models. Top-venting types work well where there isn't a straightforward access out of a wall. Depending upon the model, vents may run vertically or horizontally for quite a distance – up to 25 feet (7.6 meters) or more.

 

Fans to boost the circulation of heated air may come as standard or as an option.

 

Some models have a standing safety pilot light that burns continuously to light the main burner whenever the gas is turned on. Others have electric spark ignition, to save energy, or a piezoelectric ignition, which doesn't require an electrical hookup. Some units use a millivolt generator so the fireplace can operate even if mains power fails.