Gas Fireplace Logs Which Produce Clean, Smokeless Flames

An increasing number of people today want to enjoy the warmth and ambience of a natural wood fire without all the hassles of chopping up wood and clearing up afterwards. This has lead to many innovations such as the convenient gas and electric fireplaces. In the case of gas fireplaces, it has also lead to the introduction of gas fireplace logs.

Gas fireplace logs can be used in any wood burning fireplace. However a chimney or adequate ventilation is essential for the safety of the home owner’s health due to the gas they emit when in use. Gas fireplace logs use natural gas or propane and can be obtained as vented logs, unvented logs and partially vented logs.

Vented logs are the most popular type of gas fireplace logs that are currently being used in the country. Introduced over two decades ago, these realistic logs were designed to replace the natural wood and logs that are normally used as fuel in fires.

Vented logs are available in a variety of ‘looks’ including birch, oak and hazel. They are fairly lightweight and come in varying sizes, from the standard 12” to the large 60” logs. However, vented logs provide the least heat of the three types of logs.

Unvented logs, which are the second most popular type of gas fireplace logs, are also known as ventless and ventfree logs. Unlike vented logs, unvented logs do not affect the quality of the air you breathe as the technology used in their construction and use is very similar to the technology used in kitchen gas cookers which produce clean, smokeless flames.

Though less realistic in appearance than the vented variety, unvented logs are much more economical and cost roughly between 6 and 50 cents an hour, depending on the type of gas being used. However, these gas fireplace logs should only be used in areas with no space issues due to the amount of oxygen they use up.

Partially vented logs are the third type of artificial fireplace logs in the market. They are not the most efficient source of heat or the most attractive of gas fireplace logs. However, although they don’t lean heavily towards providing either of these qualities, they have a sufficient enough quantity of both beauty and heat generation to make them a viable option for home fireplaces.

A small tip for budding and self taught electricians. Do not attempt the installation of gas fireplaces or logs by yourself. The problems sparked off by the helpful home handymen are many, varied and can often be avoided if left to professionals. This sound bit of common sense, can of course be ignored.