Gas fireplaces offer the beauty and realism of “live” dancing flames with all the conveniences of a modern gas appliance. With the flip of a switch or the click of a remote, you can immediately begin enjoying your fireplace without the effort of loading wood or cleaning ashes when you are done.

There are three main types of gas fireplaces to consider, Direct Vent gas fireplaces, Vent-Free gas fireplaces, and B-Vent gas fireplaces, that differ in their installation flexibility, features, and efficiencies. Another option to consider is an open-hearth Wood-Burning fireplace combined with a vented gas log set. You will find a wide range of designs and opening styles to choose from with gas fireplaces depending on the type you choose.

GAS FIREPLACE DESIGN STYLES

GAS FIREPLACE OPENING TYPES

DIRECT VENT GAS FIREPLACES

These fireplaces offer a great balance between aesthetics, heating efficiency, and installation flexibility. Direct vent fireplaces are designed with sealed glass fronts and are vented using a special two-wall vent system. This sealed system brings all the air used for combustion into the fireplace through the outer vent wall and all the exhaust exits through the inner vent wall. No air loss from the home combined with the heat circulating features of these fireplaces makes them a very efficient source of supplemental heat.

Direct Vent Gas Fireplace Features

• Choose from traditional, contemporary, and transitional models in a variety of sizes
• Front-open, see-through, corner, peninsula, and linear-opening styles are available
• Special co-axial vent system may be run vertically, horizontally, or a combination of both for optimal design flexibility
• Power vent systems available for select models allowing for down-and-out installations
• 50% to 80% heat-efficient models offer superb zone heating capabilities
• Millivolt control models offer reliable on/off operation with remote control capabilities
• Electronic ignition control models feature gas-saving intermittent pilot ignition (IPI) and seamless battery backup that provides continued operation in the event of a power failure
• Wall switch, on/off remote controls, and multifunction remote controls are available for easy fireplace and features operation
• A variety of interior liner and exterior trim options are available to fit your style

VENT-FREE GAS FIREPLACES

Vent-free or ventless gas fireplaces are a great choice if you are looking for the highest heating efficiency possible. Since they are not vented to the outside, all the heat produced is realized in the living space making them a superb supplemental heat source. The main byproduct of vent-free systems is moisture, so it is important that they are properly sized for the room. Download and complete the Air for Combustion and Ventilation Worksheet and check with local building codes to make sure a vent-free gas appliance is an appropriate option for your home.

Vent-free Gas Fireplace Features

• Choose from complete fireplaces or fireboxes only that allow you to select from a wide variety of vent-free gas log sets sold separately
• Available in traditional, contemporary, and transitional models in a variety of sizes
• Front-open and linear-opening styles are available
• No venting required but adequate air must be available for combustion and ventilation
• 99.9% heat efficiency offers exceptional zone heating capabilities
• Required oxygen depletion sensor (ODS) ignition pilot is included on all vent-free appliances that automatically shuts off the fireplace if oxygen levels drop below an 18% safety threshold
• Bedroom and bathroom installations are limited (check appliance listings and approvals)
• Millivolt control models offer reliable on/off operation with remote control capabilities
• Electronic ignition control models feature gas-saving IPI and seamless battery backup that provides continued operation in the event of a power failure
• Wall switch, on/off remote controls, and multifunction remote controls are available for easy fireplace and features operation
• A variety of interior liner and exterior trim options are available to match your style

B-VENT GAS FIREPLACES

Primarily chosen for decorative applications, these fireplaces offer the aesthetic appeal of a traditional open-front fireplace with the convenience of gas controls. These fireplaces are vertically vented, naturally drafting appliances that use an economical Type-B gas vent for installation. Glass fronts and outside air kit options are available to help reduce the amount of room air that is drawn out of the living area.

B-vent Gas Fireplace Features

• Available in traditional models in a variety of sizes
• Front-open and see-through opening styles are available
• Uses economical B-vent natural draft chimney systems for vertical installation through roofline
• Primarily used in decorative applications due to 10% to 30% lower heating efficiency
• Millivolt control models offer reliable on/off operation with remote control capabilities
• Electronic ignition control models feature gas-saving IPI and seamless battery backup that provides continued operation in the event of a power failure
• Wall switch, on/off remote controls, and multifunction remote controls are available for easy fireplace and features operation
• A variety of interior liner options are available

WOOD-BURNING FIREPLACES & GAS LOG SETS

Today’s factory-built, open-hearth, wood-burning fireplaces offer the look and feel of a traditional masonry-constructed fireplace at a much lower installed cost. They also are considered a “dual-fuel” appliance in that they can be used to burn natural wood or be retrofitted with gas log sets. Because the chimney system can withstand the higher temperatures of burning wood, it can also accept gas log sets that burn with larger flames than a gas-only fireplace. Combined with heavy-duty grates and realistic ember beds, a wood-burning fireplace combined with a vented gas log set is an option to consider if you want a decorative fireplace.

Wood-burning Fireplaces & Gas Log Sets Features

• Available in traditional models in a variety of sizes
• Limited to front-open opening style
• Wood-burning-listed natural draft chimney systems for vertical installation through roofline
• Vented gas log sets require that fireplace be operated with glass doors and damper fully open
• Used in decorative applications due to low, less than 10% heating efficiency
• Gas log sets are sold separately and come in a variety of realistic wood styles
• Gas log burner systems include match-light and electronic ignition controls
• A variety of poured refractory or “kiln-fired” firebrick interior liner options are available

Gas log sets bring the enjoyment of “having a fire” at home without the effort and cleanup associated with a natural wood fire. Gas log sets have detailed log arrangements that mimic the look and feel of real wood logs paired with dancing yellow flames for the ultimate in realism and ease of use.

There are two main types of gas log sets to consider: vent-free gas log sets that offer a superb balance between appearance and heating efficiency and vented gas log sets that create larger, more random flame presentations that come closest to a real wood fire.

GAS LOG SET DESIGN STYLES

VENT-FREE GAS LOG SETS

Vent-free or ventless gas log sets are a great choice if you are looking for the highest heating efficiency possible. They’re a superb supplemental heating source when used in an approved vent-free firebox or wood-burning fireplace with the damper closed. Since vent-free gas logs produce moisture, it’s important they’re properly sized for the room you use them in. Download and complete the Air for Combustion and Ventilation Worksheet and check with local building codes to make sure a vent-free gas appliance is an appropriate option for your application.

Vent-free Gas Log Set Features

• Use in approved vent-free fireboxes, and factory-built and masonry wood-burning fireplaces
• Do not use in factory-built fireplaces that state unvented gas logs should not be used
• No venting required; however, adequate air must be available for combustion and ventilation
• 99.9% heat efficiency offers exceptional zone heating capabilities
• Required oxygen depletion sensor (ODS) ignition pilot is included on all vent-free gas log burners that automatically shuts off unit if oxygen levels drop below an 18% safety threshold
• Millivolt control models offer reliable on/off operation with remote control capabilities
• Electronic ignition control models feature gas-saving intermittent pilot ignition (IPI) and seamless battery backup that provides continued operation in the event of a power failure
• Wall switch, on/off remote controls, and multifunction remote controls are available for easy control of electronic ignition models
• A variety of highly detailed logs available with realistic wood grain textures and colors
• Outdoor-specific models with stainless-steel burners and grates are also available

VENTED GAS LOG SETS

Primarily chosen for decorative applications, vented gas log sets offer the ambiance of a traditional real wood fire with the convenience of gas. Since these log sets are only approved for use in fully vented wood-burning fireplaces that can withstand higher temperatures, they are able to burn with larger, more realistic flames and embers. Electronic ignition models combined with remote controls bring another level of convenience. Vented gas log sets also eliminate the work and mess associated with building, tending, and cleaning up after a wood fire.

Vented Gas Log Set Features

• For use in fully vented and operational wood-burning fireplaces only
• Fireplace must be operated with glass doors and damper in fully open position
• Used in decorative applications due to low, less than 10% heating efficiency
• Match-light models available for natural gas applications (safety pilot kits required for LP gas)
• Electronic ignition control models feature gas-saving intermittent pilot ignition (IPI) and seamless battery backup that provides continued operation in the event of a power failure
• Wall switch, on/off remote controls, and multifunction remote controls are available for easy control of electronic ignition models
• A variety of highly detailed logs available with realistic wood grain textures and colors
• Outdoor-specific models with stainless-steel burners and grates are also available

Our Commitment to Safety

Superior products are constructed with the utmost care and precision and designs comply with national safety standards. However, personal safety begins with good fire management. The temperatures of surfaces in and around a fire can become extremely hot during operation. It is essential to monitor traffic around a Superior Fireplace to prevent burns and to protect the overall safety of your home and loved ones.

Tips for Safe Operation

• Always read and follow the instructions for the safe use and maintenance of your Superior Fireplace.
• Surfaces on fireplaces, stoves, and inserts get EXTREMELY HOT!
• The glass on the front of a fireplace reaches EXTREMELY HIGH temperatures and can cause severe burns if touched.
• Surfaces around the fire—especially glass doors or panels—can stay very hot for long periods of time after operation has ended. Be aware that surfaces may stay warm from a lit pilot light, even if the product is not operating.
• Never leave young children or pets alone when operating a Superior Fireplace.
• Educate your family about fire safety before you begin operating a new Superior Fireplace.
• Use a firescreen (if applicable) for added safety.
• Always keep a hearth product remote away from small children.

Remember, Safety is a Responsibility with any Fire-Associated Product

Read and understand the information in the Homeowner’s Care and Operation Manual that accompanies each appliance. Refer to these tips regularly and review with those in your home to assure careful operation and long-lasting comfort.

For more information on hearth product safety, visit the Hearth, Patio, & Barbecue Association (HPBA) at www.hpba.org.