Convert Your Fireplace To Vent-Free Gas Logs

Wood burning fireplaces were the staple installation of homebuilders for the past 50 years and many homes today come equipped with these energy hogs. The reason wood burning fireplaces are energy hogs is that in order for the fire to burn it must draw air from the house. As that air is drawn into the fireplace and then out the chimney, there is a vacuum created inside the home. In order to equalize the pressure, unconditioned air must be drawn into the house. This air enters the house around windows, doors, light fixtures, etc. As a result burning wood in most fireplaces actually results in a net energy loss in the home. To solve this problem, the homeowner can install vent-free gas logs into their existing wood-burning fireplace. Vent-free gas logs are a great alternative to wood. In order to use vent-free logs effectively in a wood-burning fireplace, the user must close the damper on the fireplace. When installed and operated properly, these logs will actually heat the home. As with most alterations, the homeowner should check with the manufacturer of their fireplace to determine whether it is approved for "closed flue" operation with vent-free gas logs before making this improvement.  Discover and share home improvement knowledge at www.HomebuiltHowTo.com