Resources

Fireplace and Hearth Appliance Venting Options

Gas Fireplaces and Gas Stoves

Gas fireplaces and gas stoves are vented in three ways: natural draft (vented through the roof), direct-vent, and vent-free. Below are the options for gas stoves and gas fireplace.

Natural Draft (Class B) Ventinggas fireplaces natural vent

Natural draft gas stoves and gas fireplaces take in combustion air from inside the home and vent products of combustion outside the home.

 

 

 

 

 

Direct Ventgas fireplace direct vent

Direct vent gas stoves and gas fireplaces draw combustion air from the outdoors and exhaust its combustion products to the outdoors, eliminating the need for a standard chimney system. A glass panel in direct vent units is critical to keeping the combustion system sealed from the home, maintaining high efficiency and indoor air quality. Direct vent piping can go out the wall directly in back of the unit or terminate vertically above the roof. Various models differ. Currently, the majority of gas stoves and gas fireplaces are direct vent units.

Unvented or Vent Freegas fireplace vent free

Unvented and vent free refers to gas stoves or gas fireplaces that draw their combustion air from inside the home and are designed to burn so efficiently that it eliminates the need for venting.