If you’re more concerned about ambiance and aesthetics than heat, then a Vented gas log set is the best choice for you.

Vented gas logs are the best way to achieve a realistic-looking fire. They are designed for use in a traditional wood-burning fireplace and are a safe, mess-free alternative to real wood logs.

Vented gas logs feature a very full and natural-looking flame presentation and typically come with an expansive ember bed to mimic the warm glow of wood embers in a dying fire.

The main drawback with Vented gas logs has to do with efficiency. Just like real wood logs, Vented logs must be used with a functional chimney and require the chimney damper to stay open at all times to prevent the buildup of hot air, gas, and combustion byproducts in the home.

Since the damper stays open, most of the heat produced is lost up the chimney. For this reason, Vented gas logs are primarily sold as decorative centerpieces rather than as supplemental heat sources.

Read more about the pros and cons of Vented gas logs here.

HEAT

Ventless Gas Logs

If heat is what you’re after, then a Ventless gas log set is the way to go. Ventless gas logs are extremely efficient and will provide an exceptional amount of heat for your room.

They don’t require a chimney or venting, allowing all of the heat produced to circulate back into the room, rather than escaping up the chimney.

Ventless gas logs are designed to achieve a clean, smokeless flame. They burn so hotly that nearly 100% of the fuel is combusted, allowing them to operate safely without a chimney.

Ventless gas logs can achieve a realistic-looking fire, but the flames often appear blue and may not be as large or as authentic as a Vented log set can produce.

The way Ventless logs are arranged also affects the appearance of the fire. They have to be stacked around the gas outlets to prevent flames from coming into direct contact with the logs. If flames do touch the logs, carbon monoxide can be produced. Arranging the logs this way can make the fire look like it’s shooting straight up, rather than engulfing the logs like a traditional fire.

Since combustion air isn’t able to escape through a chimney, Ventless gas log sets may give off an odor when burning and will intensify any odors already present in the home, such as air fresheners, incense, pet dander, and dust. Ventless appliances also produce water vapor during combustion, which can lead to excess moisture buildup throughout the living space.

As an additional safeguard, Ventless gas logs come equipped with a built-in Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) to monitor the amount of oxygen present in the room. If oxygen gets too low, the ODS automatically shuts off the gas supply to the burner.

Read more about the pros and cons of Ventless gas logs here.