Fireplaces, Heating Stoves, Flues and Chimneys - Gas logs more efficiant ??

I got my fireplace up and running in hopes to save on my heat bill this year. Since then I have come to find out Traditional wood burning is the most inificiant way to heat your home :(.

I had mentioned to a friend I like the look of the traditional fires but needed something more efficient and he recommended I get a vent free gas log (with thermostat) for my fireplace.

My house is heated by Gas now (forced hot air) seeing the gas logs also use gas how would this help save on my monthly heating bill?

Any suggestions or comments are greatly appreciated.

P.S.
I was looking at this one

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=220364-234-CLD3018NT&lpage=none

My home is 900 sqf

I doubt if they are more efficient than a furnace since they do not have an efficient method to collect and distribute the heat from the combustion.

They are, however, very efficient at keeping things like carbon mdioxide and carbon monoxide inside the house for you to breathe. Usually they burn well, but there are times when the conbustion is not complete.

dick

I also like the looks of the traditional fireplace. I had one with blowers on it and glass doors. It gave me the best of both worlds. Without the glass doors, the heat goes out the chimney and sucks the already heated air with it. My Brother-in-law had an insert and heated his whole house with it for years. It did what he wanted but I like to look at the fire. Guess it's all in what you want. Good luck.

I had one with blowers on it and glass doors. It gave me the best of both worlds.


I just bought a new glass screen, can you hook a blower to any glass screen?

My blower was part of the fireplace. The glass doors had nothing to do with them. The heated air came out on both sides of the fireplace opening. They were built in. Some have the exhausts on top and bottom. If you go to a Home Improvement store and look at their units, you can buy the blower unit or not if you decide. It's an extra charge but well worth it. Good luck.

Thanks again majak! :thumbup:

One way to create much more heat in any vented gas fireplace is to use "fireglass" instead of artifical logs. I have it in my fireplace and it warms the room in no time! Anyone who has this can confirm the heat factor. If you are interested in learning more do a google search and use the keyword: fireplace glass crystals