What is a Direct Vent Fireplace?
A direct vent fireplace uses outside air for combustion instead of the air from within your home. A dual chamber flue system both brings in cold air in one chamber and expels exhaust through the other chamber. The result is a highly efficient fireplace that is able to minimize heat loss through the flue and put more of that heat back into your home keeping your home full of warm, clean air. Direct Vent gas fireplaces can be operated safely without the use of electricity.
A direct vent fireplace has a completely sealed combustion chamber which allows it to vent directly out a side wall or through the ceiling of your home. A direct vent fireplace uses the natural principal of warm air rising to create negative pressure in the system to draw in cold air for combustion. A sealed firebox prevents cold air from entering your home when the fireplace is not in use and increases the efficiency of the fire while burning.
Key Benefits of Direct Vent Fireplaces
- Vent through roof or the side of your home
- Increased heating efficiency
- Increased Safety
- Uses outside air for combustion
- Keeps your home warmer
A Direct Vent Gas Fireplace keeps your home warmer, increases efficiency, and reduces the amount of wasted energy.
Please note: Air is still used from inside the room for Direct Vent and Power Vent models, however this air is used to circulate heat and never enters the firebox.
Where can I Put a Direct Vent Fireplace?
One of the best features of a direct vent fireplace is its flexibility in installation. Where a natural vent fireplace needs to be vented vertically only, a direct vent fireplace can vented through your roof or a side wall of your home. This means you can essentially place your fireplace within any room including a bathroom, basement, bedroom, kitchen, and of course living room! For very large rooms and/or commercial installations however, a Power Vent may be needed.
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Direct Vent vs Power Vent Fireplaces
A power vented fireplace uses a fan powered accessory to force air into the combustion chamber forcing the exhaust out. Where a direct vent relies on the natural pressure difference created from warm air leaving a sealed firebox to draw air in for combustion. A Power Vent allows for more installation flexibility. Power venting can zig-zag with multiple bends, can travel longer distances, and can also vent below the fireplace – perfect for large home or commercial applications.
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Direct Vent vs B-Vent (Natural Vent) Fireplaces
A B-Vent fireplace, or natural fireplace, uses the air inside your home for combustion and vents emissions through a single flue. Air is drawn into the firebox from inside your home, used in combustion, and released through a vertical flue. A B-Vent fireplace is less efficient as it is using warm air from inside your home for combustion as opposed to a Direct Vent system which uses cold exterior air for combustion, keeping your home warmer.
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Direct Vent vs Ventless Fireplaces
A Ventless fireplace is a fireplace that does not require any venting. Instead of expelling emissions outside of the home they are simply allowed to remain in the home, causing potential safety issues. As there are safety concerns with Ventless gas fireplaces there are very strict installation requirements and regional restrictions. Ventless fireplaces can only be sold in the USA but not Canada.
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Find A Direct Vent Gas Fireplace
Regency offers many direct vent gas fireplaces in all shapes and sizes. These include our following lines of gas fireplaces:
Key Terms:
- Direct Vent – a two-chambered venting system that uses outside air for combustion, pulling air in through one tube and expelling emissions through the other.
- Power Vent – a two-chambered venting system that uses outside air for combustion similar to a Direct Vent system however, it uses a small motor to force air circulation within the venting system.
- Natural Vent (B-Vent) – a single chambered venting system that uses air from within your home for combustion and releases emissions through a vertical flue.
- Ventless – A fireplace with no venting using air from within the room for combustion and releasing the emissions into the room as well.
- Combustion Air – Air used specifically for the combustion reaction of a fire.
- Room Air Intake – The channel for air to circulate around a sealed firebox, warming and re-entering the room.
- Radiant Heat – The heat that is emitted from the fireplace naturally, warming the surrounding area without the need for air circulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: a direct vent or vent-free gas fireplace?
Direct vent fireplaces use a sealed combustion system that draws air from outside and expels exhaust through a coaxial vent, resulting in higher efficiency and cleaner indoor air.
Vent-free fireplaces burn very efficiently since no heat escapes, but they rely on room air for combustion and vent emissions back into the space. This means they require oxygen sensors and proper room ventilation to maintain safety. For most homes, direct vent models offer a better balance of safety, efficiency, and comfort.
What is the difference between direct vent and B-vent gas fireplaces?
The key differences are in the venting method and efficiency:
- Direct Vent: Uses a two-pipe (coaxial) system; one pipe draws air in from outside, and the other vents exhaust. This creates a sealed system that maintains indoor air quality and increases heating efficiency.
- B-Vent: Draws combustion air from the room and vents through a single pipe or chimney. This results in more interior room heat loss and slightly lower efficiency.
Direct vent models are generally preferred for better efficiency and air quality, while B-vent models are chosen for where venting options are limited.
Can you burn wood in a direct vent gas fireplace?
Direct vent fireplaces are designed to run on natural gas or propane only. Adding wood is a major safety risk and should never be done.
If you love the charm of a wood fire, consider a high-efficiency wood-burning fireplace or one of Regency’s wood inserts, designed to deliver that authentic experience safely and effectively.