If there's someone in this sub who has experience either installing or fixing various brands - I'd love to get a quick view on each from an expert. I haven't been able to find this in my internet sleuthing. We're looking to install a direct vent fireplace to replace where an old insert was, the chimney has since been removed. I have a couple companies nearby that offer the following......

I should mention that we're just looking for an upper end, single sided, natural gas direct vent that looks like a traditional fireplace. It would get used sporadically during the colder months in NJ.

Company A:
Town & Country
Stellar
Urbana
Isokern
Heat & Glo
Majestic
Napoleon
Marquis

Company B:
Montigo
Kozy Heat
Mendota
Valor
Element
Flare

We currently have an electric fireplace that we are wanting to replace with gas logs. Trying to decide between a direct vent vs ventless system. We do not have a chimney but the fireplace is on an outside wall. There is a covered porch that the wall shares but it’s open and not walled or screened in, hopefully that makes sense.

We are wanting the gas fireplace mostly for heat in case power goes out. Currently have geothermal hvac system but wife wants a family room with more heat. The electric fireplace puts out heat like a space heater but the room is larger and is not efficient. I don’t believe a wood burning stove or fireplace is possible because it would be very expensive to add a chimney.

Have been told by 1 fireplace store that direct vent option would be more expensive only because of the need to add the vent to the outside wall.

A ventless system was quoted around 7k for firebox, log and gas line installation. This does not include finishing the fireplace surround (stone, wood, tile, etc).

We aren’t huge fans of the ventless systems due to the negative aspects of decreased 02 levels, mold etc. But we also don’t want to pay a ton more money.

At the fireplace store we noticed the ventless system heated the room air up quicker compared to direct vent. But after while the direct vent was heating the furniture and floor vs the air which almost made it seem warmer.

So what’s the best option for new fireplace that will provide supplemental heat (more than space heater) but still somewhat safe? Any opinions, options, recommendations or advice is appreciated. Thanks!

Hey all, I'm looking to fix-up a very old gas fireplace by buying a new burner/new faux logs. When I went to a fireplace showroom, the salesman seemed to talk down on the heating efficiency of non-inserts; his claim was that they provide essentially zero heating (all of it is vented out), and that you really need an insert to get any practical value out of the fireplace.

It seemed to us that the inserts were substantially more expensive, so we wanted to look into how true this claim was--or if they were trying to up-sell us from our original intent. Happy to provide more details if that's helpful, but we just wanted to get a general feel for whether we'd be able to heat our living room with each type of fireplace.

Anyone have experience with direct vent gas stoves? We are looking to purchase one to heat our ~800 sq ft loose basement. We live in Baltimore and it's for supplemental heat when in the basement. I am curious if anyone has input as to why one model may be better than the other? The Lopi seems to be the nicest and most efficient, but can we get away with the Oxford and save $1K?

Lopi Berkshire - $3,100 - Great flame pattern, fancy control panel, fan, fancy remote, ~87% efficiency.

Quadra-Fire Sapphire - $2,900 - Standard control panel, fancy remote, ~80% efficiency.

Oxford Direct Vent Stove - $1,900 - Standard control panel, standard remote, ~80% efficiency.

Who has one? Or installed one? The diagram on the pamphlet shows in room and exterior vents in an insanely excessive amount. Why would I even try to heat a room if there has to be multiple holes cut in walls, floors etc to vent a ventless propane fireplace?

Can anyone describe what theirs looks like in a successful room setup?

Has it poisoned you?

Looking at this one: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Duluth-Forge-Dual-Fuel-Ventless-Gas-Stove-Model-FDSR25-Matte-Finish-Remote-Control-170037/306106918

Thanks!

What is the lowest BTU, but most realistic/high-end direct vent fireplace on the market? Client wants for look and not heat. i.e.: high/low setting, flame through logs etc?

New home addition adding a direct vent gas (propane) fireplace. Visited Heat N Glow dealer and liked 8kx. Also reading that Regency, Enviro and Mendota are possibly better/strong(er) units to consider. Our local dealers aren't easily accessible in our area. Heat n Glow all in (installed) $7,500. Thoughts on which is best units as this is a long term purchase. Thanks.

My posts and comments have been modified in bulk to protest reddit's attack against free speech by suspending the accounts of people who are protesting against the fascism of Trump and spinelessness of Republicans in the US Congress. I'll just use one of my many alts if I feel like commenting, so reddit can suck it.

I am converting my wood fireplace to gas and am looking for the best natural gas insert. Reliability, efficiency, and heating are the qualities I am looking for.

The house is a two story cape cod and has about 1,000 sq ft on the first level with an open floor plan and two bedrooms. I am looking for something that will heat the first level. The house also has oil heat which is getting expensive.

I am lucky enough to have several makes to choose from. I believe the size is 30”

Heat & Glo

Enviro

Quadra-Fire

Jotul

Mendota

Pacific Energy

Regency

And I am sure even more.

What would you choose and what would you stay away from?

I have gas force hot water cast iron radiators and my house is drafty. I am looking at gas fireplace inserts. Worth it? Efficient?