On Tue, 29 Nov 2005 19:36:37 GMT, "DesignGuy"
wrote:

I've got a 12x20 foot family room that already has gas logs in the
fireplace. The fireplace is suburbia standard-issue... flush with the
chimney brick and glass doors.

A few years ago we had an ice storm that knocked out power for almost there
days. Despite having the fireplace going all that time, the temperature in
the room never got above 55 deg. The fireplace damper was open, since the
logs came with the house and I'm not sure if they are the vented kind or
not.

I'd like to get a set of gas logs that will both look nice and actually put
out usable heat. My question is which type -- I'm leaning towards veneted,
but want to get a set that will not send most of the heat up the chimney.
I've read where there is a partially-vented type. Has anyone had any
experience with those?

Also, any brands to recommend?


There are three types, vented, unvented, and direct vent.

Vented - most heat goes up the stack, you can get exchangers to try to
extract some but they are not all that effective in my view.

Unvented - heat stays in the room but they deplete oxygen and create
water vapor in the room, make your windows sweat and I don't think
most codes allow them in rooms where you sleep.

Direct vent - uses outside combustion air so no oxygen depletion nor
CO2 formation so no sweating, however this type has a permanently
closed glass door when operating. Has good heating quality, but
easiest and least costly installation is on an exterior wall.

For Vented I would recommend any of the brands made by Hargrove
Manufacturing, only because I know the owners and they are good
people. Don't know about unvented or direct vent.


Google the subject, you will learn a lot.