Choose the right number of sides

If the fireplace is to be fitted against a wall then the one sided gas fireplace will be the unit of choice, but you need to remember that two-sided, and the larger versions that have three or four sides should also be considered, especially if the room is large. A four-sided gas fireplace, for instance, will heat the room from four sides, and due to the fact that they heat is coming out from different directions, the room will be warm in most places.

One thing to bear in mind is that the traditional one sided direct vent fireplace will need to be vented through the wall, and you need to make sure that you have the correct flue system in place to make sure that all the toxic fumes are taken safely away from the living space. A stand-alone direct vent fireplace will usually be vented vertically, which means the flue will go through the roof. You will also need to take account of the size, with a gas fireplace that is needed to fit a standard hearth being usually around 30 inches wide, although 40-inch fireplace and those with widths of 45- to 50-inches are not uncommon. The larger direct vent fireplaces are usually called top vented gas fireplaces, though these can be vented through a wall if the correct pipe work is installed.

High heat output

Of course, the most important part about any heating system is the heat output itself, and a direct vent gas fireplace is certainly one of the best things you can choose in this regard, since it burns gas very efficiently, and therefore is very economical to run. Heat efficiency of 70% is not uncommon, and is even possible to have a heat efficiency that can touch 80 or even 90% in some cases. A small gas fireplace will have a heat output of around 20,000 BTU, though the larger ones can have any output at least 40,000 BTU or even 45,000 BTU, a heat output big enough to warm a large room even in the middle of winter.

These types of fireplace are also endowed with really good ease of use, mostly having a pilot light in order to light the fire easily. However, a burning pilot light will of course use gas, and it is for this reason that many direct vent models are now fitted with electric ignition, enabling the gas fire to be lit quickly without the need for a pilot light.

Remote control fireplace options

Other extras that come with modern direct vent gas fires include a remote control which can be used to control the heat output. Traditionally this would have been done with a wall thermostat, or wall switch, but nowadays remote controls enable you to control all aspects of the gas fire without even leaving your chair. This includes changing the thermostat setting to keep the heat under control, but also change the strength of the blower, fitted with some direct vent models as a method of helping the heat to circulate in a more efficient manner.

A 28" direct vent gas insert is the Mantis power vent fireplace by Empire. Retailing at $4,300, this unit has a remote control and gives 9,000 to 28,000 BTU input. Measuring 25 3/8" wide x 23 3/16" high x 11 5/16" deep, the flue outlet is a 1 1/2" PVC pipe. It has a 24V thermostat, and is a highly efficient direct-vent condensing gas fireplace which also humidifies the room. Also take a look at the Napoleon 30" (GD30) basic fireplace insert, a natural gas direct vent insert with heat output up to 24,500 BTU, steady state efficiency of 85% and AFUE efficiency of 82%. Ignition is by a millivolt system which can work during power failures. The unit has a 50% flame/heat adjustment and a high heat ceramic glass door, along with heat circulating variable speed blower

Real flame effects

Also from Napoleon is the direct vent gas stove (model number: GDS28-1N). On the market for about $1,200, this gas stove has an output of 30,000 BTU's and 85% steady state maximum efficiency. The Yellow Dancing Flame� burner system gives a pleasant fireplace effect, while the easily accessible controls make operation easy. The unit has a 100% safety shut off feature, and can be used with a wall thermostat or remote control. Heat output is enhanced by the heat radiating ceramic glass door, and by the built-in blower.

If heat is not the only thing you want, take a look at the Dream wrought iron gas fireplace from Napoleon. This unit produces 50,000 BTU of heat, while the Dual Night Light system makes a glow from the fireplace logs. A handheld thermostatic remote controls temperature and the ambience, while a Millivolt system ensures use during power failures. The unit works on both natural gas unit and propane gas, and needs zero clearance to combustibles, making for compact installation.

When it comes to installation, it is usually a good idea to hire the services of a professional, since ensuring that the venting system is done properly is a high priority. Kits are available, but unless you are a qualified gas installer it is usually not a good idea to attempt to install one of these units yourself. When it comes to price, the amount of money you will pay will depend very much on whether you want a basic gas fireplace, or one that includes all the extras such as a remote control to control the heat output, or other things such as electric ignition and a blower mechanism. Take time to look at all the options before choosing, since the heating system is one of the most important parts of your house, especially when you're looking at a secondary heating system for a large room which can be very cold during the wintertime.