Trying to pick out a vent free gas fireplace for a a building which is near a pool. Since its open on one side I am not worried about the carbon monoxide issue. I have looked at Napoleon, Empire, Vanguard, and Monessen. Are these the best manufacturers to look at for vent free. I want a good quality unit with nice logs and flame. Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks

Hi, I recently moved into a house with a direct vent Insta-Flame gas fireplace (Model FSDV-30 TN) and now I've learned that this fireplace is unsafe due to a potential relief damper issue (http://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/hc-sc/2012/15058a-eng.php). So now I'm wondering if an option would be to pull out the guts and replace them with a new set of gas logs. Has anyone attempted this and is this sort of thing possible? My common sense tells me that this is a direct vented box like any other fireplace would be so I should be able to do so? I have no experience with fireplaces but I am very mechanically inclined and I do understand the safety concerns when working with gas. If the job is possible but above me I have no problems hiring a pro to do the work. Thanks for your help. Jeff

Assuming your fireplace draws properly, smoke shouldn't be a problem for the existing wood fireplace - though I can appreciate your concern with the new TV, etc. If you're getting smoke in the room; the fireplace isn't functioning properly: learn about draft at http://www.highschimney.com/articles/chimney-airflow-problems/ As for gas logs, you can use vented logs all day vs a limited burn time for ventless logs. The fire will likely be adjusted to have a yellow flame (vs a blue one like your kitchen stove might) so as to look more like a wood fire. That necessarily means that you will have somewhat incomplete combustion. You'll want CO detectors around because if the exhaust isn't going up the chimney as it should be, you won't get any warning (ie no smoke to choke on). You have to put something in place to insure the fireplace damper can never close 100%- a clipboard clip on the damper plate is often used. Your fireplace has to still work for wood, so don't let anyone suggest you have a smaller liner. This is not something you install yourself; a plumber will run the gas line. I'd suggest getting your log set in a hearth store, where they'll cost more no doubt, but you'll also get knowledgeable people and access to professional installation. And you are right: you do lose heat with an open fireplace. I love the official expression for it: "negative heat gain." Here is a link that might be useful: Types of gas firepaces

A vent-free gas logs system is generally not a good idea and is actually disallowed in the building codes in many municipalities. It can cause a depletion of oxygen and a build-up of fumes. So the indoor air quality and your health and safety will be adversely affected. If your fireplace cannot produce a satisfactory updraft when you burn wood, that suggests that it was not properly designed. Since your primary interest is in appearance, not heat, perhaps you should consider an electric insert. That would get around the safety and health risk associated with gas ventless systems. See Consumer Reports for a 2-3 page information about gas fireplaces.