B-Vent Decorative Gas Fireplaces – What are they?

B-Vent, Decorative Gas Fireplaces – are a type of manufactured fireplace. They are steel fireboxes with faux logs, that get “built-in” to the wall, attached to the wall framing, and have metal chimney pipe that goes up and out the roof (called B-Vent pipe).

They were most popular for use in condos, townhouses, and hotels, but we do also see them in single family residences.

They are still manufactured today, but are losing popularity on the Monterey Peninsula since they are inefficient and generally have unimpressive flames and logs. The smaller models sometimes only had a front log, and a rear log – and a single burner tube allowing the flame to show between the two logs.

Sometimes they have mesh screen curtains – although that is mostly for looks, as they never produce any sparks like a wood burning fireplace.

The majority of B-Vent Decorative Gas Fireplaces that we see have a black interior, and black metal surround with a 2-log setup. However, they can have brick interiors and very clean minimal fronts. What makes them specifically a B-Vent Decorative Gas Fireplace – is that they have type B-venting, and proprietary burners and logs that cannot be changed.

 

Why are they called “decorative”?

In the fireplace world, “decorative” typically means that the fireplace is inefficient, and not heater rated. But how is that possible since it produces a real flame? Well, yes, the flame is real, and hot if you were to touch it… but by design, the heat goes straight up and out the open chimney – rather than heating the room. These types of fireplaces would be great in Arizona where they don’t need heat. 

The chimney pipe is open, and since this is a gas system, a damper is not allowed – meaning that the chimney pipe is wide open all of the time. It’s similar to leaving a window open in your house – it’s possible to have heat loss in a room with a decorative fireplace. Which is why most of these types of fireplaces come with bi-folding glass doors. When not in use, you can close the doors and reduce the heat loss a bit – just like closing a window. When using the fireplace, the doors need to be opened, as this type of burner needs combustion air from the room.

Now… let’s talk about that chimney… 

Above, I mentioned that this type of fireplace has a metal chimney – the specific name for this type of chimney is “B-Vent”. B-Venting means that it is a single pipe, usually 3-6″ diameter, and that the appliance, in this case a fireplace, is using combustion air from the room, and then exhausting out the single pipe.

How are direct vent gas fireplaces different?

When we talk about gas fireplaces today, we are generally talking about heater rated, Direct-Vent units, with sealed glass fronts. These units put out A LOT of heat and can be used as zone heaters in your house. 99% of new gas fireplaces on the market today are using Direct-Vent technology – not B-Vent. In addition to the different venting and the sealed glass front, they have options to customize the look, different log styles, stones, or glass crystal beds, interior panels like bricks or reflective enamel, glowing ember beds, and burners that allow for the appearance of flame all over the firebox instead of just in a single spot.

Are B-Vent Decorative Gas Fireplaces bad?

Bad – not really. But definitely not the best option nowadays. It all depends on what you are trying to do with the fireplace. If your goal is heat, then a B-Vent decorative fireplace is definitely not going to meet that need. If you want a very realistic, beautiful or modern look… you also might not be happy with a B-Vent Decorative Gas Fireplace – as they are pretty basic looking.

But – if your goal is to have a fire feature, with a real flame, that produces no heat – say, in a bedroom – then this might be the perfect type of fireplace for you.

Can I change the logs in a B-Vent decorative gas fireplace?

Unfortunately, no. They come with specific logs and are tested with those logs in the factory. The burners need a certain amount of air flow, or they could overheat the valve and warp the burner.

If your B-Vent Gas fireplace was manufactured within the last 10 years, then it might be possible to get fresh logs for it – but they will probably look exactly the same. 

Can you burn wood or a DuraFlame log in them?

No – they are purpose built for gas only. No solid fuel.

You can damage them if you try to burn solid fuel in them – and potentially start a house fire! Not to mention, they wouldn’t draft properly and your house would fill up with smoke. Bottom line – don’t do it.

What type of maintenance do B-Vent Gas fireplaces need?

If you use the fireplace regularly, we recommend an annual Tune Up. A Tune Up includes a thorough cleaning of the interior of the firebox, logs and pilot parts… open front fireplaces get dusty, and nobody likes the smell of dust burning! Also, on the Monterey Peninsula, fireplace pilot parts tend to get a corrosive buildup and can make the fireplace hard to light. A Tune Up will keep the pilot parts in good working condition. Our Tune Up also includes testing for gas leaks and carbon monoxide.

Occasionally, the valves need to be replaced and we are able to completely rebuild these units if necessary.

Make-over and Replacement Options

If you want to “make-over” a B-Vent Decorative Gas Fireplace – you can often get new glass doors for them, which can really do wonders to update the aesthetic. See Door options here.

But if you are looking for more function – like heat, or a blower, or to add remote control functionality – your only option is to completely remove the fireplace from the wall, and replace it with a new sealed-front, DirectVent system.

Obviously, this is a bit more of an intensive project and usually means that in addition to the fireplace company, you will need a builder. The builder will open the wall, remove the old unit and venting, and then the fireplace company can install a new unit with new venting… and then lastly, the builder closes the wall and finishes it, making it look like nobody was ever there. If this is something you are interested in, we work with several fabulous builders in the area that we can refer you to.