Answers to common questions about choosing, sizing, and installing vented and vent-free gas logs.
If you have a wood burning fireplace, you can probably install gas logs in it. If you don’t have a wood burning fireplace, you cannot install gas logs in it, with the exception of a few ventless fireboxes. Not sure if your fireplace is wood burning? If it is an unaltered masonry fireplace, it is a wood burning fireplace. If you have a prefab fireplace, check for the metal tag near the opening of the firebox: it lists the manufacturer, model number, and often the fuel type it is made to burn.
A ventless firebox is a freestanding unit that can be installed in almost any home. They are cheaper to install than vented fireboxes because they don’t need a chimney or other venting system. Only burn ventless logs in a vent-free firebox, and check the metal tag near the opening of the firebox to confirm it is vent-free.
Propane and natural gas are essentially the same when it comes to gas logs. The key is ease: choose a gas log set that runs on the fuel you already have connected to your home.
Most gas logs come in four standard sizes: 18, 21, 24, and 30 inches. Say your firebox has an opening width of 28 inches and a back width of 22 inches. (1) There must be at least two inches of free space on either side of the set, and (2) the logs should not be longer than the back width. This keeps two inches of clearance on either side even as the firebox narrows toward the back. For this fireplace, you’d choose a 21-inch set.
Every gas log set is built a little differently. Some have starters you push to light the gas, some you light manually with a long match, and others have pilot lights. Your set may also come with a remote control to turn on the gas and start the fire. Always follow your manufacturer’s instructions for lighting.
Measuring your firebox is easy, all you need is a tape measure. Check out our step-by-step gas logs measuring guide.
We highly recommend having a licensed plumber or HVAC professional install your gas logs. Making the gas connection improperly is a fire hazard.
Consider a few factors. Do you have a fireplace with a working flue? Get vented logs. Do you have a ventless firebox? Get ventless logs. Do you have natural gas in your home? Get natural gas logs. Do you have propane? Get propane gas logs. Standard sizes are 18, 21, 24, and 30 inches; pick the size that leaves at least two inches of free space on either side and is no longer than the back width of your firebox. Style is completely up to you.
Not always. Vented gas logs aren’t legal in every area, so check your local fire codes before buying.
Vented gas logs are far more realistic than ventless. Their flames engulf the logs and are tall and deeply orange-yellow, while ventless flames are shorter and less vividly colored. Both usually include glowing embers to further recreate the look of a real fire.
Gas logs give you the same ambiance as a wood burning fireplace without the mess and hassle of storing and burning wood, and they’re more energy efficient. There’s no waiting to start the fire and no waiting for it to die down, just turn the gas on or off. No ash to clean up, no logs to store, and only seconds to start and stop the fire.