Efficient Fireplaces & Gas Electric Pellet Information

Efficiency

• Most fireplaces come with some type of efficiency rating. Gas fireplaces, for instance, will show how many BTUs (British Thermals Units, a common format of heat measurement) they will produce, usually in one hour. Fireplaces may also use ratings like the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency Rating, which shows how easily the fireplace turns the energy it takes into heat. The steady state efficiency rating is also used, which shows efficiency while maintaining a specific temperature.

Direct Vent

• Direct vent fireplaces use one vent to cycle air in and out of the fireplace and are built with a hollow space around the fireplace so that household air can pass close to the heat and heat transfer can be achieved more easily. Direct vent fireplaces tend to be more energy-efficient, but only work with fireplaces that produce emissions. They can improve a pellet or gas fireplace's efficiency, but do not affect electric fireplaces.

Ventless Fireplaces and Inserts

• Ventles fireplaces do not produce emissions that need to be vented outdoors. Electric fireplaces, which use heating elements, are always ventless and can also be portable, unless they are inset in a hearth. This allows the homeowner to target specific places for heat output.

  Inserts are essentially metal shells that allow homeowners to transform one type of fireplace into another type. If the homeowner has a masonry fireplace, he can increase efficiency by using a gas, pellet or electric insert. Wood stoves can often be made into gas or electric fireplaces with the right insert, but transforming a pellet stove can be more difficult depending on the type of stove.

Gas

• Gas fireplaces are stationary and must be connected to to natural gas lines to function. They use only a small amount of electricity, and the natural gas burns so cleanly that they produce only a very small amount of emissions. Out of the three, gas fireplaces tend to produce the most heat based on the fuel used, but tend to be one of the most expensive options as well.

Electric

• Electric fireplaces use a heating element that resists the electric current flowing through it, The resistace builds up heat and radiates it out from the fireplace. These fireplaces are somewhat portable and have the lowest cost out of all three. The heating elements used are very durable, but radiant heat is not always the most efficient option.

Pellet

• Pellet stoves use small bundles made of compressed wood shavings. These recycled wood shavings can be very energy-efficient, if used in the correct amounts. Some pellet stoves have an automatic dispenser that release pellets as needed. Although the pellets burn cleanly, they still produce emissions and require proper venting.