No. Direct vent fireplaces use a sealed glass front to completely isolate combustion gasses and moisture from your home. This is especially important in new construction homes that are built very tightly to comply with today’s energy codes. They are also the best systems available for individuals with respiratory issues, allergies, asthma, etc. because they are isolated from the interior air quality in your home. Ventless, vent-free or unvented fireplaces are designed to expel combustion gasses and moisture directly back into the room. We like to call ventless systems room-vented. Ventless, vent-free or unvented fireplaces and stoves are illegal in many states and municipalities.

It depends on the type of gas fireplace. Direct Vent fireplaces and gas inserts encompass a sealed system that pulls outside air in and exhausts it back out of your house. Direct Vent fireplaces do not need a framed structural chimney per se, but they do require venting and exhaust to access outside air. Ventless fireplaces do not require a chimney.

No. No other materials may be burned inside a designated gas fireplace or insert. Direct Vent, Ventless or B-Vent fireplace products are designed and certified by UL specifically to burn only LP or natural gas. Burning wood has a much higher peak temperature that can not only permanently impair the fireplace itself, but also creates significant fire danger to your home and occupants. Even something as simple as burning paper can harm the fireplace’s internal controls and possibly overheat the unit. Do not attempt to place additional media in the fireplace.

Yes, with a few exceptions. Most all gas fireplaces will operate without household power. If your fireplace has an IPI valve system you will need to have batteries in the battery back-up. If your fireplace is equipped with accessories like a fan kit or lights, those items will not work if the power is out.

 Short answer, usually yes. Each fireplace type (Direct Vent. Ventless, wood burning) all have different options and levels of flexibility with mounting things above the fireplace. Direct Vent fireplaces are the most flexible when mounting things such as TVs above the fireplace and many offer Cool Wall kits/Heat Management options to reduce clearances and restrictions.