Direct Vent for Gas Fireplace: How It Works
A direct vent for a gas fireplace is a two-pipe (coaxial) system: one pipe brings combustion air in from outdoors, and the other pipe sends flue gases back outside. Because the firebox is sealed behind glass, the fireplace does not use room air and does not spill combustion into the home. This is why direct vent is the preferred option for new construction and tight, energy-efficient houses.
Most of the direct vent fireplaces we sell at Luxury Fire allow for horizontal (side-wall) venting or vertical (through-the-roof) venting, so you can route the vent to match your framing.
Direct Vent Propane Fireplaces
If your house doesn’t have natural gas, you can still enjoy a sealed, high-efficiency fireplace by ordering a direct vent propane fireplace. Many models ship in NG by default, but can be factory ordered in LP or converted with a manufacturer-approved LP kit. Tell us your fuel when you place the order and we will confirm the correct burner, orifice, and venting parts.
Because the system is sealed, a vented propane fireplace won’t pull air from the room — the propane burns in a closed chamber and all exhaust exits outdoors. This is safer and cleaner than trying to vent a non-DV unit to the outside.
Vented Propane Fireplace vs. Vent-Free
Many shoppers search for a vented propane fireplace when what they really want is a propane unit that doesn’t affect indoor air. That is exactly what a direct vent propane fireplace does: it vents combustion outdoors while using propane as the fuel. Vent-free (ventless) propane fireplaces are a different category — they can be useful, but they release combustion byproducts into the room and are restricted in some areas. If your installer or local code requires venting, choose one of the direct vent propane models on this page.
Direct Vent Gas Fireplace FAQs
What is a direct vent gas fireplace?
It’s a sealed gas fireplace that pulls air from outdoors and vents exhaust outdoors through a dedicated direct vent system.
Can a direct vent gas fireplace run on propane?
Yes. Most models can be ordered as a direct vent propane fireplace or converted with the correct LP kit.
Is a vented propane fireplace better than vent-free?
If you want to protect indoor air and meet stricter codes, a vented (direct vent) propane fireplace is usually the better option because all exhaust is sent outdoors.
