Q&A Do gas fireplaces heat?

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QandA

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Staff member
Nov 27, 2012
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Question:

Does a vented gas decorative fireplace generate enough heat to heat an average size family room? Do they come with blowers or is one needed?



Answer:

Most of them provide more than enough heat for a room. Although listed as "decorative" units- most are 40-60% efficient- and have inputs of 20-000 to 40-000 BTU. This translates to an output of 10,000 to 20,000 BTU- enough for 1-3 rooms in most climates.<p>
Keep in mind that the term "decorative" can be misleading. Many of the most efficient gas fireplaces available today are very decorative! The key here is that the term, in this case, refers to the standard that the unit is tested to. Fireplaces classifieds as "decorative" do not have to meet the higher fuel efficiency standards. If your unit states an efficiency and an AFUE rating, then it was probably tested to the stricter "room heater" standards.
 
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