Q&A Wood Burning Direct Vent Fireplace ?

[QandA]

Question:

I'm in the process of having a home built- and my contractor wants to save me $$ by installing a wood burning- direct-vent fireplace instead of a conventional chimney. I'm a little concerned about down drafts smoking up the house- and that smoke would be drawn in if windows located above the vent are not shut tight.Are there any model building code issues to watch out for? Can you give me a rundown on the pluses and minuses of direct-vent wood burning fireplaces vs. units with a conventional chimney?



Answer:

I have never heard of a direct vent wood burning fireplace. Pellet stoves and gas stoves...yes- but not a wood burning direct vent. If it is wood burning- I'd stay away from it for now !