Q&A b-vent vs direct vent for gas stove

  • Active since 1995, Hearth.com is THE place on the internet for free information and advice about wood stoves, pellet stoves and other energy saving equipment.

    We strive to provide opinions, articles, discussions and history related to Hearth Products and in a more general sense, energy issues.

    We promote the EFFICIENT, RESPONSIBLE, CLEAN and SAFE use of all fuels, whether renewable or fossil.
  • Hope everyone has a wonderful and warm Thanksgiving!
  • Super Cedar firestarters 30% discount Use code Hearth2024 Click here
Status
Not open for further replies.

QandA

New Member
Staff member
Nov 27, 2012
0
Question:

My husband and I are shopping for a gas stove. The stove would be in our living room (attic above and then the roof; total roof height is about 17-19 feet). We can vent straight up or jog back and out the old fireplace chimney. The fireplace has been removed and we were thinking of also removing the old, leaky chimney. We cannot go back through the wall; that's our garage. We are receiving mixed advice/information regarding venting. Could you please enlighten us on the difference between b-vent and direct vent? Considering our circumstances, which venting method would you recommend for us? Thanks, Laura



Answer:

B-Vent takes air from the room and house for combustion and send the final products of combustion up a single flue, usually of a 4" size. Direct Vent uses a double-walled pipe, which take the combustion air from outside, and then returns the products of combustion outside through another layer in the pipe. You can vent a direct vent either out through the wall...or through the roof just like a B-Vent. B-Vent, in all cases, has to run up the full height of the home like a stove or furnace chimney. Direct Vents are usually a bit more efficient and are probably the best choice in many cases.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.