I was thinking of getting propane logs in my traditional fireplace. (Chimney is on an exterior wall, clay liner, top damper).
Originally I really wanted vented logs, but I dont want to have to remove my damper. Yesterday is was 2 degrees out, that would mean a lot of heat loss. Also, when the damper is left open, we get quite the down draft and a bad smell ( the chimney has been cleaned several times, down draft always brings a slight smell). Because I have a top damper, the clips they use to leave the damper open won't work - I assume.
So I thought what about ventless logs instead. Is it ok to install ventless logs in a chimney? I would still open the damper when using them, but in case I forgot, or in a power outage, they might come in handy. But I assume vent free logs aren't designed to operate in this way and so they wont be up to code.
What can do I for vented logs, to prevent a down draft and a huge amount of heat loss given the damper rules. I dont want to install a chimney balloon, might as well use real wood if im going to make it that inconvenient.
Would the pilot light prevent a downdraft? i'd still have a significant amount of heat loss - and it would be a waste of money.
Thanks for the help.
edit: I know the correct solution would be a gas insert - but that's way more than I'm looking to spend right now.
Originally I really wanted vented logs, but I dont want to have to remove my damper. Yesterday is was 2 degrees out, that would mean a lot of heat loss. Also, when the damper is left open, we get quite the down draft and a bad smell ( the chimney has been cleaned several times, down draft always brings a slight smell). Because I have a top damper, the clips they use to leave the damper open won't work - I assume.
So I thought what about ventless logs instead. Is it ok to install ventless logs in a chimney? I would still open the damper when using them, but in case I forgot, or in a power outage, they might come in handy. But I assume vent free logs aren't designed to operate in this way and so they wont be up to code.
What can do I for vented logs, to prevent a down draft and a huge amount of heat loss given the damper rules. I dont want to install a chimney balloon, might as well use real wood if im going to make it that inconvenient.
Would the pilot light prevent a downdraft? i'd still have a significant amount of heat loss - and it would be a waste of money.
Thanks for the help.
edit: I know the correct solution would be a gas insert - but that's way more than I'm looking to spend right now.