What is the difference between a B Vent and Direct Vent fireplace/insert?
These terms refer to how a gas appliance takes in the air it needs to burn gas. A B Vent unit draws air from inside the home, through ports in the firebox itself. A Direct Vent unit draws air through a pipe from outside the home into a sealed firebox. Direct Vent models are usually more efficient and safer for today’s airtight homes since they do not use inside air to cause a conflict with range hoods and bathroom fans circulating the same air. B Vent units are generally less expensive to install, but are more sensitive to airflow inside the home.
