Gas Logs - Vent vs NonVent - Odor Question

[Demhi Moss]

I have some NON Vented Gas Logs that are in need of replacing. My girlfriend doesn't like to use them because of the odor when they burn. I grew up with this and while I don't find it pleasant, I can ignore it. I was wondering if I got VENTED Gas Logs if it would make a difference in the smell or would this be like using the NON Vented logs I have now and just cracking a window. I rented a cabin for the week and they had gas logs that didn't produce an odor. Nothing said to crack a window so I don't think they were VENTED but I don't know. Could there be a problem with my logs and that is why they smell? I've only ever seen 2 - mine that smells and the one in the cabin that did not. I have no idea what kind of gas mine uses. It is in a tank that is filled a few times a year. Due to the remoteness of the cabin I stayed at, I'm guessing they also used a tank and did not have gas piped to the place.

I know non vented are more efficient but I don't know how much more. Is there REALLY a difference? Like if I have my tank filled 3 times a year with VENTED logs could I get by with having it filled twice a year with non vented? If it comes down to efficiency verses no smell, I'd rather have no smell. However, I don't like the idea of having to crack a window every time I use the logs. And what if I forget.

Can anyone give me advice with this? Is the smell due to vented vs non vented? The type of gas I use? Or is there something wrong with the logs I have? In fact, over the past few weeks my logs have been cutting off and then just stopped working. But if I can replace them with something that doesn't smell I'd like to do that.

All advice is appreciated. Advice from people with knowledge AND gas logs is really appreciated. Please help. The only thing colder then my hearth is my GF until I fix this problem.

Thanks Moss

[Ed Pawlowski]

There should be no odor if the logs are burning efficiently. You said they are in need of replacements and that is one good reason to do so. Vented logs allow the heated air to escape so they will never be as efficient as a non-vented system.

Propane.

Read the instructions before you buy, but a properly burning gas log should not need venting or an open window. Be sure you have a CO detector in the house too. Typical house has enough leaks to supply all the air needed for combustion but a new house sometimes is sealed really well.

[Stormin Mormon]

I'd be tempted to call some fireplace stores in your area, see if they have working models you can visit.

Some furnace and heaters have smell due to burning dust. May be the case. Can't see it from here.

Non vented heat puts the flue gas into the building. Might be some carbon monoxide going into your building.

Vented should be safer. Vented heaters put the flue gasses (and maybe the smells) outdoors, which is safer. Might also smell less.

Vented heaters will need a source of outdoor air to replace the air going up the chimney. Worth asking how that works.

[gregz]

Unvented flame is not supposed to touch logs to keep CO down. Might also cause smell.

Greg

[clare]

I would most definitely go with vented, particularly if on an outside wall where direct vent would be possible. Yoou don't need to crack a window because they also bring in outside combustion air - which makes them more efficient and consistently clean burning.

If in North America your bottled gas will be Propane (aka LPG) and the odorant used for drtection will cause an odor in a non-vented appliance. Non-vented also produces water vapur, which may not be an issue in a somewhat drafty cabin as it will help keep the RH uo.