Stoves & Fireplaces Natural Gas & Propane Gas Fireplaces No fuss, no muss – a convenient choice. Modern gas fireplaces are an increasingly attractive hearth option for most homeowners. There are a wide variety of styles, ranging from sleek, modern and sophisticated to quaint old-fashioned or traditional designs. They have the charm of a ‘real' wood-burning fireplace along with the convenience of natural gas or propane. Gas fireplace mantels in oak, cherry and other fine woods are also available to complement your gas fireplace. Heat Production & Fuel Efficiency Highly efficient supplemental heating. Gas fireplaces are designed to provide maximum heat production and fuel efficiency. Just like air-conditioners and furnaces, gas fireplaces have a BTU (British thermal unit) rating. BTU ratings measure the amount of heat produced by the fireplace, usually at an hourly rate. Direct-vent gas fireplaces and top-vent gas fireplaces produce 20,000 - 60,000 BTU/hour, while ventless gas fireplaces generate a maximum of 40,000 BTU/hour. Gas fireplaces also have an efficiency rating which measures the fireplace's fuel effectiveness. Efficiency ratings are measured as a percentage, and higher ratings represent a more efficient fireplace. Efficiency ratings measure the amount of fuel consumed by the fireplace to generate usable heat and reach its ideal BTU rating. Typically, direct-vent and top-vent gas fireplaces have an efficiency rating of 40 - 80 percent. This means that 80 percent of the heat produced by the fireplace stays within the home, while 20 percent is vented outside. As ventless gas fireplaces do not vent outside, their efficiency rate is higher, usually 90 percent. click on each supplier below be sure to hit the back button on your browser to return to Sunset Stoves, Inc.