A Gas fireplace is a natural gas or liquid propane fireplace that has a sealed combustion chamber and draws air from outside the home and exhausts the fumes from the fire out the chimney cap creating a clean enjoyable fire. This type of fireplace does not require an existing fireplace or chase to be present, as the pipe can run horizontally out of the house or vertically through the roof as long as clearances are maintained.
A direct vent gas insert is a natural gas or liquid propane fireplace that is installed into an existing masonry fireplace or factory built wood burning fireplace that uses the existing chimney as a chase to run the venting. The fireplace is a sealed combustion chamber that draws air from outside the home and exhausts the fumes out the chimney cap.
A zero clearance wood burning fireplace is installed with wood framing around it for support, while maintaining proper clearances. The fireplace will have a chimney pipe that terminates through the roof or it runs through an exterior chase on the side of the house.