Monessen BDV Series Direct-Vent Fireplaces

Product Accessories

Our Price

Stainless Steel Louver Option

$130.00

Variable Thermostat Blower

$240.00

MRC On/Off Remote Control

$79.95

TRC Thermostat Remote Control

$139.95

Wall Switch (Millivolt)

$21.95

Wall Mounted Thermostat (Millivolt)

$65.00

How Direct-Vent Gas Fireplaces Work

A direct-vent gas fireplace has a sealed combustion chamber behind a fixed glass front. A two-layer (coaxial) vent pipe runs from the back or top of the fireplace to the outdoors: the outer pipe brings in fresh outside air for combustion, and the inner pipe carries exhaust outside. Because the fire never uses the air inside your home, direct-vent fireplaces work well in tightly built houses and in places where vent-free products are not allowed.

Venting Options

Most direct-vent fireplaces can vent horizontally straight through an outside wall or vertically through the roof. You do not need a masonry chimney, so the fireplace can go on almost any outside wall or in a framed chase. The manufacturer’s installation manual lists the allowed vent lengths, number of elbows and clearances; your installer must follow those vent tables and your local codes.

Monessen BDV Series at a Glance

The Monessen BDV300, BDV400 and BDV500 shown above use glowing ceramic fiber logs with an ember bed and an adjustable, remote-ready flame. You can choose millivolt control, which runs without household electricity, or Signature control. See the BDV series overview, the framing dimensions, matching wood mantels and cabinets and the available louvers and trim kits. Accessories such as trim kits, firebrick panels, blowers and remotes are listed on this page.

Other Direct-Vent Fireplaces

To share one fire between two rooms, compare the Monessen Arlington see-through and the Empire Tahoe see-through. The Empire Tahoe direct-vent fireplace and the high-efficiency Monessen 2000 series are other popular choices.

Direct Vent or Vent-Free?

Vent-free fireplaces send nearly all of their heat into the room and need no vent at all, while direct-vent units send exhaust outdoors and lose some heat through the vent. Choose direct vent if vent-free products are restricted where you live, if you want a sealed appliance, or if you plan to run the fireplace for long periods. Compare both on our vent-free fireplaces page or the fireplace index.

Prices shown on this page come from our most recent catalog update. Please call to confirm current pricing, freight and availability.

Controls and Ignition

Millivolt control uses a standing pilot that generates a small electric current, so the fireplace lights and runs without household power and works with a simple wall switch, wall thermostat or remote control. Electronic or intermittent ignition systems light the pilot only when the fireplace is turned on, which saves gas, but they need power or batteries. A variable thermostat blower moves more warm air into the room and is a popular upgrade for direct-vent fireplaces.

Care and Maintenance

Have a qualified technician inspect the fireplace once a year. The service should include checking the vent termination outside for blockages such as nests or leaves, cleaning the glass and burner, and making sure the logs are positioned as shown in the manual. Only clean the glass when it is cool, using a cleaner approved by the manufacturer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a direct-vent fireplace need a chimney?

No. A direct-vent fireplace uses its own sealed vent pipe through an outside wall or the roof, so no masonry chimney is required.

Can a direct-vent fireplace heat a room?

Yes. Direct-vent fireplaces are designed to provide real heat, and an optional blower helps move warm air into the room. Some models are certified as wall furnaces.

What size direct-vent fireplace do I need?

Consider the room size, the wall or chase space available and the viewing size you want. The BDV dimensions page lists the framing size for each model, and we can help you compare BTU ratings by phone.