Our new home was built with a vent-less gas log in place. Since our home is so well insulated unless it was nearly zero outside, we were not able to use the gas log because it overheated the house, even on low. What we were after was the realism of a log fire in our fireplace. I have to say with our screens pulled and this electric fireplace turned on, it absolutely fools people walking through the door. This winter should need to supplement our heat in this room, we can simply turn the electric element on for additional zone heat. We have had some cool days and evenings since installing this. Thus in the evening we occasionally turn it on. We are amazed at how realistic our fire place looks. It does fool our friends. It absolutely is a no mess big thrill electric log. I would buy it again and again.