Direct vent means you can go through a wall. Co-linear direct vent means you are you using an existing chimney. Hope this makes sense. So jealous. Sounds like you live in LA. I'm imagining a fabulous mid-Wilshire home and getting jealous as I sit in NYC rain with our team. Blargh. Enjoy your bungalow.

Hi Janet--I live in San Diego, close by to LA. Yes my little house has so much charm & I have spent so much $$ renovating it from a very scarey relic. :) Is having a brick chimney an asset? Since direct vent can go through a wall, it sounds like the brick chimney is irrelevant.

I think you need to talk to some fireplace experts

I plan on speaking to some fireplace experts. I was just looking at the community for some information before I did so.