A:AnswerIf you are concerned because you think it may throw off too much heat under the unit, I wouldn't think it does. The gas tank is stored inside the unit below the flame. The flame itself is probably 25" from the ground (not exact measurement as I'm not at home to check).
A:AnswerThe vents are for air intake, and serve as handles when moving the fire column. When you first turn it on, heat radiates upward. As the fire rocks heat up (after about 5 minutes), heat radiates both outward and upward.
