Ventless Fireplace Safety

The idea of a ventless fireplace is great; you can install a realistic looking fireplace in your house with minimum installation requirements. This sounds too good to be true, and in a certain fashion it is. Ventless fireplaces are a controversial topic, and the name is actually misleading. Room vented fireplace would be a more accurate description, considering any type of combustion produces emissions. However, if you take the proper steps and follow instructions properly you can safely use a ventless fireplace.

There are two main concerns with ventless fireplaces, the main one is carbon monoxide, and the second is oxygen depletion. The reason a ventless fireplace can actually vent into the room is due to the low emissions of natural gas and gel fuel. However, they still produce carbon monoxide and use oxygen to fuel combustion. This article is designed to help you understand how you can safely use a ventless fireplace without major health or safety concerns.

Below are suggestions and tips that can protect your family and your home from any fire or health hazards related to ventless fireplaces. Please make sure to follow all manufacture procedures that came with your ventless fireplace instructions; never supersede information in this article with instructions from your manufacture.

Buy the Right Size Ventless Fireplace

Buy the right size ventless fireplace; this is extremely important to prevent issues with oxygen depletion and carbon monoxide build-up. Make sure to measure the square feet of your room prior to shopping for a ventless fireplace. Make sure to get a ventless fireplace that is designed for a slightly smaller room that what you’ve measured.

Ventless Fireplaces With ODS

Consider buying a ventless fireplace that contains a ODS (oxygen depletion sensor). This is a senor that detects levels of oxygen in the room containing your ventless fireplace. This sensor will disable your ventless fireplace prior to the room reaching any unhealthy levels of oxygen.

Carbon Monoxide Detector

Buy a carbon monoxide detector to install in the room containing your ventless fireplace, make sure it contains an auditable alarm and not just a color changing strip, this prevents you from having to check it constantly for high levels of carbon monoxide. We recommend one in every room containing a ventless fireplace.

Ventless Fireplaces Operation Time

Don’t run your ventless fireplace any longer then 6 hours a day or whatever is recommended by the manufacture of that specific ventless fireplace unit. If possible consider getting a ventless fireplace with a timer or a timer install on the gas line leading to the ventless fireplace. This helps protect you if you leave the home or fall asleep and forget to disable your ventless fireplace.

Ventless Fireplace Safety Overview

If you properly follow all safety rules and procedures you can safely operator your ventless fireplace without concern. Make sure to check any local or state laws regarding ventless fireplaces in your area prior to purchase and installation. Don’t sacrifice safety for cost; you’ll regret it in the long run.