Ventless Gas Fireplace

What Is A Ventless Gas Fireplace?

The basic concept of a ventless gas fireplace is easy to understand. Since 1980, all vent-free gas fireplaces or stoves have unique safety systems called an Oxygen Detection Safety Pilot, which senses the use of oxygen.

Before installing any ventless gas fireplace system, check your local and state ventless fireplace laws. In some localities, vent-free heaters are illegal and not allowed. None-the-less, ventless gas fireplaces are one of the best alternative choices for homeowners who want to lower their energy bill. Just be sure to check with authorities first if you are not in a rural area.

How safe are Ventless Gas Fireplaces?

Since a flue, chimney, or external venting ducts are not needed, ventless gas fireplaces are much less expensive to install compared to traditional gas or wood fireplaces. Although manufacturers think the ventless gas fireplace is quite safe, many fireplace industry authorities have spoken up with concerns. Some people feel that ventless gas fireplaces are dangerous.

However, others find them to be very safe indoors, even with little or no ventilation. Although ventless gas fireplaces are designed to meet safety standards, there are those concerned about the indoor air quality. However, burning vent-free gas logs uses about as much gas as cooking a big dinner on a gas range, which is not vented outdoors either. It is important to keep in mind that vent-free gas logs are not meant to be used continuously for heating like vented gas or regular wood-burning fireplaces with chimneys are meant to do.

Some folks have a ventless gas stove run off of LP in their log home. They report not really seeing or feeling any difference in the humidity in the house. Some have stated that they are dependable and will shut-off the appliance at 18% oxygen, but that could be playing fast and loose with the public’s trust in technology. A properly set up appliance can be made to operate in an extremely clean manner, producing only a few parts per million of carbon monoxide.

Here is more ventless fireplace safety information.

Pros and cons of Ventless Gas Fireplaces

Another modern development is that there are now ventless fireplaces that can utilize natural gas as well as propane. This means you have choices. You can of use both kinds of fuel. If propane is your choice then search for a ventless propane gas fireplace. They can be located at your nearest friendly heating supplier. You also do not need to wait for the fire to heat up, since a natural gas fireplace immediately lights up.

Because vents or chimneys are not a requirement, these fireplaces are much less costly to install than vented models, and can be placed in rooms where previously, fireplaces could not be used. If that beautiful and cost-effective fireplace you’ve been looking forward to or you didn’t think your home could accomodate a fireplace at all, check out a ventless gas fireplace to meet your needs. Fireplaces of this style have rating information attached to them in an obvious place on the fireplace itself. This information plate shows the model and serial number, as well as a lot of other useful information.

While some homes may have an existing natural gas line near their furnace, others do not. It may be prohibitively expensive to have a brand-new gas line installed just for the sake of your fireplace. In these cases, you may be able to purchase a ventless gas fireplace that operates using propane instead of natural gas. If your natural gas installing contractor fails to follow specific installation instructions and manufacturer’s specifications, you and your family may have a problem. Ventless gas fireplaces can often be a safer way to go!