Ventless Gas Fireplaces

Ventless gas fireplaces are appealing because they don’t require flues, chimneys, or any type of external venting. This makes them cheaper and less complicated to install. You are probably asking yourself are that if these things are actually burning natural gas or propane, where are the exhast fumes going and where is the air coming from that they need for combustion? How can ventless gas fireplaces work without smoking me out of the house? The reason that this kind of fireplace can actually operate safely is that it does so under very strict, well-monitored conditions.

The gas burns so efficiently that there is no smoke. Ventless gas fireplaces actually use the oxygen from the room to support the combustion of the gas (or propane). This being said, you have to be very careful about the capacity of the fireplace you choose for a room. You can’t use a large heating capacity fireplace in a small room (thinking that it will heat the room better) because it would be designed for the amount of “spare air” a larger room would afford. There are special Oxygen Depletion Sensors built into this type of fireplace to monitor the amount of oxygen in the air near the floor, and when the carbon monoxide level starts to rise, they shut off the gas supply to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Another side effect from the combustion of natural gas or propane is that they produce a lot water (one and a half gallons for every one hundred thousand BTUs burned). Ventless gas fireplaces can cause a build up of moisture in your house - depending on the humidity levels in the house, this may or may not be a welcome thing. Some homes might welcome the extra moisture, while in others, it may contribute to mildew and respiratory problems. Excess moisture, over time, can damage fabric, wallpaper, books and photos. Health issues such as allergies can also result.

Ventless gas fireplaces come in a variety of styles and colours and can add just the right amount of extra heat to a particularly cool room while giving it an additional touch of elegance. But because of their unique operating conditions, they must be installed with care and used correctly. In fact, because of these rigid operating requirements, Canada, and a number of American states have outlawed their use due to health concerns. If you are considering this kind of fireplace, check your local building regulations first.