Table of Contents
Are ventless gas fireplaces safe?
Are Ventless Gas Fireplaces Safe? Ventless gas fireplaces emit dangerous and noxious gasses into the room they are operating. Ventless fireplaces produce small amounts of nitrous dioxide and carbon monoxide which can be deadly in large doses.
Do ventless gas fireplaces need a chimney?
Ventless fireplaces are also known as “unvented” or “vent-free” fireplaces. They’re a type of fireplace that pipes natural gas or propane into a gas-burning unit. They’re actually designed to burn gas more efficiently than vented versions, so they produce less fumes and don’t require a flue or a chimney.
Can you install ventless fireplace?
Types of Ventless Fireplaces Ventless fireplaces are typically freestanding units that don’t require a flue or chimney to exhaust combustion air to the outdoors, making them relatively easy to install in any room.
How do you vent a ventless fireplace?
Answer: Unfortunately, there is no way to convert a ventless fireplace into a vented fireplace. Ventless fireplaces are not designed to have a vent added to them. Your only alternative is to tear out the existing ventless fireplace and replace it with a vented fireplace.
Can you put a ventless gas fireplace in a basement?
States including California and Massachusetts have banned the installation of ventless fireplaces, and the devices are not permitted in HUD housing.
Can a ventless fireplace make you sick?
One of the greatest risks of using a ventless fireplace is that of carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be deadly inside your home. Specifically, carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that, in high enough concentrations, can lead to serious health problems such as: nausea.
Can you put a TV above a ventless gas fireplace?
The short answer is – yes. However, to ensure your television isn’t damaged from the heat, care must be taken to ensure heat generated by the fireplace is redirected away from television.
How do you keep a ventless fireplace from smelling?
Preventing Gas Fireplace Smells The best way to prevent smells in a gas fireplace is to improve the quality of air in your home. If you smoke, take it outside. If you have pets, vacuum regularly and consider investing in a room air purifier. Avoid the use of harsh cleaning chemicals and plug-in deodorizers.
Do ventless fireplaces have glass fronts?
The direct vent fireplace needs a glass panel in front of the unit for operating efficiency and to keep the combustion system protected. Meanwhile, vent-free eliminates the need for venting. This type of unit draws air from inside the home and burns efficiently.
What states are ventless fireplaces illegal?
Massachusetts, California, and a number of other states in the U.S., as well as Canada and other countries, have outlawed ventless gas fireplaces due to the aforementioned safety concerns.
Which is safer vented or ventless gas logs?
In general, vented fireplaces are better in terms of safety and function. However, most of the heat is lost through chimneys, so consider using a direct vent. Ventless fireplaces are still a great option and are safe when used properly. Check with your local laws first as some areas don’t allow ventless fireplaces.
Do ventless fireplaces smell?
Ventless logs do in fact produce an unmistakable odor, some more so than others depending on the quality of the brand. There is no way of preventing this, it is simply the nature of burning gas in your home without exhausting the fumes up a chimney.
How do you vent a gas fireplace without a chimney?
If you don’t have a chimney, a natural vent system can also use a pipe venting system, which is typically installed through the roof. Here, you can get around having to use a brick and mortar chimney to rid the home of fumes and use a pipe system instead.
What is the difference between vented and ventless gas logs?
Vented and Ventless Gas Logs are a little different. Vented gas logs burn like a real wood fire with a yellow flame that produces smoke. Ventless (vent-free) gas logs burn cleanly with a lower flame that does not smoke. You can burn them with the damper closed to heat your room.
How much does it cost to convert a ventless fireplace to vented?
Cost $500-$1200.
Do ventless gas logs produce heat?
Ventless Gas Logs release heat (and moisture) into the same room where the vent-free fireplace is installed and recirculate the same air back into the room. Vented Gas Logs burn similar to real wood and need a chimney vent pipe that allows air to escape outside the home rather than back into the room.
What is the difference between a gas fireplace and a gas insert?
A gas insert is installed within an existing masonry, wood burning fireplace. A gas insert is smaller than a gas fireplace to allow it to fit inside of the opening of an existing wood burning fireplace. A gas insert can get much hotter on the outside (no, not that hot) than a gas fireplace.
How long can you run a vented gas fireplace?
In general, you should not run an unvented fireplace for more than three hours at a time. If you are using natural gas, you can usually run your fireplace for up to four hours before needing to refuel. If you are using propane, the limit is typically two hours.
Do ventless fireplaces cause headaches?
#3 The smell of burning gas The smell of burning gas can cause sensitivity, headaches, and other issues in some people. This can especially be the case with vent-free gas logs. These types of logs don’t have a chimney or vent to remove the fumes produced by the fire, so the smell is typically stronger.
How efficient are ventless gas logs?
The unvented gas fireplace keeps all of that heat in the house, which is how they claim 99.9% efficiency. The only loss is from the little bit of incomplete combustion that happens.
