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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.
Which is better vented or ventless gas fireplace?
Ventless fireplaces are more energy efficient than vented fireplaces because no heat escapes up the flue, so you’ll save money on gas utility bills. A vented gas fireplace uses more gas to create the same level of warmth because some of its heat escapes through the flue.
Is a ventless gas fireplace 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.
What is the difference between a vented and unvented gas fireplace?
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.
Do you need to vent a gas fireplace?
Not all gas fireplaces need venting. Both natural vent and direct vent gas fireplaces need venting, which exhaust air up a chimney and through the wall to the outside respectively. Ventless gas fireplaces don’t need venting.
Do ventless gas fireplaces give off heat?
The flames don’t look as genuine as those of a wood-burning fireplace, or even those of a vented gas fireplace. While they do provide heat, it isn’t radiant heat, and the logs don’t retain heat well.
Do ventless gas logs 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How do I know if my gas fireplace is ventless?
Turn on the fireplace. If the flames reach above the gas logs and the look like a wood burning fireplace, then the logs must be vented. If the flames are small, an have a blue cast, the fireplace is vent-free.
Can you put a ventless gas fireplace in an existing fireplace?
Ventless inserts are designed not only to fit into an existing fireplace but also to cover the chimney opening. Vent-free appliances use indoor air for combustion and are engineered to burn at nearly 100% efficiency, making it possible for them to work without a chimney or venting system.
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.
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.
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.
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 gas fireplaces really heat a room?
Gas fireplaces rely on consistent combustion to produce real flames and keep the fire burning for long periods of time. Overall, gas fireplaces are highly efficient when it comes to heating a room. Once a fire has been burning for some time, it’s likely to heat a room rather quickly.
Can ventless gas logs cause mold?
Moisture – This is the biggest drawback to vent free gas logs because it can cause mold or mildew to grow inside your home if you are not careful. The reason these logs put so much moisture into your home is because how cleanly they burn; the clean burning produces water as a byproduct.
How do you clean ventless gas fireplace logs?
1) The first thing you will need to do is get a vacuum with a hose and preferably a brush on the end of the hose. 2) Using the vacuum remove the surface dust from the bottom of the fireplace around the gas log burner then remove the log set from the burner and do the same.
What maintenance is required for a gas fireplace?
Even if you opt to clean the fireplace yourself, it’s still a requirement to have an inspection—yearly, at the very least. Inspections of a gas fireplace don’t take long to conduct and won’t break the bank. Your chimney should be cleaned annually, as well, to clear away any debris and nesting materials from animals.
