All About Vent-Free Fireplaces
What is a Vent-Free Gas Fireplace
Vent free fireplaces work in the same fashion as a traditional fireplace, however they are ventless, meaning they don't require a chimney, flue or duct system to vent gases or combustible materials outside. Because they do not require a flue, chimney, or external venting ducts, Vent-Free Fireplaces are much quicker and less expensive to install compared to traditional masonry gas or wood burning fireplaces.
An unvented fireplace (vent-free) uses natural gas, propane or gel fuel and burns the gas with air from the room. The most commonly used fuel types with Vent-Free Fireplaces are natural gas and propane. Using a natural gas source to operate your unvented fireplace will require a connection to the gas line and Vent-Free Gas fireplace.
Natural gas fueled Vent-Free Fireplaces require a little more installation due to the connection required to the gas line and fuel source. Propane fueled Vent-Free Fireplaces can access the fuel via a line connected to a propane container. Specific Vent-Free Fireplaces can use gel fuel as a fuel source. Instead of connecting to a natural gas or propane line, you can buy gel fuel cans that are to be placed inside of the Vent-Free Gas Fireplace which is a cheaper fuel option but it will not produce as much heat as natural gas or propane would.
Vent-Free Fireplaces and Zone Heating
While ventless fireplaces are not powerful enough to heat an entire home, they are very effective zone heaters. Many homeowners use Vent-Free Fireplaces as an alternate heat source to increase the temperature of the rooms in their home that they use the most without wasting money and fuel to heat areas of the home that they hardly use. Zone heating with these types of fireplaces is an efficient way to heat your home and could potentially save you money on your annual home heating bill.
When choosing an unvented fireplace to heat your home, consider how you will primarily use it. Each Vent-Free Gas Fireplace will have a rating to tell you how much energy they consume and how much heat, measured in BTUs, it will provide. Be sure to pay close attention to the BTU rating of the Vent-Free Fireplace because that will determine how large or small the room should be in order for the fireplace to function as expected. Before you go shopping for a Vent-Free Fireplace, be sure that you have an idea of the size of the area you wish to heat.
Vent-Free Fireplaces use ductless or chimneyless technology which means that they vent into the room. Hence why the volume of the air in the room is very important and the BTU rating of whichever Vent-Free Fireplace you choose should be judged accordingly.
Vent-Free Gas Fireplace Concerns
Unvented fireplaces are probably the most controversial heat source on the market. While they are in fact Vent-Free, some say that no fire can ever be truly 100 percent "ventless" or else it would extinguish itself because all kinds of combustion, whether it is gas or wood, it requires the oxygen in the air to create a flame. With that being said, some find the term "ventless fireplace" a little misleading and there are worries that some dangers and health risks are associated with the use of Vent-Free Fireplaces.
While many states allow the use of a Vent-Free Gas Fireplace, some states throughout the U.S. have completely outlawed Vent-Free Fireplaces due to various health concerns. Other states allow the use of ventless fireplaces in certain areas throughout the state, in specific cities, in certain rooms throughout the home, and in some cases, certain altitudes.
Reasons behind unvented fireplaces being banned by certain states and areas include the belief that they have the potential to build-up carbon monoxide, deplete oxygen, and lead to unconsciousness or in some cases even suffocation. Vent-Free Fireplaces are also said to increase the room's humidity which can lead to a build-up of water vapor in the room and possibly lead to mold and mildew growth which can increase allergies and could potentially spoil fabric, photographs, and books.
Attention: Be sure to check your local building codes before you consider heating your home with a Vent-Free Gas Fireplace to make sure it is allowed.
Vent-Free Fireplace Safety
While ventless fireplaces raise some eyebrows and spark controversy over health and safety topics, the fact is there are rules and regulations that should be followed and warnings that are going to accompany any type of fireplace. If you follow the directions and use your Vent-Free Fireplace the way it is meant to be used, it will be a great source of secondary heat that will be beneficial to your home. Choosing the right size Vent-Free Gas Fireplace cannot be stressed enough. As long as the size of the appliance is selected properly for the square footage of the room, carbon monoxide will not be as much of a danger and if you are concerned with the fireplace producing too much moisture, a dehumidifier can be used with it to draw excess moisture out of the home.
Unvented fireplaces don't require an emissions system so they come in elaborate designs and styles that can be placed virtually anywhere throughout the home. Vent-Free Fireplaces can be placed along a wall, fitted into a corner, hung on a wall and some styles are even suitable for outdoor use. Some Vent-Free Fireplaces can be customized to compliment specific styles and add ambiance to any room in the home including the bedroom, bathroom, and dining room area.
When used properly and in accordance with manufacturer's rules and local safety codes, Vent-Free Gas Fireplaces can provide an efficient, effective alternate source of heat and add much desired aesthetics to any household. Vent free fireplaces are said to be up to 99.9 percent energy efficient because virtually all of the gas or propane burned by the fireplace is converted into heated room air. Installing a unvented appliances costs up to 60 percent less than the cost of installing a vented heating appliance as there is no need to cut through exterior walls or plan out an entire chimney venting system.
Vent-less gas fireplaces are hassle-free heating appliances that provide instant heat and ambiance. They offer a clean approach to home heating and safe, efficient operation that will save you money on your home heating bill. Unlike a traditional fireplace, a Vent-Free Fireplace provides a warm fire at the flick of a button and a controlled flame that can be easily adjusted at any given time. Whether you opt for a contemporary Fireplace or you choose one with a traditional mantel surround, a Vent-Free Gas Fireplace will add warmth and beauty to your home and fit your busy life style with a convenient design that offers limitless design possibilities.