Guide to Ventless Fireplaces

Fireplaces add so much to the design and feeling of a room. Cold nights are made much cozier when there is a fireplace to curl up by. Unfortunately, not all homes are built with fireplaces, and it can be a major expense and hassle to have one put in.

Ventless fireplaces make it possible to have a fireplace in virtually any room. As their name implies, ventless fireplaces are not vented to the outside by a chimney or anything else. Consequently, they are far less limited in where they can be placed.

Ventless fireplaces are run on gas, either propane of natural. They are free standing units that don’t require electricity, only a gas hookup. Consequently, they are a good source of heat should the electricity ever go out. Because they vent into the room, these fireplaces are designed to burn very efficiently to reduce the amount of carbon monoxide that is released. Carbon monoxide detectors and oxygen level monitors are standard features on ventless fireplaces to ensure the safety of everyone around.

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Some people may worry about the safety of ventless fireplaces because there is no chimney, but they are perfectly safe when used correctly and properly installed. To prevent possible problems, ventless fireplaces should be installed by an experienced professional whenever possible. Improper installation can cause gas or carbon monoxide leaks that can be harmful or even fatal. Owners should follow all directions carefully when using a ventless fireplace. Most will have a maximum operation time of around 4 hours a day, and there will be some guidelines when it comes to allowing the proper clearance from draperies and furniture that should be followed.

It’s important to choose a ventless fireplace that is appropriate to the size of the room in which it will be used. Don’t make the mistake of choosing a fireplace that is more powerful in order to get more heat in a small room.

The more powerful a ventless fireplace is, the more oxygen it will require to burn, and a small room may not have a sufficient supply of oxygen for the fire and its occupants to share. Oxygen monitors on the fireplace are designed to shut off the unit if oxygen levels fall too low in the room, but who wants to take the risk with loss of consciousness and suffocation as possible outcomes?

Page 2: More Ventless Fireplace Benefits

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