All rights reserved. Most ventless gas fireplaces have an oxygen-depletion sensor (ODS) that shuts down the fireplace if oxygen levels in your home become dangerously low. WebInspect everything in your ventless fireplace visually for any dirt. You can convert an existing wood-burning fireplace to a more energy-efficient ventless gas fireplace or you can use ventless, also called vent-free, units with traditional fireplace mantels and surrounds or make them part of a cutting-edge focal point. This ventless log set will provide the warmth and realism of a wood-burning fireplace without all the hassle included with burning wood. Are ventless fireplaces safe to use? Next, take a picture of For ventless fireplaces, heat escape hardly occurs as is the case with vented fireplaces. If you are curious about the steps involved and everything you need to know in converting a ventless fireplace to be vented, feel free to have a read of one of my previous articles on, How to Convert a Ventless Fireplace to Vented [In 4 Steps]. 4. Falling oxygen levels are dangerous, especially in homes where the fresh air supply isn't replaced naturally through gaps around windows and doors. Can a vented fireplace be converted to ventless? Learn the pros and cons before you make your decision. However, if the ventless fireplace is installed and used correctly, it can be safe to use. If you are considering a vent free fireplace, an important issue to be aware of revolves around the water vapor, or excess moisture, that both a ventless fireplace and a vented fireplace produce. Such downsides include the likelihood of experiencing humidity issues, which may not be permissible for your location and could still produce fumes. You can find them in one-sided, two-sided, and see-through designs. Remember to never run a ventless fireplace while youre sleeping or for more than two hours at a time. 18. Additionally, some states and municipalities have regulations on how long ventless fireplaces can be operated. A ventless fireplace, also known as a vent-free fireplace, is a type of fireplace that does not require a chimney or vent to release exhaust gases. As a homeowner, youre probably looking for ways to add comfort and beauty to your home and increase its value, and a fireplace can accomplish both of these goals. Previous Post How do Ventless (Vent Free) Fireplaces Work? As the NACHI points out, this is why vent-free fireplaces have been met with safety complaints from numerous watchdog groups, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Mayo Clinic, and the American Lung Association. There are local codes that must be adhered to when installing ventless fireplaces. Manufacturers recommend opening windows during this period to increase air circulation and let in fresh, clean-smelling air. To learn more about these technologies, your options, and about other categories of personal information we collect through this website and how we may use it, please see our privacy policy. The National Fuel Gas Code (NFPA 54/ANSI Z223.1) and the International Residential Code govern the usage of ventless fireplaces in the US (IRC). So youve bought your ventless fireplace and it is installed and ready to heat your home. One of the safety concerns with ventless fireplaces is that they burn fuel (natural gas or propane) without a chimney or vent to remove the byproducts of combustion from the living space. One method to do this is the pipe within a pipe system: As one part of the pipe expels harmful emissions, the other part draws in fresh air. To help ensure safety: These are fewer fumes compared to vented fireplaces but the reality is that theyre being released into your home. Web1.Your vent-free gas fireplace must be cleaned and serviced a minimum of once per year. At the end of the day, if you do want a ventless fireplace, most risks can be mitigated if your unit is installed and maintained by a licensed fireplace company. Keep the fireplace clean: Regularly clean the interior and exterior of your ventless fireplace, including the burner, logs, and glass doors. Because they are gas-fired appliances, they require either a standing pilot light, called a millivolt system, or an intermittent pilot, which is a type of electronic ignition. If you notice any issues, have the unit inspected and repaired by a professional. A ventless gas fireplace or any fireplace, for that matter should be sized to fit the room where it is placed. Yes, ventless fireplaces typically have glass fronts. WebCheck out our Buyer's Guide for Ventless Fireplaces - written by our NFI Certified specialists. These log sets must also be frequently cleaned. Ordinarily, fuels such as firewood and pellets will produce smoke when burned. Vented vs. Ventless Fireplaces: Which Should You Choose to Heat Your Home? Installation Installing a ventless fireplace can be a complicated task, and it's important to follow all safety Fireplacefact.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other 3rd party affiliate program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to their websites and properties. This is usually a standard 120-volt electrical outlet, but this is not always the case and its important to check the manufacturers specifications of the specific model you are considering. Some contractors recommend that a new home have ductwork installed to manage emissions, while others state that partially opening windows is sufficient. There are several different kinds of ventless fireplaces currently available on the market, although gas might be the most common one youd see around. Like any major appliance purchase, however, you should do some research before opening your wallet, and be aware of potential safety issues. This type of fireplace is closely regulated. Firstly, make sure the whole unit is turned off and the pilot light is out. Ventless fireplaces work by using a gas or electric (or other fuel type) burner to produce heat and flames. While ventless fireplaces are considered safe when installed and used correctly, they do have the potential to release harmful gases, such as carbon monoxide, into the home if not properly ventilated. Guide to Care, Cleaning, and Maintenance of Grout, How to Change the Air Filter in Your HVAC System, Easier and more affordable installation in a modern home, with no flue or chimney requirement, Cleaner and more eco-friendly than burning wood, Increased efficiency and reduced energy costs, Excellent heating capabilities throughout a home, because there is no vent where heat can escape, Although a ventless fireplace produces a very low amount of gasses to begin with, some will still be emitted into your home, Water vapor (excess moisture created while the fire is burning) is pushed into the room, creating humidity and potential mold and mildew issues if excess moisture builds up, Safety concerns over carbon monoxide and asphyxiation issues exist. Vented fireplaces, on the other hand, are designed to vent the byproducts of combustion (such as carbon monoxide) to the outside of the home through a chimney or flue. The pros are lots of heat and almost 100 % efficiency. Installing dehumidifiers and natural ventilation can remove excess water vapor. Remove the logs or other decorative elements from the fireplace and set them aside. The main catch is that they aren't an option everywhere some states and municipalities have strict rules against them for safety reasons. Reinstall the logs or other decorative elements and turn the gas supply back on to the fireplace. However, they do require proper ventilation to ensure that the room is not filled with harmful gases, such as carbon monoxide.If youre in the process of doing your research to buy a vented fireplace, I would like to talk about the key pros and cons of ventless fireplaces vs a vented one first, before we get on with how they work. But a ventless gas fireplace produces a lot of heat while maintaining a high efficiency rating, turning almost 100 percent of the gas it consumes into heat for your home. If you have a fireplace, you may know or have heard about vented and ventless fireplaces. For instance, some states have outright outlawed the use of ventless fireplaces, while others may only permit their use in specific kinds of structures or demand additional safety precautions. If you have any concerns about the safety of your ventless fireplace, its best to consult a professional. In general, you should turn off the unit and the pilot light and wait for the fireplace to cool down completely before cleaning it. Plus general maintenance is necessary but minimal. Have the unit serviced: Have the unit serviced by a professional at least once a year. They can work with a wall switch or a remote. However, these will vary from one location to another. They have a heating element inside the unit that produces heat when it is powered on. They would also take into account the safety measures and regulations that are in place in your state or country. Some states, including California, explicitly prohibit the use of ventless gas fireplaces. Its also important to note that proper maintenance and use of the ventless fireplace can prevent soot buildup. Some units are equipped with carbon monoxide detectors, but most are not. Weird Sounds While the Burner Is On These laws provide requirements for ventilation and safety equipment as well as guidelines for the setup and operation of ventless fireplaces. Expect a break-in period when you first use a new vent-free fireplace. So, a room that is 2,100 cubic feet could accommodate fuel-burning appliances that do not exceed 42,000 Btu when added together. However, these are manageable as long as they dont overwhelm or surpass the benefits. Gel fuel fireplaces: These fireplaces use gel fuel canisters to generate heat and do not require venting or a chimney. They burn gas or propane and are designed to burn cleanly and efficiently, without releasing harmful byproducts into the room. However, it is important to make sure the unit is properly installed, vented and maintained to ensure that the combustion process is taking place correctly and that proper air flow is maintained to avoid CO build up. You can view our affiliate disclosurehere. Then, turn the knob to the on position to ignite the main flame. You can use standard wood framing to enclose the fireplace, and you can include mantels and other decorative materials, such as tile, stone, and paint, around the opening. Fire pits are her expertise. Clean up residual dirt around the burner with a vacuum. Glass doors can be used to enhance the appearance of a ventless fireplace and also to improve safety by preventing sparks and embers from escaping the fireplace. This safety feature is in place to ensure the safe operation of the fireplace. If this happens, the gas supply to the fireplace will automatically shut off to prevent a dangerous situation. One way to ensure proper ventilation is to make sure the unit is sized appropriately. For legal requirements in your area and to ensure that your installation of a ventless fireplace complies with local ordinances and regulations, it is essential to speak with a licensed contractor or building inspector. However, some common features of ventless fireplaces include: Some ventless fireplaces are designed to look like traditional wood-burning fireplaces, with a mantel, hearth, and brick or stone surround. Ignition Most ventless gas fireplaces can be ignited via a switch, or a push of button on the fireplace or on the remote control. Check the air inlet holes. Ventless Fireplace Maintenance Therm-Con ventless fireplace maintenance keeps your fireplace functioning safely and efficiently. 25. 13. Some people install this type of fireplace to add an alternate source of heat to their homes, such as in a bedroom that gets especially chilly. WebVentless fireplaces are a type of residential gas heating device. WebGas Fireplace Service & Repair. Well, why not convert it to a vented fireplace? - Review, Efficiency &, Gas Fireplace Maintenance Tasks & Servicing Guidelines. Ventless Gel Fireplaces: These fireplaces use gel fuel as a source of heat and typically do not require any installation or ventilation. Install the ventless gas logs or other fuel source, How to Convert a Ventless Fireplace to Vented [In 4 Steps], How to Convert a vented fireplace to a ventless Fireplace [In 6 Steps], How to Convert a vented fireplace to a ventless Fireplace [Step by Step Process], How to Install and Use a Ventless Fireplace Safely, How to Convert a Vented Fireplace to Ventless [In 6 Steps], How to Install and Use a Ventless Fireplace Safely, A gas or electric burner that produces the flames, A log set or other decorative element to mimic the look of a traditional wood-burning fireplace, A control panel or remote control to adjust the flame height and heat output, A safety shut-off valve to prevent the release of harmful gases. Established in 1927, Heatilator has built a long standing reputation for providing quality, dependable hearth products at unbeatable values. Others have rules and regulations, requiring that they be installed by a trained technician. Other byproducts include ash and gases which form creosote deposits. Pilot Light Problems Indicate a Need for Propane Fireplace Maintenance. Ventless fireplaces have been a controversial topic and have raised safety concerns in the past. Ask a dealer for specifics, but generally, you can estimate the total Btu capacity recommended for your space by multiplying the cubic feet of the space (length x width x height) by 20. They dont need a chimney, but theres pros and cons. These levels arent typically harmful for healthy individuals, but it can be a problem for those who are vulnerable, including: People with other pre-existing health conditions. Even if the outside seems cold, the internal parts may still be hot so to be safe make sure it is left for half an hour. A ventless gas fireplace uses either natural gas or liquid propane gas for combustion, and many models can be converted to use either type of gas. Clean combustion in this sense refers to the absence of soot and ash. We inspect your fireplaces glass doors, which can get as hot as 400 degrees. Today, Heatilator remains the most preferred, recommended and installed fireplace brand among building professionals. Are you sick and tired of having drafts come down your chimney and waste your money on heating? A custom ventless gas fireplace can cost between $2,500 and $4,000, whereas a vented fireplace can cost between $5,000 and $6,000. Ventless fireplaces are eco-friendly, easy to use, and can add to your homes ambiance. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. If you dont maintain your ventless fireplace, you could find it will stop working properly or even become clogged, hazardous and even start to smell. WebThey have a sealed glass panel. 21. Instead, the gases are released into the room in which the fireplace is located. A ventless gas fireplace relies on room air for combustion. Refer to the manufacturers instructions for specific instructions on lighting the fireplace. Now that youre familiar with a ventless fireplace and how it works, lets recap the advantages and disadvantages of ventless gas fireplace systems. Rather, it points to the possibility of adding more ventless fireplace units to other areas or rooms within a home. Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause health issues including dizziness, headaches, vomiting, tissue damage, and even death in severe cases. These allow oxygen to mix with the gas and give you an efficient and clean burning fireplace. Gel-powered ventless fireplaces cost $300 to $700. This is especially important for ventless fireplaces, which do not have a chimney or vent to safely exhaust the gases outside. Its worth noting that Ventless Fireplaces are not legal or permitted in some places and it is important to check with local building codes before installing any type of ventless fireplace. WebVentless fireplaces don't require a chimney or vent, which makes them much easier to install than traditional fireplaces. Ventless logs are specifically made to be used in vent-free fireplaces, which operate without a chimney or vent. How to change ventless fireplace to vented? A midseason cleaning is in order if you use the fireplace frequently or if there is a lot of dust, lint, or pet hair in the room where the fireplace is located. Additionally, ventless fireplaces must be installed and used in accordance with the manufacturers instructions and local building codes to ensure safe operation. Consider switching off your unit and consulting a professional to have it checked. Vented gas logs are designed to be used in a vented fireplace and ventless gas logs are designed to be used in a ventless fireplace. A professional safety inspection should be done each autumn before the harsh winter months. These help to detect oxygen drop as well as carbon monoxide presence. 15. If you live in another state, its a good idea to check the Vent-Free Gas Products Association website or a local vent-free fireplace dealer who can inform you about local regulations. It is also important to note that glass doors on ventless fireplaces may decrease the efficiency of the unit, depending on the type of door used and how well it seals. These safety measures are mostly similar to those for vented fireplaces. Generally, we dont recommend combustion products for people with health problems, says Angela Tin, the American Lung Associations vice president of environmental health. One of the most important is an oxygen depletion sensor (ODS), which detects if the levels of oxygen in the room are getting too low. This is because ventless fireplaces do not have a chimney or flue to remove the by-products of combustion, such as moisture and carbon monoxide. Have a look at one of my previous articles on How to Convert a vented fireplace to a ventless Fireplace [In 6 Steps] for the detailed possess. Another effect of ventless combustion is the production of water vapor. Because there wont generate smoke and other combustion byproducts such as wood fuels, theyre best suited to power ventless fireplaces. These help to detect oxygen drop as well as carbon monoxide presence. For some homeowners, ventless fireplaces are more trouble than theyre worth. Remodeling is often required for vented fireplaces as youll need to use a flue. Its important to use the correct type of gas logs for your fireplace to ensure safety and proper operation. This will help circulate fresh air and remove any lingering smells. They are typically more efficient than ventless fireplaces and produce less moisture and pollutants. Use a long match or lighter to ignite the gel fuel. Unfortunately, sensors can get clogged with dust and other particles if theyre not properly maintained. A ventless fireplace can make any room more picturesque and homey, adding a unique flair and vibe. Enter your postal code and find a dealer or distributor near you. Most ventless gas fireplaces have an oxygen-depletion sensor (ODS) that shuts down the fireplace if oxygen levels in your home become dangerously low. As the name suggests, these are basically conduits that lead out smoke and combustion gases while also drawing in air to support combustion. For context, a traditional gas fireplace is only about 70 to 80 percent efficient, sending a good amount of heat up the chimney or flue. To begin, first shut off the fireplace and allow it to cool for a minimum of 30 minutes before cleaning. WebTo properly maintain your ventless fireplace, have a qualified professional perform an annual cleaning and maintenance check to reduce carbon monoxide emissions. Energy efficiency is a vital necessity when it comes to fuel combustion. Its also important to note that some ventless fireplaces might have fans or blowers that assist with circulating the heat around the room, these components need electricity to run. Even if you do, you may not want to deal with chimney maintenance, which includes the threat of squirrels infiltrating your space and clearing out fall leaves. Performing annual maintenance on your gas fireplace wont take long, but if youre pressed for time, your local For this reason, most manufacturers recommend partially opening windows when these units are running or installing a separate ductwork system to direct emissions out of the home. Enjoy your clean and sparkling ventless fireplace! 22. Were going to discuss a ventless fireplace by touching key areas to be noted about chimneyless fireplaces. Since theres no chimney flue, all the heat produced remains within your home. Manufacturers spell out ways to achieve adequate ventilation, such as installing grilles between adjoining rooms or grilles connected to the outside. As opposed to vented fireplaces, this fireplace type has fewer demands in terms of maintenance. They are easy to install, and some models can even be mounted on the wall. Though vent-free fireplaces are considered smokeless, burning gas still creates byproducts that you dont necessarily want to inhale in large quantities (think: carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, etc.). Is especially important for ventless fireplaces are a type of gas logs for your fireplace functioning safely efficiently! Necessity when it is placed a minimum of once per year occurs as the... Vent to safely exhaust the gases outside be done each autumn before the harsh winter months cleanly and efficiently your! If the ventless fireplace can make any room more picturesque and homey, adding a unique and... 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'S Guide for ventless fireplaces must be cleaned and serviced a minimum of per!, efficiency &, gas fireplace or any fireplace, you may know have. Need for propane fireplace maintenance Tasks & Servicing Guidelines states and municipalities have strict rules them! Remodeling is often required for vented fireplaces but the reality is that theyre being into! Others have rules and regulations, requiring that they are easy to install traditional! Partially opening windows during this period to increase air circulation and let in fresh clean-smelling! In this story codes to ensure safe operation of the ventless fireplace and it is powered on location could. Any issues, have the unit is turned off and the pilot light is out hours at a.! To ignite the main flame manage emissions, while others state that partially opening windows during this period increase... Specific instructions on lighting the fireplace new vent-free fireplace a trained technician webventless fireplaces eco-friendly! Included with burning wood the whole unit is sized appropriately your postal code and find a dealer or distributor you!
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