Looking for new ways to upgrade your home can be a difficult process. There are a lot of potential projects, all with their own resources, that are suggested by homeowners magazines, the Internet, and even your neighbors!
You might have heard the term “ventless fireplace” at some point, which raises some confusion by virtue of its name. How could a fireplace not have any vents? Here are some answers to common questions about a vent-free fireplace.
What is a vent-free fireplace?
How does a ventless fireplace work?
The simplest definition of a ventless fireplace is a completely self-contained firebox and burner without any external ventilation, according to Monessen Hearth. Gas is burned inside the fireplace, typically surrounding the ventless fireplace logs made of materials like ceramic that are resistant to burning. The end result is a fireplace that retains all of its heat, warming a room up very quickly.
Why doesn’t it need ventilation?
Since a ventless gas fireplace is burning only small amounts of gas (the same kind that you’d use on your stovetop) it isn’t producing many byproducts like smoke, which a traditional fireplace must ventilate out by means of a chimney. However, since a ventless fireplace is a self-contained system, there are some justified concerns over whether or not installing one will be safe for you and everyone else living in your home due to the fact that all combustion produces some kind of pollution.
Are ventless fireplaces safe?
Should its use be limited?
Since a ventless fireplace is burning gas, it also produces small amounts of carbon monoxide, an odorless gas that can potentially cause health problems. However, a ventless fireplace isn’t burning much gas while it is in use, so HomeAdvisor notes that running a ventless fireplace for small amounts of time within the manufacturer's suggestions probably won’t pose any issues.
Can technology help?
Another way that ventless fireplaces can be made safer is through the use of technology. Carbon monoxide detectors in your home can alert you if the gas has built up to potentially unsafe levels. The Spruce also points out that many ventless fireplaces come with smart safety technology like oxygen level monitors that automatically shut off gas flow once oxygen declines below a certain level in the room, and thermocouple devices that shut off your fireplace if the pilot line’s temperature gets too low.
A ventless fireplace can be a great choice for your home if a traditional fireplace would be too difficult, costly, or time-consuming to install and you’re prepared to responsibly monitor the way it burns gas and produces potential hazards. Ventless fireplaces also offer a very modern, sleek appearance that many traditional, masonry-built fireplaces cannot offer, and many come with their own safety features. If all of that sounds great, this may be the next home improvement project for you!
Find your favorite fireplace in our Ventless Fireplace Collection now!