How do I know if my gas fireplace is ventless?
- Inspect the logs. All vent-free logs are firmly attached to a U-shaped burner and cannot be moved.
- Follow the gas line from beneath the logs to where it disappears in the wall or floor. ...
- Turn on the fireplace.
How do I know if my gas fireplace needs a vent?
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. Based in Nashville, Shellie Braeuner has been writing articles since 1986 on topics including child rearing, entertainment, politics and home improvement.
Can I install a ventless gas fireplace?
Depending on where you live you may or may not be able to install a ventless gas fireplace. In addition, the places that do allow ventless installations will have several restrictions on their installation including the size of room and type of room as well as airflow requirements. Indoor ventless gas fireplaces cannot be sold in Canada.
How do you know if a log burner is vent free?
Inspect the logs. All vent-free logs are firmly attached to a U-shaped burner and cannot be moved. If the concrete logs are loose, the logs are designed for vented use. Follow the gas line from beneath the logs to where it disappears in the wall or floor. If the gas is merely contained by a simple gas line, then the logs are vent free.
How does a ventless fireplace work?
Ventless fireplaces use interior air for combustion, which includes anything present in the air and on the burner and release all emissions inside the room they operate – dramatically decreasing the air quality you breathe. There are several different types of venting that can be used with a fireplace, below is a quick explainer of how they differ.
How do I know if my gas fireplace is vented or ventless?
A vented fireplace has attractive yellow and orange flames that lick upward around the sides of the ceramic logs. An unvented fireplace, by contrast, has much less striking flames. These flames tend to be smaller and bluer. As a result, an unvented gas fireplace won't create quite the same illusion as a vented one.
How do I know what kind of gas fireplace I have?
Each fireplace and insert has a rating plate which contains your model number and serial number. Gas and wood burning fireplaces have a rating plate in the control compartment area, under the smoke shield or on the firebox side column.
What makes a gas fireplace ventless?
What Does “Ventless” Mean? Ventless fireplaces fueled by gas or propane rely on indoor air for combustion, and they exhaust a low level of their combustion gases into the room in which they're located. A chimney or flue isn't necessary.
What does a ventless fireplace look like?
A ventless gas fireplace looks quite similar to a vented fireplace on the surface. It has a control panel that operates the pilot light, flames, and holes in ceramic artificial logs for the flame jets.
What is the difference between a vented and unvented gas fireplace?
A vented fireplace is vented through a wall or roof, sending any harmful carbon monoxide emissions outdoors. A ventless gas fireplace does not need a flue or chimney as these types burn more cleanly than vented fireplaces.
How do I convert my ventless fireplace to vented?
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.
Why are ventless fireplaces illegal?
Ventless fireplaces are often restricted or illegal because of safety concerns, specifically due to the fact that they might introduce noxious combustion by-products into your home's air supply.
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. dizziness.
What states have banned ventless gas fireplaces?
Vent-Free fireplaces have been very controversial in the fireplace industry for over decades. Many argue that these fireplaces are unsafe. In fact, in 1996, they were banned by Alaska, Montana, Minnesota, New York, and Massachusetts, however, after strong influence by the industry, all but California still bans them.
Should a gas fireplace have a vent?
Gas fireplaces need to be vented by a chimney or other vent, unless you have a ventless gas fireplace. Ventless gas fireplaces do not need ventilation and are designed to burn cleaner with a lower flame that will not smoke. If your gas fireplace is not a ventless model, then it will likely need a vent of some sort.
Do ventless gas fireplaces 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?
Really, with all the heat a fireplace generates, is it OK to do that? 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.
What is a Gas Fireplace?
A Gas Fireplace is a fireplace that uses natural gas, propane or mixtures of both as the fuel to create flames. It’s very easy to tell if you have one installed in your home because they are typically located on exterior walls and feature glass doors which allow homeowners to admire their beautiful flame patterns while closed up inside the home.
How do I know if I have A Gas Fireplace?
This is a question that we hear all the time and it’s understandable. Gas fireplaces are not as common as wood-burning or pellet stoves, so people may think they have something different than what they actually do.
Fireplace Gas Controls
A gas fireplace fire control has three basic parts: the knob on the front of your fireplace, a manual valve located inside your fireplace’s cabinet and an electronic board located in your chimney.
Fireplace Ignition System
The ignition system is a small electrical box which attaches to the firebox. It allows you to turn on and off the fireplace from a switch in your home.
Gas Line Installation
If you choose to install a gas line, it’s best to hire an experienced plumber. The process is simple overall but if not done properly can result in leaks or injury.
Open Or Glass Front
If you have an open or glass front, then most likely it is a gas fireplace. If the unit has no front at all and therefore looks like nothing more than a metal box hanging on your wall with some flames shooting out of the back top corner, chances are this is not what we’re looking for either (although there may be exceptions).
Rating Plates
Rating plates are the small metal placards with numbers on your gas appliance. They indicate how many BTUs (British Thermal Units) or MBH (Million British Horsepower per hour) of heat they produce at maximum capacity. The higher the number, the more heat it produces and is known as “high efficiency” appliances.
What are the benefits of ventless fireplaces?
The following are some of the benefits of ventless fireplaces: No ventilation required. No venting means less construction, easier to install in apartments, and a reduction in material costs. Great source of heat. Produce a comparable amount of heat to traditional vented fireplaces. Relatively Inexpensive.
What type of venting is used for a fireplace?
Direct Vent gas fireplaces use outside air for combustion and release all emissions outside the home in a sealed system. Natural Vent gas fireplaces (B-Vent) use air from within the home for combustion ...
What is a B vent fireplace?
Natural Vent gas fireplaces (B- Vent) use air from within the home for combustion and release emissions outside the home. Ventless fireplaces use air from within the home and release emissions within the home – resulting in poor air quality and potential health risks.
How does an electric fireplace work?
Electric fireplaces are the best way to add the warmth, comfort, and ambiance of a fireplace when venting is not an option.
Which states have banned ventless fireplaces?
There are several states and local counties/cities that have banned the sale and installation of indoor ventless fireplaces including California and Massachusetts. For more accurate information about the legality of indoor ventless fireplaces consult your local government ...
Is ventless gas bad for you?
Ventless gas fireplaces emit dangerous and noxious gasses into the room they are operating . Without proper ventilation and safety systems in place there can be serious health risks associated with burning gas in a ventless fireplace. Ventless fireplaces produce small amounts of nitrous dioxide and carbon monoxide which can be deadly in large doses.
Does ventless fireplace cause mold?
In addition to carbon monoxide, ventless fireplaces also produce a high levels of water vapor. The increased level of water vapor in the home will increase humidity, increasing the risk of mold growth.
What is the Difference Between Vented and Ventless Fireplaces?
There are a few key differences between vented fireplaces and ventless fireplaces. The first difference has to do with functionality, the second has to do with aesthetics, and the third has to do with preference:
Are Ventless Fireplaces Safe?
Before you consider whether or not ventless fireplaces are safe, it is important to note that all gas fireplaces could potentially leak carbon monoxide into your home. Blocked chimneys, cracked glass panes, old parts or leaking gas lines can all be responsible for gas leaks from vented gas fireplaces.
Vented Vs. Ventless Fireplaces: Pros and Cons
To make the two types of gas fireplaces a little easier to compare, below is a table with some pertinent facts set side by side. Here is a quick look at a vented vs. ventless fireplace stand up against each other. You may be surprised at the benefits and drawbacks of each:
Which is Better–Direct Vent or Ventless Gas Fireplaces?
As with so many things, when answering which item is better than the other, you have to know as much about what you want as about the differences between the two items. As much is true of vented versus ventless gas fireplaces. The big question to answer is if you are comfortable with ventless.
How to Know if Your Fireplace is Vented or Ventless
You should be told at the time of purchase whether your fireplace is vented or ventless. Because ventless fireplaces are banned in some areas, the distinction should be made very clear. But maybe you have bought a home that has a gas fireplace and you do not really know for sure whether it is vented or ventless.
Can a Ventless Gas Fireplace be Converted to Vented?
If you have a ventless gas fireplace and you either regret buying it or you regret that it was in the home that you bought, you may be wondering if you can convert it to a vented fireplace. It sounds like a reasonable enough idea. It’s a fireplace, just cut a hole in the top, attach a pipe, and stick it through the roof, right?
Conclusion
If the decision is yours to make, then both vented and ventless gas fireplaces are viable options for your home. Keep the controversies surrounding the ventless fireplaces in context. They are best used when used wisely and within the precautions that the manufacturers suggest. Do so and they may be a good source of heat for your home.
What is a Ventless Gas Fireplace?
A ventless gas fireplace is a type of space heater that doesn’t have any flue or chimney. It uses natural gas to provide heat, which emits very little particles into the air and burns cleaner than other types of heating sources.
Are Ventless Gas Fireplaces Safe?
Vent free gas fireplaces are safe appliances when used as intended, but it’s important to follow the user manual instructions carefully so you avoid potential safety hazards with your vent-free fireplace.
How does Ventless Gas Fireplace work?
Ventless gas fireplaces work by using a small, wall-mounted furnace to heat air and expel it through an opening or series of openings in the fireplace. The heated air is then mixed with cold outdoor.
Advantages and disadvantages of Ventless Gas Fireplaces
Ventless gas fireplaces are also called sealed combustion or zero clearance fireplaces. They burn natural gas in a confined space, which is why they don’t need an outdoor vent to expel exhaust gases outside the house.
Ventless Gas Fireplace Safety Tips
Do not attempt to install or operate a ventless gas fireplace without professional installation and servicing. Only trained professionals should perform the installations, maintenance and repairs needed for safe operation of your ventless gas fireplace.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regulations
The EPA has established guidelines for indoor air quality as part of the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act. In response, manufacturers must test ventless fireplaces and inserts to ensure they meet certain standards. The
Safety Tips for Ventless Gas Fireplaces
If you have a ventless gas fireplace in your home, it’s important to keep the unit clean. You can do this by dusting or vacuuming it once every month. Doing so will help remove any dirt that could lead to clogs and fires. Do not use harsh chemicals when cleaning your ventless gas fireplace.
