Installing ventless fireplaces is more affordable than installing vented fireplaces because there is no need to remodel in order to run a flue.The Pros and Cons of Ventless Gas Fireplaces Additionally, ventless fireplaces produce water vapor as a byproduct of the combustion process, which can lead to high levels of humidity in the home and an increased risk of mold growth. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not specifically track deaths or injuries from exposure to the carbon monoxide gas produced by ventless fireplaces, about 50,000 Americans visit an emergency room annually due to carbon monoxide poisoning, and nearly 450 die.Īccording to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), even though ventless fireplaces greatly reduce toxic fumes, they will still release some small amount into the home, which increases the risk of exposure to carbon monoxide. Individual municipalities may also ban them, so check with your local building authority before you purchase a ventless fireplace.
States including California and Massachusetts have banned the installation of ventless fireplaces, and the devices are not permitted in HUD housing. RELATED: The Best Carbon Monoxide Detectors for Protecting Your Home A Heated Controversyĭespite the testing and safety precautions, ventless fireplaces have a long list of detractors. Your plumber can convert any fireplace you choose to the type of gas you use in your home, whether you want a ventless propane fireplace or a ventless natural gas fireplace. Manufacturers often recommend homeowners leave a window open while operating the fireplace, but, in cold weather, that’s not always feasible.Ī note about fuel: Ventless fireplaces are powered by either natural gas (NG) or propane (LG), and while you can shop for models that display either the NG or LG designation, virtually any gas fireplace can be converted from one type of fuel to the other through the installation of a converter. Likewise, should the carbon monoxide detector sense the gas, it will also shut off the fireplace automatically. If the oxygen drops to an unhealthy low, the oxygen detector will shut off the fireplace automatically. Because a ventless fireplace does not have a fresh-air intake vent, the fire burns the oxygen in the room. Many of today’s models include built-in carbon monoxide detectors and oxygen detection sensors, which are designed to monitor air quality in the room. Expect to pay $1,000 to $5,000 to purchase a ventless fireplace and have it professionally installed. Ventless fireplace burners are tested in national laboratories and must meet federal safety and health standards before they can be sold to the public. Federal regulations require testing of ventless fireplaces and ventless fireplace inserts to ensure that they function as intended. This greatly reduces the fumes associated with the traditional natural gas fireplace. Ventless FireplacesĪ ventless fireplace, such as ProCom’s Dual Fuel Propane and Natural Gas Fireplace Insert, contains a regulator that produces a fine mixture of gas and air in a way that allows the gas to burn cleanly.
VENTLESS DOUBLE SIDED GAS LOGS INSTALL
Keep in mind that most communities require a certified gas contractor or a licensed plumber to install and hook up gas lines, so this is by no means a DIY project.
You’ll pay $3,500 to $8,000 or more for a direct vent gas fireplace, depending on fireplace quality and the amount of remodeling to be done, to purchase a vented gas fireplace and have it professionally installed. The intake vent draws fresh air into the fireplace while the exhaust vent safely removes fumes of the combustion (burning) process. A traditional vented gas fireplace, such as the Empire Tahoe Deluxe Direct-Vent Fireplace, can be fueled by either natural gas or propane and has two vents that run to the exterior of the house.
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