Vent Free Gas Fireplace

You might be thinking of getting a vent free gas fireplace. This has become a top alternative to traditional and vented gas fireplaces. Before you make your final decision though, you should first look into the possible advantages and disadvantages of unvented fireplaces.

Advantages

People who don’t even have fireplaces yet may naturally opt for unvented fireplaces. This is because they are less costly to install in a home. No extensive remodeling is required because there is no need to set up top or side vents. This also means that a fireplace can be conveniently positioned in parts of the room other than an exterior facing wall.

By nature, unvented gas units help save cash. Gas as fuel is now definitely more affordable than premium wood. That’s not all though. Unvented fireplaces also help you save more because they are very energy efficient. The absence of a vent ensures that less heat is lost so less gas is need to produce heat.

Since heat is more concentrated in a room, you are also more likely to expect reliable and consistent temperature from unvented fireplaces. You don’t have to go through the inconvenience of having to manually adjust wood to get the room sufficiently heated.

A final advantage is that it gets rid of inconveniences and hassles. A vent free gas fireplace does not require you to clean ashes or to start a fire with your own hands. You just have to sit back, relax and operate your fireplace with a remote.

Disadvantages

Despite the advantages, you may have to think twice about getting a vent free unit. First of all, it is important to bear in mind that not all states allow the use of fireplaces like these. Although they are generally safe, continuing concerns related to carbon monoxide poisoning and oxygen depletion have pushed some states to ban the installation of fireplaces without vents.

Another possible disadvantage is the likelihood of moisture buildup. This may not be a bad thing if you have particularly dry days. Problems arise when moisture is not controlled. This could lead to molding which can damage your home and possessions.

A minor disadvantage that matters to some people is that unvented fireplaces generate less realistic fires. Although you can use gas logs, they obviously look very much unlike real wood. Moreover, some unvented units emit blue flames which add to the fake look of gas logs.

Safety Concerns

If you do decide to have a vent free fireplace, safety should be your top concern. Unvented fireplaces are constructed with user safety in mind but users too have a responsibility towards ensuring proper use.

There are several safety precautions to keep in mind with a vent free gas fireplace. Make sure you follow all manufacturer instructions and warnings for safe use. Never leave a fire unattended and don’t let kids operate your fireplace. It would also be wise to install smoke and gas detectors in your house to alert you of possible problems with your gas fireplace that could lead to fires and gas poisoning.