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Vent Free Fireplace Inserts

Vent-free fireplace inserts have several advantages over vented models. Since they don't require any venting or external equipment, you can place them in both free-standing mantel cabinets and masonry fireplaces that are no longer functional. In terms of efficiency, vent-free inserts are also superior to vented ones. Vented units can lose a significant amount of the warm air they produce up their chimneys, but ventless fireplace inserts are entirely self-contained, allowing all of the heat to remain inside the home.
By Luis Molina from Atlanta on November 17, 2012
What makes a vent free fireplace "vent free"? Does it need a sensor? Does it need an automatic shut off valve?
By Tyler M. - Fireplace Specialist on November 19, 2012

Answer:
All vent-free appliances are equipped with an oxygen-depletion sensor (ODS) that will automatically shut off if oxygen levels in the room drop. This is built in to the pilot assembly of all of our vent-free fireplaces and stoves and is not an extra item.
By Collin C. - NFI Master Hearth Professional on November 19, 2012

Answer:
Vent free fireplaces are completely self contained. By using a lower output burner system, they are able to be used with no exhaust vent. These units will also have an oxygen depletion sensor that will close the gas valve, should oxygen levels in the room reach unsafe levels. These units make excellent supplemental heat sources when installed in large areas with plenty of circulation.

By Larry from Hemet, CA on November 12, 2012
Are vent-free fireplaces contraindicated for people with asthma?
By Tyler M. - Fireplace Specialist on November 12, 2012

Answer:
Vent-free appliances are not recommended for homeowners with any respiratory issues, particularly asthma. For more information on this and other factors to consider, please see the "Vent-Free" section of our Gas Fireplace and Stove Buying Guide.

By rande from Idaho Falls, Idaho on February 10, 2013
Are there elevation restrictions? Can vent free be operated as a primary heat source?
By Collin C. - NFI Master Hearth Professional on February 11, 2013

Answer:
Vent free appliances have an elevation restriction of 4,500 feet. Due to the lack of oxygen, they suffer from frequent pilot outages at any higher elevation.

These units must also only be used as a supplemental heat source. Because of oxygen depletion, the unit will eventually shut down if used as a primary heat source. I highly recommend the use of a direct vent appliance as a primary heat source and at higher elevations.

By Dave from Virginia Beach, VA on November 13, 2012
I have an old pre-fab woodburning fireplace that needs replacing. I got an estimate of $6500 for the whole job. Can I seal off the chimney and install a vent-free gas insert in its place for cheaper?
By Tyler M. - Fireplace Specialist on November 13, 2012

Answer:
Yes, the cost to replace your manufactured fireplace with a vent-free unit should be considerably cheaper, even when factoring in the cost to run a gas line to the fireplace and removal of the original.

We offer several vent-free fireplaces that may interest you.

By Vipul from Chicago, IL on April 29, 2013
Do you have a vent free natural gas fireplace insert that will fit in a firebox that's 36 wide, 32 high and 24 deep? I'd like an insert with gas logs, blowers and is remote ready.
By Tyler M. - NFI Certified Specialist on April 30, 2013

Answer:
Thank you for this information. We recommend the Medium Innsbrook Vent-Free Gas Fireplace Insert with Millivolt Controls, which comes standard with the burner, log set, decorative brick panels, blower and remote-ready millivolt pilot assembly. You will need to add the remote control itself separately; options can be found in the "Accessories" tab on that item page. Please also note that your opening height of 32" will not be completely covered by the three surround options for that insert. You may want to consider adding the Empire SH1BL Fireplace Insert Shroud, which would fit behind one of the three surrounds and cover an area of 48" W x 37 7/8" H.

By Ken from Augusta, GA on October 23, 2012
I'm looking for a vent-free double-sided insert.
By Kevin E. - Fireplace Specialist on October 24, 2012

Answer:
We have a limited selection of see-through vent-free appliances, and fewer still that can be framed into a wall.

If you are searching for a zero-clearance, two-sided, vent free fireplace, please check out our Vail 36".

By Sheila from Bloomfield Hills, MI on March 7, 2013
I am looking for an insert that can be used with gel fuel cans - not the ethanol. I want the natural flame and crackling sound that the gel fuel offers. The gel fuel styles does are not quite what I want so I've decided to use a surround of my choice but I need the insert. Does your company offer that type of insert?
By Collin C. - NFI Master Hearth Professional on March 7, 2013

Answer:
Unfortunately, the company that we used to procure the inserts from, Classic Flame/Jensen, will no longer sell the insert by itself. All of their products will come with a surround or entertainment center as part of the package.

While I have looked, I have yet to find a supplier that will offer an insert by itself. I believe this is due to potentially liability issues that could arise if the unit was not installed properly into a listed surround. I apologize that I do not have a source that can provide just the insert.

By Jerry from New Jersey on October 24, 2012
Can you put vent-less gas logs in an electric fireplace?
By Tyler M. - Fireplace Specialist on October 24, 2012

Answer:
No. Ventless (or vent-free) gas logs are only meant to be installed in existing wood-burning fireplaces (brick/masonry or manufactured fireplaces that are listed to accept gas logs) or universal, vent-free fireboxes.

By Tim from MI on April 10, 2013
Are there advantages of having a ventless propane fireplace insert over a vented? Can a ventless propane fireplace be turned on by an external thermostat and run when the power goes off?
By Collin C. - NFI Master Hearth Professional on April 10, 2013

Answer:
Ventless and vented fireplace inserts both have their own set of advantages and drawbacks. Vented fireplaces use no room air for combustion and give a realistic flame pattern, but are not as efficient as a vent free insert and individual exhaust and intake liners must be used. Ventless appliances require no vent pipe to be run, are very efficient, and simple to install. However, they use room air for combustion and must be serviced on a yearly basis to prevent the release of harmful materials.

Both of these categories of insert can be equipped with a remote or wall thermostat. Millivolt (standing pilot) inserts can indeed be used in the event of a power outage as well.

By Terri from Kettering, Ohio on December 17, 2012
I'm new to this whole idea. I have a house built in 1962 with a large 48" by 24" wood fireplace. The pre-sale inspection came back as needing a chimney liner before it could be safely used. If I bought a vent-free insert, would I need to seal off the chimney? What other work would be required? When looking at insert costs, is there the insert AND the coals or logs?
By Collin C. - NFI Master Hearth Professional on December 18, 2012

Answer:
Generally, an insert is sold as a complete unit and will include the logs as part of the assembly. The insert will be a completely sealed system and would not require any connection to the existing chimney.

However, due to the wide and short dimensions of the fireplace, we do not have an insert that would completely cover the full width of the opening. Even with a surround, there would be some exposed space on either side. As such, a customer surround or backer plate would need to be custom-fabricated to take up the extra width.

Another option would be to use vent-free logs in the fireplace and have the chimney relined.

By Lavene from Ozark, MO on March 9, 2013
If I am replacing vented gas logs with ventless ones do I need to have a plumber do this for insurance purposes? The gas lines are already there and functioning, simply turned off at the gas logs this time.


By Collin C. - NFI Master Hearth Professional on March 11, 2013

Answer:
When making any gas connections, I highly recommend have a licensed plumber do the work. They will be equipped with the tools to properly seal and leak test their connections.

By Lavene from Ozark, WV on March 9, 2013
I am considering replacing my existing seven year old vented gas logs with ventless in increase the efficiency. I was told that I could just shut the damper, replace the existing log/burner unit with the ventless one and enjoy it. This sounds too easy. Is there a safety issue, or an insurance coverage issue with just doing this?
By Collin C. - NFI Master Hearth Professional on March 11, 2013

Answer:
Replacing a vented log set with a vent free version is indeed a fairly simple conversion. The only thing to consider is the amount of space the unit is heating. Vent free heaters have a tendency to add moisture to any room they are operating in. They also draw all of their combustion air from within the room. As such, they work best when installed into a large space with good air circulation. Other than this stipulation, they are a great way to add supplemental heat to a room.

By Shenna on November 9, 2012
I am trying to find a modern gas fireplace, linear (not square), to put on an internal wall with venting out the top to the roof, no logs but with crystals/stones/rocks, with zero clearance. Can you help me find that?
on November 9, 2012

Answer:
We have a few options to help you in your quest for a linear top-vented fireplace. Please see a few of our available units below: Top-vented Fireplace 1 Top-vented Fireplace 2 Top-vented Fireplace 3 Top-vented Fireplace 4 Please see each of those pages for more information on each unit, including a link to a downloadable owner's manual for each, located below the item description and features. We also have vent kits available for each of these units. Please let us know if you have any additional questions.

By Martin on November 9, 2012
What is a millivolt control? Does the pilot light stay on all the time with a natural gas fireplace? Can you manually turn your fireplace off and on? Do you have to have a remote control or a thermostat?
on November 9, 2012

Answer:
A millivolt system has a small flame that generates power for the unit's gas valve to operate. As a result, they do not require outside power to operate and can be used in the event of a power outage. The only thing that would be rendered inoperable would be the blower, if applicable. Because of the amount of power the fan needs to operate, it cannot be used during a power outage. With a millivolt system, yes, the pilot will stay lit all the time with natural gas (or propane). You can indeed manually turn it off and on with the control knob. You can even turn it all the way off (extinguishing the pilot) if you wish, but you will have to re-light the pilot every time you want to operate the fireplace. Otherwise, it will go from fully operational back down to just the pilot light. The knob will have three options - "OFF", "PILOT", and "ON", indicating these three options. On almost all of our millivolt units, you can indeed purchase an optional hand-held remote control or a wall-mount thermostat. We also have hand-held remotes that feature thermostatic control. If you want, please advise on any specific unit or units that you are interested in, and we will be happy to help you explore all of your options regarding remote controls. Please let us know if you have any additional questions.

By Kris on November 9, 2012
I currently have a gas burning fireplace that vents up an external chimney. The fireplace is not the type that can burn real wood. It burns gas only. The front is a solid piece of glass that does not open. Can I remove that insert, plug off the chimney pipe and make a direct replacement with a vent free fireplace insert? With the current fireplace, way too much of the heat goes up the chimney so I would like to put in a direct venting unit so that all of the head stays in the house.
on November 9, 2012

Answer:
While you would not be able to pull the burner assembly and log set from your direct vent fireplace and replace it with a vent-free burner, you should be able to remove the entire direct vent fireplace and replace the entire appliance with a vent-free alternative. Please follow the below link to view some of our vent-free appliances. Vent-Free Fireplaces We're happy to discuss this renovation with your further. Please let us know if you have any additional questions.

By Boykin on November 9, 2012
I work for a developer and trying to find modern styled vent free fireplaces that run on natural gas. Do they exist or do I need to buy a contemporary box and then find an insert (river rock, glass, etc.)?
on November 9, 2012


By Tracy Marks from Ardmore, OK on December 10, 2012
My house is heated by a heat pump. When it gets cold, it is not too efficient. I have a functioning fireplace but we never use it. I would like to get something to insert in the fireplace that would burn LP and would blow out some hot air to supplement our heat pump. What would you recommend?
By Collin C. - NFI Master Hearth Professional on December 10, 2012

Answer:
For supplemental heat, you would be best off to use a set of vent-free gas logs. Traditional vented gas logs are largely for looks and do not add much heat to the immediate area, while vent-free logs are classified as room heaters and can supply enough heat to warm a 800-square foot area on average.

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