
By Pat from CA on March 14, 2013
Are ventless fireboxes allow in Northern California?
By Tyler M. - NFI Certified Specialist on March 15, 2013
Answer:
Generally speaking, no. California has outlawed the use of vent-free gas appliances in most applications. Please contact your local building code enforcement office for more information. By kisha rose from Arkansas on February 28, 2013
What is the difference in louver and flush vent-free see-thru fireplaces?
By Chris on February 28, 2013
Answer:
A louvered model will have slat louvers at the top and bottom of the fireplace allowing air to circulate around the chassis of the firebox. Most commonly, louvered models also allow use of a blower.
A flush fireplace will not have the louvers, but commonly will allow the installer to use their finishing materials almost all the way to the opening of the fireplace. By Syed. Jalil from Brownsville, Texas on February 17, 2013
We have a large porch. What is the best product for this? We do not have an electrical outlet.
By Collin C. - NFI Master Hearth Professional on February 18, 2013
By craig from Chicago on October 29, 2012
What are the limits for using a vent-free in an open patio with a roof?
By Tyler M. - Fireplace Specialist on October 30, 2012
Answer:
The primary concern will be the distance from the top of the opening to your roof. Each vent-free unit will have a minimum distance required for this measurement, and these vary from model to model.
This information can be found in the owner's manual of each unit, and we have PDF format owner's manuals for our fireplaces on each item page. By Areej from Palos Heights, IL on January 28, 2013
Hi, are any of your vent free electrical wall mounted fireplaces safe to be mounted under a television?
By Chris on January 29, 2013
Answer:
The electric fireplaces we offer from Fire Sense can be mounted under a television. However, the manufacturer recommends having at least 3 feet from the top of the fireplace to the nearest combustilbe material such as electrical cords, furnishings, and drapery.By Ruth from NY on January 11, 2013
I currently have an inefficient builder's grade direct vent fireplace installed in my home. Is it possible to have an energy efficient vent free fireplace installed? If so, how difficult it is to do this? The builder's fireplace is inset in a stone veneer wall.
By Collin C. - NFI Master Hearth Professional on January 11, 2013
Answer:
It is possible to remove the current direct vent unit and replace it with a vent free fireplace. In order to minimize the amount of stone removal, I would recommend using a unit that is close in size to what you have now. Do you have any model or manufacturer information from the current unit? This will not only give me the size of the opening, but also the dimensions of the unit behind the stone veneer. Please advise at your convenience.By Tonya from Alabama on November 27, 2012
I am looking for a 44" wide across front, 14" sides deep, then angled from the 14" to 35 3/4" pointed in the back (this sits in a corner) ventless firebox with stone look inside. Would you be able to help me?
By Collin C. - NFI Master Hearth Professional on November 27, 2012
Answer:
Most of our vent free fireboxes will have a front overall width and depth that is similar to your needs; however, they range from 20 to 26 inches in overall depth and do not have the option for a liner with a stone appearance. By Connie from Avinger, Texas on January 4, 2013
I am looking for vent-free propane logs with an electric start instead of a pilot light. Do you have these? I would like a remote control also.
By Tyler M. - Fireplace Specialist on January 4, 2013
By Don from KY on April 27, 2013
Do you have a round, ventless propane firepit that I can use in a sun room?
By Collin C. - NFI Master Hearth Professional on April 29, 2013
Answer:
Unfortunately, all of the fire pit burners we currently offer must be vented. We do offer some vent free burner assemblies, but they are designed to be used in a standard firebox and would not offer the desired appearance for a fire pit.By Michele A Delle Cave from USA on November 12, 2012
I am looking for a gas insert - vent free fireplace that is 32 W & 30 H. Would you have anything in this size?
By Tyler M. - Fireplace Specialist on November 13, 2012
Answer:
We do have some options that are close to that size, but we need a bit more information before we can make a recommendation. Do you currently have a vent-free firebox and need a ventless gas log set, or do you have a brick/masonry fireplace into which you wish to install a full-bodied vent-free insert? By D. Klingbeil from Rhode Island on February 11, 2013
Do you have a wall mounted unit that can be used in the event of a power failure?
By Tyler M. - Fireplace Specialist on February 11, 2013
By Olga Longi from United States on February 22, 2013
I have an old gas floor heater that I want to take out and install a gas wall fireplace. I do not know which one I can install.
By Tyler M. - Fireplace Specialist on February 22, 2013
Answer:
If local codes permit it, you can install one of these zero clearance vent-free fireplaces. You may prefer a direct vent fireplace, however. For more information please see our
Gas Fireplace and Stove Buying Guide.
By Katie from Murfreesboro, TN on October 31, 2012
I am interested in a vent-free fireplace for my home, but am a little confused on how it works. Where does the smoke from the fire go?
By Tyler M. - Fireplace Specialist on November 1, 2012
Answer:
The primary by-products from a vent-free burner are water vapor and carbon dioxide. The clean-burning technology minimizes exhaust.
For more information, please see the "Vent-Free" section of our
Gas Fireplace and Stove Buying Guide.
By Gary Lombardo from St Louis, MO on December 8, 2012
Do vent-free fireplaces require doors?
By Collin C. - NFI Master Hearth Professional on December 10, 2012
Answer:
Most vent free fireplaces are unable to use doors, as they need to be able to readily convect heated air to the room. However, most units will have a safety screen that is placed over the opening in order to serve as a protective barrier.By Robert G. Althoff from Santa Paula, CA on December 17, 2012
What size fireplace do I require for 996 square feet of space, including one sliding door and four large windows?
By Tyler M. - Fireplace Specialist on December 17, 2012
By Mike from New York on November 29, 2012
Are you allowed to have a ventless fireplace in a commercial setting or public forum in New York ?
By Tyler M. - Fireplace Specialist on November 29, 2012
Answer:
There are varying degrees of rules and regulations against vent-free appliances across the country, but we are not aware of any in New York state. We recommend calling your local building inspector for more information. By Beth from PIttsburgh, PA on March 9, 2013
I am looking for a modern vent free linear fireplace that is energy efficient and between 30 and 46 inches in width. Our ceilings are 8' and we will be installing a TV above the fireplace. We want it to be recessed or flush with the wall (we will be building out a surround with tile) and we aren't sure if we should get one with or without a glass front. Can you give a few recommendations? And what are the other important things to keep in mind when deciding on a fireplace?
By Collin C. - NFI Master Hearth Professional on March 11, 2013
By Ronald from Howell, NJ on November 29, 2012
Is there a vent free fireplace that is over 50" high?
By Collin C. - NFI Master Hearth Professional on November 30, 2012
Answer:
I am not aware of a vent free fireplace that would meet this height requirement. Typically, vent free units have a shorter opening, due to their 40,000 BTU limitation. The extra height would leave a lot of void space that the burner assembly would not fill with flame.By Terry from Pensacola, FL on January 6, 2013
I have an old fireplace in which I have installed Cedar Ridge vent-free gas logs. The fireplace is a model CRHEB24RT, product # 0112970. I want to purchase a blower for it but I am not sure if I can. If I can, which one do you recommend?
By Collin C. - NFI Master Hearth Professional on January 7, 2013
Answer:
Per the supplied model number, these appear to be vent-free gas logs manufactured by ProCom. Whether or not you can use a blower will depend on the model of fireplace you have, as the blower assembly will be housed in the base of the unit. Do you have the manufacturer name and model number of the actual fireplace? By Tim H from Shenandoah, Iowa on November 30, 2012
If I have a wood burning fireplace and I want to hook up a gas line and do a glass pebble fire with the arch style burner, does it have to be vented?
By Collin C. - NFI Master Hearth Professional on November 30, 2012
Answer:
This type of setup would indeed need to be vented. There are a limited number of vent free burners available for glass beads, but they do not allow the burner itself to come in contact with the decorative media. Rather, the media would be placed out in front of the burner, with the burner flame functioning as more of a backdrop.By Dawn Booth from South Jersey on February 14, 2013
I wanted a natural gas media storage fireplace. I only see electric - is it that they don't make gas? Something with the heat and electronics maybe? I'm new to this and wondering if I'm chasing something that doesn't exist.
By Tyler M. - Fireplace Specialist on February 14, 2013
Answer:
There are no vent-free gas fireplace media cabinets available, due to the amount of clearance required for a vent-free gas fireplace around the opening, and especially over the top opening (where the vast majority of heat emits). By Ben from Raleigh, N C on January 7, 2013
Do any of you fireplaces have internal lighting? If so, can you send me the model numbers.
By Chris on January 7, 2013
By Warren from Memphis, TN on December 10, 2012
Is there a recessed vent-free propane heater available that's thin enough to be mounted in a standard 2"x 4" wall? The desire is to have a heater that has the appeal/look of these flush mounted recessed electric heaters, only with propane.
By Tyler M. - Fireplace Specialist on December 10, 2012
Answer:
Unfortunately, all of our vent-free heaters are wall mounted or free-standing units. Most of our
vent-free fireplaces can indeed be recessed, however.
By Kim on November 9, 2012
Are there restrictions as to what rooms and altitude vent-free fireplaces can be used? At least one manufacturer has stated that they are not permitted in bedrooms, bathrooms, and altitude greater than 4,500 feet. Is this unique to their
line or are these standard requirements?
on November 9, 2012
Answer:
There are indeed standard requirements for vent-free appliances. These are as follows:
1. No vent-free appliance shall be used in a bathroom.
2. No vent-free appliance, greater than 10,000 BTU input, shall be used in a bedroom. Some manufacturers do not allow use in a bedroom, period.
3. Most vent-free appliances do not perform well above 4,500 feet, due to the lack of oxygen. A few manufacturers do offer a "high altitude orifice" to remedy the issue, but this is usually only effective to 7,500 feet. I do not recommend using a vent-free appliance above this elevation.By Zach Goudy from Vincent, Ohio on October 26, 2012
I am looking for a gas fireplace insert for an original non-working fireplace. I am curious as to whether this is possible. The opening I have is 20 inches wide by 30 inches tall.
By Collin C. - NFI Master Hearth Professional on October 29, 2012
Answer:
My apologies, but we do not carry a fireplace insert that could fit into a 20 inch wide opening. Our smallest model would require at least 24 inches to fit properly. Because of the tall, narrow size of your fireplace, it will likely be difficult to find an insert that could fit your needs. By James on November 9, 2012
Hi, we have an antique wooden mantle, and want to get a fireplace vent-free insert. The mantle opening is 35.5" wide and 43.5" tall. We would like to know how much (if any) top and clearance should be accounted for when sizing a firebox? Can the firebox go behind the mantle opening, if we purchased a firebox that is 36" wide (outside)?
on November 9, 2012
Answer:
Most vent-free fireplaces do require some level of side and top clearance to combustible material. They will also have a chart that shows the minimum acceptable angle of combustible material to the face of the fireplace. The further back the fireplace is position in a mantel or combustible enclosure, the further away the combustible material has to be from the face.
Is this mantel being installed around and existing masonry fireplace that the insert will be pushed into, or will you be framing the fireplace into a wall? Please advise.By Vito on November 9, 2012
I'm looking to buy a vent free natural gas fireplace but I don't want the surround, only the logs and burner and all the gadgets that come with it. I need a very big one to fit inside a big fireplace. Please send pictures - it must be very nice and look real.
on November 9, 2012
Answer:
Per your description, it would appear that you require a vent-free log set, rather than a true fireplace. I am not certain of the exact size of the unit you are fitting the logs into, but below are a couple links to the largest vent-free sets that we carry:
vent-free Log Set 1
vent-free Log Set 2
These are some of the most popular sets that we carry. Please advise if you have any questions about either.
By Robyn on November 9, 2012
I'm looking for a high efficiency heating appliance that I can insert in an existing ancient fireplace. The chimney is cracked, and rather than fixing it, only to have most of the heat escape with a traditional fire, I'd prefer to install a ventless natural gas appliance.
I have looked around your site but I'm having trouble coming up with a complete system, (along with the price tag.) I'm assuming I'd need a box, logs, maybe a blower? Do you have a whole system you can recommend?
on November 9, 2012
Answer:
We do indeed have appliances that fit your criteria. You'll want to check out our vent free inserts. Finding the right appliance boils down to the size of your current fireplace. Please follow the below link to view our insert options.
Vent-Free Fireplace Inserts.
By Rene on November 9, 2012
What about carbon monoxide? Don't you require an exhaust?
on November 9, 2012
Answer:
We understand your concern about a gas-burning appliance that has no exhaust. Vent-free fireplaces and stoves are designed to burn cleanly, so there is no incomplete combustion, and, thus, no carbon monoxide. The clean combustion by-products are primarily carbon dioxide and water vapor. All vent-free appliances are also equipped with an oxygen depletion sensor (ODS). This sensor will shut down the appliance if the oxygen in the room drops below normal levels, and well before any dangerous levels are reached. For more information about vent-free fireplaces and stoves, please see our
gas fireplace and stove buying guide.
By Mark on November 9, 2012
I am looking for a gas fireplace, but it looks like all your options have an open front and the flames are exposed. The fireplace I have upstairs has a solid glass front with just vents to let the heat into the room and this seems much safer for my kids. Do you have a option that has a solid glass front where I don't have to worry about my kids touching it and getting burnt?
on November 9, 2012
Answer:
The type of fireplace that you describe sounds like a "direct vent" model. Direct vent models have a sealed pane of glass that encloses the firebox. The fireplace radiates most of its heat through the glass and circulates additional heat from louvers. Non-louvered models will produce only radiant heat. Our available direct vent fireplaces can be seen at this link:
direct vent fireplaces.
Direct vent fireplaces are very versatile, as they can be vented directly through a ceiling or horizontally through a wall. There are also models that are equipped with ceramic glass, which does not retain heat like the tempered glass versions. This would be a safer option for children. An example of one of our popular ceramic glass models can be seen here:
ceramic glass models.
The bay front on this fireplace is an option that does not have to be used, if you do not like the appearance of it.
By Jessica on November 9, 2012
We bought our current home with the fireplace "as is." We recently found out that the inner walls of the chimney are falling into the firebox and need to be repaired. The house was built in 1927 and in the current state, use of the fireplace might cause a fire. Can we install a vent free fireplace without repairing the chimney lining? We already have a gas connection. The estimate to repair the chimney was several thousand dollars, and an insert seems like a much less costly solution.
on November 9, 2012
Answer:
It is possible to utilize a vent free fireplace insert rather than relining the entire chimney for continued use for a vented application. Vent free inserts are entirely self contained and do not put off any heat to the chimney system, unlike vent free logs.By Susan on November 9, 2012
Can any of these be used as the sole heat source for a well-insulated 680 sq ft home using propane as the fuel?
on November 9, 2012
Answer:
Because these units use oxygen from within the home for combustion, a vent free fireplace cannot be used as the sole source of combustion. Dangerously low oxygen levels can result if the unit malfunctions. I would recommend using a "heater rated", direct vent fireplace instead. These types of fireplaces utilize air from outside the home and vent their exhaust to the outdoors as well, making them a safer alternative that can be continuously used. The following model would be a good unit to heat the square footage you have:
Direct Vent Gas Fireplace.
By Ed from Knoxville, TN on January 26, 2013
Hello - great website, very informative! I'm interested in replacing an existing Dimplex brand electric fire place (model #BF39STP/DXP) with a vent-less gas fireplace. The exterior dimensions of the existing Dimplex fireplace are 38.5 inches x 30.5 inches.
I already have a gas stub inside the fireplace enclosure, so I'd like to get something that is close to the existing dimensions to minimize the stone surround on the exterior that will have to be removed. Do you have any suggestions and product recommendations? The room is relatively small, so a smaller unit is probably good. Thank you!
By Collin C. - NFI Master Hearth Professional on January 28, 2013
Answer:
I will be happy to recommend a replacement unit for your needs. Will you require a unit that is fueled by natural gas or propane? Also, do you have an idea of the depth that you have to work with? Electric units are usually quite a bit shallower than a gas fireplace of similar width. Please advise.By Pat from CA on March 14, 2013
In order to install a vent free natural gas firebox, does the gas connection have to be in place before I install it?
By Tyler M. - NFI Certified Specialist on March 15, 2013
Answer:
Yes. The gas line will need to run inside the firebox for connection to a
ventless gas log set.