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Ventless Gas Fireplaces & Other Vent Free Fireplaces
Ventless fireplaces have several advantages over vented models. Since they don't require any bulky vent pipe or chimney, vent-free fireplaces have much more flexibility in terms of placement and can be used in small homes a where it would be impossible to install a vented fireplace. And, if you're searching for efficiency, a ventless gas fireplace (natural gas or propane) is definitely the way to go. Vented units lose a significant amount of the warm air they produce up their chimneys, but ventless fireplaces are entirely self-contained, allowing all of the heat to remain inside the home.
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22 Questions &
22 Answers
Doris O
from Columbia Mo asked:
January 24, 2018
I have a ventless fireplace installed in my home. Temperature of heat on low is 150 degrees, way too hot. I was told all ventless fireplaces put out this high temperature. Is this true?
1 Answer
That is a generalization that is not really accurate. Different units produce different amounts of BTU's. Vent free sets are generally rated with lower BTU outputs then most vented sets. The fact that vented unit do lose much of that heat up the chimney make it appear that vent free units put out more heat, when in fact it is just a high percent of the heat produced is transfer into the home.
Owen
on January 25, 2018
Bruce
from athens GA asked:
January 8, 2018
is there a clean burning burner for non vented fire place
1 Answer
All vent free burner systems are designed to provide complete combustion and will burn cleanly with proper installation and maintenance. If the ventless burner is to be installed in an area where there is carpeting, candles being burned, high traffic, ceiling fans in operation, fresh paint or plug in air fresheners, etc., any ventless system will produce an odor.
Will M.
on January 9, 2018
Robert W
from Middlesboro, KY asked:
January 1, 2018
Can I convert my portable electric fireplace to ventless propane?
1 Answer
Unfortunately, electric units can not be converted to propane.
Brennan W.
on January 2, 2018
Randy
from MA asked:
October 30, 2017
What causes a vent free fireplace to smell of gas after blowing out the dust and carbon?
1 Answer
Because there is no venting on the unit, you are more likely to notice the smell of gas, just as with a space heater. If this is a new unit, the logs might still be in their curing process and can emit some odor. This should dissipate with use.
If you smell gas when the burner is not in operation, please turn off your gas and call a licensed technician to inspect the unit.
Kelsey C.
on October 31, 2017
Susan
from St. Louis, MO asked:
October 30, 2017
Is a ventless fireplace dangerous for children, toddlers, and pregnant women?
1 Answer
There is no literature warning against ventless fireplace units around pregnant women or children, but ventless units have been known to bother those with allergies as they will kick out everything they draw in from the room. These appliances have Oxygen Depletion Sensors as safety measures to shut down the burner if the unit senses low oxygen around the fireplace.
Kelsey C.
on October 31, 2017
Al
from FL asked:
May 20, 2017
How are combustion products removed?
1 Answer
When properly installed and maintained, ventless systems offer complete combustion with the only byproducts being water vapor and carbon dioxide.
Will M.
on May 22, 2017
Connie
from Eden Prairie, MN asked:
April 7, 2017
How do I purchase a kit for propane use?
1 Answer
If you have an existing vent free natural gas fireplace and need to convert it to liquid propane, ventless systems are not convertible. Unfortunately, no conversion kit would be available.
Will M.
on April 7, 2017
Ken Boorman
from Ontario,Oregon asked:
December 20, 2016
Are the ventless fireplaces safe?
1 Answer
There is a wealth of information discussing this topic posted here.
Will M.
on December 20, 2016
Donald Deharde
from Nashville, TN asked:
November 19, 2016
Does it matter if the gas is natural or propane on a ventless gas fireplace.
What type of professional is qualified to install this?
1 Answer
Vent free fireplaces can utilize both natural gas and propane fuels, although it is important to note that a vent free appliance cannot be converted between fuels in the field. I highly recommend working with a reputable local plumber or HVAC technician to complete your installation.
eFireplaceStore
on November 21, 2016
Rick
from NC asked:
October 17, 2016
Can a vent-free fireplace be installed flush in an interior room, through an exterior wall, as long as it is enclosed in an insulated water tight structure that will double as an outside barbecue preparation area on an open patio deck?
1 Answer
Certainly. This enclosure is commonly called a "doghouse" in the industry and is a relatively common way to enclose both vent-free and direct vent fireplaces without sacrificing the floor space in a room.
eFireplaceStore
on October 18, 2016
Jim
from UT asked:
September 10, 2015
Do your vent free fireplaces have oxygen depletion sensors?
1 Answer
By mandate, all vent free fireplace utilize an oxygen depletion system. In the event of low oxygen levels in the room, the pilot flame will begin to lift away from the pilot tube. When oxygen levels become low enough, the flame will lift so far off of the tube that it will no longer heat the thermocouple/flame sensor. This will cause the valve to lose voltage/signal and shut down, extinguishing the main burner flame.
eFireplaceStore
on September 11, 2015
Brae
from OH asked:
October 22, 2014
Is there a kit that I can buy that takes the water vapor outside from a ventless fireplace insert?
1 Answer
Unfortunately, no. Condensation on windows can occur when a vent free appliance is operated in smaller rooms or for an extended period of time. The only way to rectify the issue is to use a dehumidifier in the area or to limit the operation of the appliance.
eFireplaceStore
on October 22, 2014
Adam
from Troutman, NC asked:
August 18, 2014
Can this type of fireplace be installed in an outside wall but with a glass window wall above it?
1 Answer
Yes, any of our vent-free fireplaces can be installed without a chimney. Some use gas and others are electric.
Tyler M.
on August 18, 2014
Rex
from Grand Rapids, MI asked:
May 31, 2014
Can a propane vent free fireplace be converted to natural gas?
1 Answer
No, unfortunately, vent-free gas fireplaces cannot be converted for fuel type.
Tyler M.
on June 2, 2014
Linda
from CT asked:
December 10, 2013
Can you vent a vent free insert?
1 Answer
If the unit is a true insert, meaning a metal chassis that was slid into an existing fireplace, it cannot be vented. The insert will not have provisions for a vent. A vent free log set can of course be vented by opening the damper. While you may be experiencing sensitivity to the byproducts of a vent free heater, headaches are usually a sign that the unit is producing carbon monoxide. If the unit has not been serviced recently, it may need to be cleaned and the air shutter adjusted to verify that it has the cleanest burn possible.
Collin C. - NFI Master Hearth Professional
on December 10, 2013
Margaret
from Marion, NC asked:
December 4, 2013
Will a vent free fireplace discolor the surrounding carpet? Can I place a TV on the mantel without damaging the TV?
1 Answer
As long as proper clearances are maintained from the fireplace to all combustible materials, there should be no ill effects. When it comes to televisions, it is not the best idea to place one directly above a vent free fireplace, without some sort of barrier. All heat produced by a vent free fireplace will immediately rise and can damage sensitive electronics. Only if there is a mantel or shelf that projects further from the wall than the television does or if the television is placed on a free standing mantel should this setup be okay.
Collin C. - NFI Master Hearth Professional
on December 4, 2013
Tom
from Myrtle Beach, SC asked:
November 8, 2013
How do you convert a vented propane fireplace to a vent free fireplace?
1 Answer
To convert the fireplace, you would need to purchase either a vent free log set or vent free insert. Either system could be operated within the opening and would be burned with the damper closed, allowing heat to circulate into the room for supplemental heating abilities.
Collin C. - NFI Master Hearth Professional
on November 8, 2013
Pat
from CA asked:
March 14, 2013
Are ventless fireboxes allow in Northern California?
1 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.
Tyler M. - NFI Certified Specialist
on March 15, 2013
Pat
from CA asked:
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?
1 Answer
Yes. The gas line will need to run inside the firebox for connection to a ventless gas log set.
Tyler M. - NFI Certified Specialist
on March 15, 2013
Gary L
from St Louis, MO asked:
December 8, 2012
Do vent-free fireplaces require doors?
1 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.
Collin C. - NFI Master Hearth Professional
on December 10, 2012
Kim
November 9, 2012
Are there restrictions as to what rooms and altitude vent-free fireplaces can be used?
1 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.
on November 9, 2012
Rene
November 9, 2012
What about carbon monoxide? Don't you require an exhaust?
1 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.
on November 9, 2012
