How Does a Ventless Gas Fireplace Work? (Tips for Safe Usage)

Is your hometown chilly? Yes, it is that time of the year again when the house gets cold because of the weather. You would like to have a cozy nap in your living room but you do not have a fireplace. Some of us are afraid of the work that comes with a wood-burning fireplace. Do not worry, there are plenty of other options available for you.

A ventless gas fireplace is a good option. How do such units work? The fireplaces are usually connected to a gas tank using installed pipes. The work is done by a professional such as a plumber to ensure safety. There are special burners designed to burn the gas more efficiently. As a result, few to no fumes are released into the house.

The control panel is the engine of a ventless gas fireplace. It controls the flames and pilot lights. The flames are seen if they pass through the gaps in the artificial ceramic fiber logs. Oxygen is taken in at the bottom of the fireplace where it is mixed with natural gas to produce fire. Fumes are then released back into the room through a vent at the top.

Do ventless gas fireplaces give off carbon monoxide?

Yes. Ventless gas fireplaces can produce carbon monoxide in low amounts. However, such a gas can be dangerous in high doses. 

Carbon monoxide poisoning is a major drawback associated with ventless gas fireplaces. Such fireplaces release carbon monoxide and nitrous gases as by-products of combustion. Since they do not have chimneys to release the gases to the outside; they are released into the room. 

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In some states and countries, ventless gas fireplaces are banned. If you install them in such areas, you will be fined or forced to remove them. Carbon monoxide production is the main reason behind its ban. Be careful when using your ventless gas fireplace to keep warm.

Which is better: a vented or ventless gas fireplace?

There are two types of gas fireplaces; vented and ventless. A traditional vented gas fireplace is usually connected to a tank of gas or propane. It has 2 vents that run to the exterior of buildings. The intake pump brings in the fresh air with a lot of oxygen. The exhaust vent on the other hand ensures safe removal of the products of the combustion process. 

The costs of installing and maintaining such fireplaces depend on their quality. You will pay between $3600 and $8000 for such a fireplace. A certified plumber or gas contractor should be used to install the fireplace. You should never do it as a DIY project.

A ventless gas fireplace is a new technology in the market. It has a regulator that produces a fine mixture of oxygen and natural gas. This will allow the gas to burn efficiently reducing the fumes produced as a result of combustion. Compared to a traditional vented gas fireplace, there are fewer gases produced by ventless gas fireplaces. 

Purchasing a ventless gas fireplace and installation requires between $1000 and $5000. You can already see they are a bit less expensive compared to the traditional vented gas fireplaces. It is important that testing is done and that they meet the health and safety standards before installation. 

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Is an unvented gas fireplace safe?

Ventless gas fireplaces release toxic gases into the rooms in your houses they operate in. The dangerous noxious gases and carbon monoxide can cause health concerns. This will happen if you do not have proper ventilation systems in your house. Consumption of large doses of such gases can lead to death.

Statistics show that approximately 500 people die due to unintended carbon monoxide poisoning. To help solve such problems, you need gas fireplaces with carbon monoxide detectors. Automatic shut-off valve systems also help by sensing when the oxygen levels in a room go below the required level in a room. 

High humidity levels produced by ventless gas fireplaces should also be taken care of. 

Why does my ventless gas fireplace smell?

It is natural to be worried when your gas fireplace starts to smell. If you are getting the natural gas smell, there is a possibility that you have a gas leak. 

Make sure you smell it too while the fireplace is not operating. Most people mistake the fumes of petroleum-based products for a gas leak. You only need to call a plumber to fix the gas leak.

There are other products that will cause a ventless gas fireplace to smell. If you can identify what is causing the odor, you can get rid of it. Sometimes dust settles on gas fireplaces making them smell when in use. Here are other things that may cause an odor in a ventless gas fireplace;

  1. New paint
  2. Smoking in your house
  3. Scented sprays
  4. Scented candles
  5. Recently stained wood
  6. Pet hair 
  7. Extreme dust
  8. Grade plugins
  9. Improper air and gas mixture
  10. Formaldehyde from new carpet
  11. Cleaning agents
  12. Any impurities in the air that the flame can heat
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How long can you run a ventless fireplace?

A ventless gas fireplace can be left to run as long as you want. This requires proper ventilation and a sealed front glass. You will get the heat provided there are no malfunctions and a continuous supply of fuel. 

Generally, running a fireplace for too long increases the risk of fire and fumes. You should not leave your ventless gas fireplace on for more than 3 hours or unattended. This is just an approximation because of how the gas models work. So, the duration will depend on the type of unit you are using. 

Also, read the manufacturer’s instructions which will help you run the fireplace safely.

Conclusion

Ventless gas fireplaces are good options if you understand what they demand. You need proper ventilation and approval to install such fireplaces. Priority should be given to those with detectors to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. 

Ventless gas fireplaces are a good fit if you plan to heat a room for short periods of time. They should not be left on for too long. Go ahead and get one to keep your room warm.

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