One of the greatest risks of using a ventless fireplace is that of carbon monoxide poisoning , which can be deadly inside your home. Specifically, carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that, in high enough concentrations, can lead to serious health problems such as: nausea.
Is it safe to use a ventless gas fireplace?
Ventless fireplaces produce small amounts of nitrous dioxide and carbon monoxide which can be deadly in large doses. The CDC warns against exposure of any level of carbon monoxide, stating that up to 500 people die per year due to accidental carbon monoxide poisoning.
Does a ventless fireplace produce carbon monoxide?
Ventless fireplaces produce small amounts of nitrous dioxide and carbon monoxide which can be deadly in large doses. ... In addition to carbon monoxide, ventless fireplaces also produce a high levels of water vapor. The increased level of water vapor in the home will increase humidity, increasing the risk of mold growth.
Does gas fireplace give off carbon monoxide?
Yes , gas fireplaces are one potential cause of carbon monoxide poisoning. ... An improperly maintained or ventilated gas fireplace can create incomplete combustion, creating carbon monoxide, and causing this toxic gas to linger—putting those inside at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Which is better vented or ventless gas fireplace?
Ventless fireplaces are more energy efficient than vented fireplaces because no heat escapes up the flue, so you’ll save money on gas utility bills. A vented gas fireplace uses more gas to create the same level of warmth because some of its heat escapes through the flue.
How long can I run a ventless fireplace?
Manufacturers offer a variety of guidelines and restrictions that aim to mitigate harm. For one, these ventless fireplaces aren’t meant to be installed in bedrooms or rooms without ample square footage. Guidelines also advise that they shouldn’t be run for too long ( typically no more than two hours ).
Does a ventless fireplace need a blower?
Your fireplace or stove, whether it’s wood or gas, can be operated with or without a fan. Without a fan, you will get the radiant heat from the glass and the front of your fireplace. Without a fan, you will get radiant heat from the front, both sides, the top and even the back of your stove.
How do I know if my fireplace has carbon monoxide?
While carbon monoxide is invisible and can’t be detected by smell, the following are possible clues that there is a CO problem in your home: Water streaking or rusting on your chimney or vent. Furnace panels which are missing or loose. A buildup of soot .
How do I know if my gas fire is leaking carbon monoxide?
- You see black, sooty marks on the front covers of gas fires.
- There is heavy condensation built up at the windowpane where the appliance is installed.
- Sooty or yellow/brown stains on or around boilers, stoves, or fires.
- Smoke building up in rooms.
Can you put a TV above a ventless gas fireplace?
The short answer is – yes . However, to ensure your television isn’t damaged from the heat, care must be taken to ensure heat generated by the fireplace is redirected away from television. There are several ways to do this, such as installing a proper mantel and building an alcove for the television.
Can you put glass doors on a ventless fireplace?
Vent free fireboxes and fireplaces can also be radiant or circulating and glass/mesh doors and ReFaces can be made for them as well.
Can you convert a ventless gas fireplace to vented?
Answer: Unfortunately, there is no way to convert a ventless fireplace into a vented fireplace
Why does my ventless fireplace smell?
More than anything, it’s a sign your fireplace is working the way it should. ... In a gas ventless fireplace, oxygen is provided by the air in your home . If that air contains impurities, those impurities are drawn in with the oxygen and can produce odors which are amplified by the flame.
How do you know if your fireplace is vented or ventless?
If the flames reach above the gas logs and the look like a wood burning fireplace, then the logs must be vented. If the flames are small, an have a blue cast, the fireplace is vent-free .
How much does it cost to run a ventless gas fireplace?
A: It costs pennies per hour to operate a vent-free gas supplemental heating appliance. A typical vent-free fireplace consumes 26,000 BTUs per hour. Assuming the unit operates at peak operation for one hour based on the DOE’s 2006 unit cost of natural gas, it would only cost 36 cents an hour to run the appliance.
