Conscious Choice: Vent-free Fireplaces

February 2000 | Sensible Home

Vent-free Fireplaces

by James Dulley

Dear Jim: To cut costs, I plan to add a fireplace to my living room myself, so, for simplicity, I am looking at vent-free gas models. What design and comfort features should I consider and are they safe to use? — Mark G.

Dear Mark: Vent-free gas fireplaces are very easy to install yourself. It’s wise to have a plumber attach the gas line or propane tank though. Since no chimney or vent is needed, this type of fireplace can be located anywhere in your living room. It is 99.9 percent efficient, making it a very inexpensive heat source.

Depending on your level of do-it-yourself skills, there are many options. For the most technically challenged, purchase the complete package with gas logs, firebox, and decorative real wood or contemporary mantel/surround. If you are handy with tools, build a custom surround and mantel yourself.

Two-sided see-through models (which are often mounted beneath a bar) and corner models take up little floor space, yet provide plenty of heat. A three-sided cove model provides a focal point for people to relax around. You can install one of these models in two hours or less.

In addition to style, the primary features to consider are the controls and the optional blower. Hand-held remote controls, for on/off and temperature control from your easy chair, are most convenient.

If necessary for supplemental heat for the entire room, an electric blower option makes sense. But if you want to install a see-through or cove model more for the ambiance of the flames, you probably won’t need a blower.

The majority of states and communities allow vent-free fireplaces to be used in homes; however, always check your local codes before installing one in your house. Many homes already have a vent-free gas heater — the kitchen range. When used to cook a large holiday dinner, it probably burns more gas than a fireplace would.

Around 1980, all vent-free gas logs, fireplaces, heaters, etc. included an oxygen depletion (detection) sensor (ODS). If the oxygen level in the room drops to 18 percent, ODS shuts off the gas automatically. Some of the newer models also offer optional built-in carbon monoxide (CO) detectors for added safety.

Built-in super-hot catalysts are becoming more common in gas fireplaces. These work like an automobile’s catalytic converter to reduce pollution. By using a catalyst hidden up inside the firebox, the dancing gas flames can be made to look more like real wood flames while emitting very little CO.

The key to safe operation is to follow the manufacturer’s usage guidelines. A vent-free fireplace should be used for supplemental heat only. Install the proper size (gas usage) log set for your climate and the airtightness of your house. Do not use the fireplace continuously or while you are sleeping.

Write for (or instantly download) Update Bulletin No. 629, buyer’s guide of vent-free gas fireplaces, heat outputs, sizes, catalysts, features, and a sizing chart. Please include $3 and a business-sized SASE. James Dulley, Conscious Choice, 6906 Royalgreen Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45244

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