Are Vent Free Gas Fireplaces Safe 2012

Here are some facts about vent free gas fireplaces.

Are vent free gas fireplaces safe 2012.

Gas fireplaces come in two configurations. Vent free is rated as a decorative supplemental gas heating appliance. The dept of energy rates a vented log set or fireplace as decorative gas appliance. They just want to sell you something that s more expensive and inefficient.

The quick and simple answer to the question are ventless fireplaces safe is yes with the proper precautions. While no deaths from vent free fireplace incidents have been reported nachi says some municipalities have restricted or outlawed vent free fireplaces. Despite what some dealers and websites will tell you. Natural vent gas fireplaces b vent use air from within the home for combustion and release emissions outside the home.

Around 34 percent of states allow these units completely with no restrictions at all. With some 17 million american households estimated to use a vent free gas appliance that s a very telling statistic. In theory a gas fireplace without a vent should be safe because of how propane gas burns and there are no worrisome flames and extreme heat around your kids and pets. Ventless fireplaces are not permitted in some areas.

The district of columbia bans the fireplaces only in bedrooms or bathrooms but virginia and maryland don t restrict them. For starters you may start to see your wall paper peel. Vent free gas fireplace units have also been known to emit water vapor over time. Ventless logs do not put off these emissions so no chimney or flue is needed and the heat is more likely to stay in your space.

Ventless gas fireplaces safety is a subject of lively debate. Despite producing far fewer fumes than vented gas fireplaces a small amount of fumes will still be emitted into your house. While water vapor may not be a direct hazard to human beings like carbon monoxide is when a copious amount of damp warm air begins to fill the home some serious damage can be caused. Despite some of the fear mongering language found on the internet there have been no deaths or injuries attributed to the use of vent free gas fireplaces since their introduction to the market according to this report issued by the vent free gas products alliance in 2008.

Everything in life comes with at least some trace of risk so when we say it is safe we mean relatively speaking. Ventless fireplaces use air from within the home and release emissions within the home resulting in poor air quality and potential health risks. Vented gas logs produce carbon monoxide emissions so your fireplace must have a chimney or flue.