It used to be that choices in fireplaces were very limited. They were basically the vented wood burning or gas fireplace. Then along came the ventless fireplace, giving the home owner many more choices. The ventless fireplace also gave new options to apartment dwellers and condo owners. Today there are several options in ventless fireplaces and several things you need to consider before buying or installing.
For starters, the ventless fireplace can be permanently installed or can be portable. What is best for your particular situation needs to be carefully considered. If you're renovating an existing fireplace than installing a ventless fireplace insert is a good option. If you're not into tearing out walls and running flu pipe, than a portable ventless fireplace is the way to go. For apartments, condos, offices or anywhere else there is limited space the portable fireplace is usually the best choice.
If you opt for the permanently installed ventless gas fireplace here are some things to consider. In years past the technology only allowed for a vented gas fireplace because of the massive amounts of carbon monoxide generated as a by-product of burning. Today the technology has been improved so there is more efficient burning of the gas, producing very minimal carbon monoxide. It's all in the burners that are used. And while they burn more efficiently they just don't look quite as good as the vented gas fireplace. This is because with the vented fireplace the burners could be covered with silica sand making it look like the whole area around the logs was burning, giving a much more realistic fire. Because these high efficiency burners can't be covered with anything, you won't get the burning embers effect. If this isn't a big deal for you, than this option may be a very attractive way to go.
In addition, other safety features have been added such as oxygen depletion sensors (ODS). These sensors monitor the amount of oxygen in the air around the floor. If carbon monoxide builds up, these sensors are activated and the gas is shut off. This would happen long before you would start to feel any effects from the carbon monoxide.
Another issue to consider with the ventless gas fireplace is moisture. One of the by-products of burning natural gas is the production of water. With the vent free fireplace this moisture is trapped within your home. Sometimes this moisture will condense on cold surfaces. If this happens where you don't see it such as in attics in the winter, other problems can arise. On the other hand, especially people who heat with radiators may want and need the extra humidity that is created.
If you don't want the ventless gas fireplace, there are other alternatives.
The gel fuel fireplace is a great option. It is portable, easy to install and burns gel fuel in cans placed behind the logs. Just light and you're ready to go. The fire is real and can be made larger or smaller depending on how many cans of fuel you burn at one time. But this is not an alternative heating source. It really is only a decorative fireplace.
Another option is the electric fireplace. This is another portable option with ease of installation and no maintenance. The technology has improved to where you run these with heat only, flame only or heat and flame. Equipped with a fan or blower they give off enough warmth to heat a very small room. These are certainly just decorative fireplaces. They feature only a simulated flames and no crackling sound of a real fire. This option is hard to beat for apartments, condos and offices.
With a little thought and planning, you can find a ventless fireplace option that will meet your specific needs and situation. Whatever the choice, a good ventless fireplace will give you years of pleasure and provide a spectacular gathering place for family and friends.
John Stoner is the owner of Patio Furniture, Fountains and Fireplaces, a website that provides information and decorating ideas for the home, patio and garden. There you can learn more about ventless fireplaces [http://www.patiosandthings.com] and other home decorating ideas.
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