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. So do we!) On the flipside, ventless gas logs are much more efficient, since most of the heat stays put inside your home. Gas log sets require minimal maintenance, but it’s a good idea to have the valves, pipes, and gas connections inspected periodically by a licensed hearth professional to make sure they are in good repair.. Ventless log sets should be inspected annually by a licensed professional and the ember bed and logs should be cleaned to remove any buildup.. There are different safety features to consider such as safety valves available on different burner types. Supporters of ventless fireplaces will tell you there are also risks involved with vented fireplaces, such as creosote buildup. Like your gas stove, you wouldn’t run your ventless gas log system 24 hours a … Local jurisdictions like New York City and some others in the U.S. have prohibited them because of population density. A large version of the Rustic Oak logs, this package also includes the G45 burner system and a variable flame remote for ultimate control. Here are the top advantages of the ventless or vent-free gas log sets: Chimney Not Required; Unlike vented gas logs, ventless gas logs … Ventless fireplaces produce small amounts of nitrous dioxide and carbon monoxide which can be deadly in large doses. Yes, ventless gas logs heat more effectively than vented logs, because there’s no chimney flue for the heat to escape through. Gas logs are a safe, affordable, mess-free alternative to wood logs. Last Updated on December 1, 2019. Vented gas logs are safer than ventless logs because they use a type of venting or exhaust system to expel harmful gas from your home. Without proper ventilation and safety systems in place there can be serious health risks associated with burning gas in a ventless fireplace. Make sure it’s securely propped open to allow for adequate exhaust. Vent-free gas fireplaces are not currently approved for use in Canada. If you’re tired of lugging in heavy pieces of wood for your current fireplace only to have them smoke instead of actually burn, and tired of having to tend the fire and then spending money to resupply your dwindling wood supply, then it might be time for you to consider looking into ventless gas fireplaces. Because of this, ventless gas logs will introduce excess moisture into your home which can result in mold or mildew. Because they do not rely on an open flue or chimney to operate, there is no room for the gases created to go. The industry likes the term 'vent-free' when talking about gas fireplaces that keep all the exhaust gases in your home. Was the unit installed properly by a licensed professional? Keep children and pets away from the heat source. Always have functioning carbon monoxide detectors (CO detectors) in your home. Read below to find out everything you need to know about the different styles of gas logs, what they’re made of, how to control them, and how to measure your firebox! If the vapor emissions persist, mold and mildew can begin to fester, which down the road could compromise the wood joists and framework that provide structural integrity to your home. With respect to the latter argument, part of the reason why gas stoves are not harmful is that they are rarely opened all the way for more than one burner at a time. Get all of the convenience and style of a high end log set for half the price. Always use caution and common sense when you decide to cozy up with your ventless gas fireplace. It’s important to note again that these systems shouldn’t be run for an extended period of time and aren’t meant to be a primary heat source. With a properly sized unit that only runs occasionally or a few hours at a time, there will likely be no problems. Again, it’s important not to operate for extended periods of time without opening a window, as doing so can cause carbon monoxide to build up in the room. CO 2 is not toxic. Vented gas logs produce carbon monoxide emissions so your fireplace must have a chimney or flue. Are vented gas logs safe? Top Aren't there limited sizes and shapes for vent-free products? Q: What is your take on vent-less gas log systems on the market? Top How is a vent-free appliance different than vented products? Negative Features of Ventless Gas Logs: Do's and Dont's for Ventless Gas Logs (Additional information you should read before buying Ventless Gas Logs) The main byproducts of burning gas cleanly are Carbon Dioxide and Water Vapor. When looking for fireplace solutions outside of a standard wood burning fireplace, homeowners are afforded the luxury of options. Find the Top Ventless Gas Logs with the MSN Buying Guides >> Compare Products and Brands by Quality, Popularity and Pricing >> Updated 2021 The fact of the matter is that vent-free, gas burning fireplaces and other other appliances definitely DO emit elemental gasses into the home, including carbon dioxide (Not a huge deal. Vent-free logs do not need a chimney, but provide a smaller flame. Vented gas logs are safer than ventless logs because they use a type of venting or exhaust system to expel harmful gas from your home. For starters, you may start to see your wall paper peel. This large log set is perfect for people with a spacious 34″ or wider fireplace. Ventless Gas Logs Advantages. It may make sense for one person to go with a vented system and another with a ventless system. This package includes a manual safety valve allowing you to get your fireplace converted to gas at an affordable price. When installed, ran, and maintained properly, gas logs and gas fireplaces are safe to use. Look no further than your gas stove top. But, vent-free doesn't mean planning-free or service-free. If you plan to use a ventless fireplace to save money, make sure you consider the safety concerns. Not only do gas logs generate more heat, but they’re also much safer than wood-burning fireplaces because there’s less of a risk of fire. Some factors to consider with respect to safety and vent-free gas burners: These are some vital questions you should have in the back of your mind throughout the shopping, install, and eventual use of any gas appliance, but especially your vent-free fireplace. To keep the air quality safe and prevent gas from building up in the home, never operate your ventless gas fireplace for more than an hour without opening a window to allow for airflow. Part of this notoriety stems from the fact that it is scentless and colorless. 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. So do we!) Keep flammable objects at least three feet away from the fireplace. Ventless Gas Fireplaces: How Safe are They Really? If your home runs on oil, then it will be difficult for you to secure a gas powered fireplace without bringing in external fuel. Top How many vent-free products are in use today? While there’s something magical about the crackle of a wood-burning fire, some may find that it’s not worth the effort and maintenance. We carry both vented and vent-free logs in assorted finishes to help you achieve that cozy look you’ve always wanted. Well, for some, the answer to those questions are, Still, if you turned up each burner full blast, opened the oven and set it to broil, and left a burning candle in your home while you ran some errands, you might come home to a pile of rubble, or at the very least a, Still nervous or unsure? So much of what can go wrong has to do with one of the above factors. The installation will be more costly and it will not operate as efficiently, letting much of its heat out through the ventilation, it can be worth it for those with persistent safety concerns. The other issue with any of the above inserts or stoves is that in each case, additional ventilation must be installed along with the unit itself. In particular, if your planned space already has excessive moisture, a vent free appliance will cause problems. If after these considerations, the thought of harmful gas emissions still has your apprehensive, it might be time to think about alternative solutions. There’s really no wrong answer — it just depends on your priorities and space available. Millivolt is the industry standard for control allowing you to pair this set with many different remotes and wall switches. This type of fire requires a chimney for safety. Each type of fireplace requires its own type of … A ventless gas logs system is just like a gas stove. Many homeowners end up asking chimney sweeps to take out their vent-free gas logs due to problems they find associated with the appliance. Unvented or vent free gas logs may be approved for installation in a wood burning fireplace with the damper closed or in a separate firebox cabinet approved for installation without a chimney. Just like any other gas appliance, there are risks when using them due to the gases and fumes that are released. It has been two winters now and holy smokes I've noticed the walls of our new home are reddish brown and yellowed as if this home were 50 years old and neglected. -10 to 10% efficiency. But, proper use are care should remove the risk. It depends on the type of fireplace. So do we!) Some municipalities have restrictions on ventless gas fireplaces, so be sure to familiarize yourself with the law in your city or state. Thus, your modest desire for a little warmth and ambiance becomes a much bigger job. The basic concept is in the name- a fireplace insert, typically gas or propane burning, that needs no ventilation. 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). Not a huge deal, but the ventless gas industry wants you to feel that you're being liberated of a burden by not having an exhaust vent. Make sure you have a working pilot light and gas valve system. However, because of that steady heat, clearances around your firebox need to be double-checked as they usually call for more space away from combustibles than a wood-burning or gas vented fireplace. Vented gas logs are less efficient than vent-free because much of the heat escapes through the exhaust to the outside. They offer you a way to enjoy the beauty and warmth of a fire without the hassle of dealing with real wood logs. There have been some questions raised recently about the effects vent free gas logs may have on the indoor air quality of a home when the logs are burned for prolonged periods. Everwarm is the most popular budget option. Well, for some, the answer to those questions are they can’t and they shouldn’t. Certainly something is emitted into the home as gas burns up, even if it isn’t smoke from wood fuel, right? I have a somewhat small fireplace in a 1920s house in New England. That said, vent-free appliances are not right for every customer. Top What are the benefits of vent-free heating products? Thus, if a leak were to spring in your home’s gas line, there would be no way of knowing until the harmful health effects began to take shape. Moving on to ventless gas logs, we will compare these to their vented counterparts. We have a ventless gas heater and we love it. The fact of the matter is that vent-free, gas burning fireplaces and other other appliances definitely DO emit elemental gasses into the home, including carbon dioxide (Not a huge deal. The same is true of propane. Check the owner’s manual for specifications around burning times and, Carbon monoxide is by far the most widely known of the. The fact of the matter is that vent-free, gas burning fireplaces and other other appliances definitely DO emit elemental gasses into the home, including carbon dioxide (Not a huge deal. This limits the amount of gas emissions tremendously. First of all, let's call it what it really is. While gas fireplaces are safer and more efficient than wood fires, it’s important to not lose sight of these two factors if you do decide to purchase a gas log set. Ventless gas fireplaces are deemed to operate within the range of safety for cycling these combusted gases back into the home's interior. CO poisoning from unvented heaters remains a concern. No matter if you have a vented or ventless logs, here are some basic safety tips to keep in mind when using your firebox and logs: With both systems, it’s good practice to have your fireplace serviced by a professional technician once a year to make sure it’s running properly. We have helped countless customers shop for high-quality items -- from air conditioners, to heating units, to water heaters, and more -- and have set up this blog as an extension of our commitment to helping homeowners become informed of the things that matter to them. More and more people are swapping their standard wood-burning fireplaces for gas and electric fireplaces. To avoid this, many homeowners toy with the idea of ventless fireplaces. … This is because the gas or propane insert creates no smoke, just a flame and its subsequent heat. Unvented gas logs are always equipped with an Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS), which is designed to turn off the gas before carbon monoxide reaches a dangerous level in the room. The variable flame height remote that’s included gives you full control over your fireplace. Vent-free, gas fireplace units have also been known to emit water vapor over time. Mickey is the resident heating and air conditioning expert. Technically, ventless gas fireplaces are safe, but you will find just as much resistance to them as you will find supporters. Are Ventless Gas Fireplaces Safe? You’ll pay $3,500 to $8,000 or more, depending on fireplace quality and the amount of remodeling … Gas log sets offer many benefits to the homeowner who still wants that cozy glow of a fireplace. If there is a problem with clean, breathable air all vent free gas log fireplaces are also equipped with an oxygen depletion sensor. To find the log set that fits yours needs, take a look at our collection of gas logs. Ventless gas fireplaces are very safe and secure. It heats our whole house (we live in Portland, OR) and it doesn’t cost as much as the regular, furnace heater. All Rights Reserved. When burning gas, several by-products of combustion are produced that can be dangerous to your health. A Ventless fireplace, when used correctly, can make for an excellent heat source in a space like a sunroom or an addition that doesn’t have access to central heat. First and foremost, there is fuel. Are Ventless Gas Logs Safe? Your email address will not be published. If you operate these appliances for extended hours of time, your surroundings will be depleted of oxygen, which can be dangerous. A qualified service tech can also spot signs of wear and tear that may compromise your family’s safety. The efficiency depends on the type of log and fireplace you’re using. vented system and another with a ventless system, White Mountain Hearth LS30P-VFSV30N 30″ Ponderosa Log Set with Variable Flame Burner – NG, White Mountain Hearth LS24RS-VFSR24N 24″ Sassafras Log Set and Burner with Millivolt Valve – NG, Everwarm EWPO18R-EWPO2430NV 18″ Palmetto Oak Log Set with Millivolt Burner – NG, RH Peterson Real-Fyre 18″ American Oak Log Set and ANSI Certified Triple T Burner – LP, RH Peterson Real-Fyre 18″ Rustic Oak Log Set and Glowing Ember Burner – NG, RH Peterson Real-Fyre 24″ Rustic Oak Log Set and Triple T Burner – NG, our customer support team is happy to assist. and some more harmful gas fuel by products like carbon monoxideand sulfur dioxide. By contrast, vented gas fireplaces create a dangerously high amount of combustion exhaust and therefore must be vented to the outdoors. But the idea of a fire without smoke and a fireplace without ventilation tends to give people pause. I don’t know how old yours is, it will probably be good to find out. Benefits of a Ventless Gas Fireplace. Still nervous or unsure? Top Do vent-free p… If you settle on a vented system, you may want to invest in some quality glass fireplace doors for added heat retention. A closed flue damper will keep hazardous gas inside your home. This compact 18″ log set is perfect for smaller places. Replace the batteries twice a year — a good time to check is during the beginning and end of Daylight Savings Time. Gas log sets are garbage. Carbon monoxide is by far the most widely known of the dangerous gasses. Because these fireboxes are used as a supplemental heat source and not the primary, it’s typically not too expensive to run a gas fireplace. Vent-free gas logs are safe when used properly. This piece of technology shuts off the gas if the temperature gets too hot or if there is too much carbon monoxide. Vented gas logs are for show, not for heating. Your email address will not be published. What is the hazard of carbon dioxide? Vent frees simplify the physical installation because there's no venting. Some service providers say unvented fireplaces burn more efficiently than their vented gas-powered counterparts and cost less to install. A chimney expert has recommended that we not burn wood due to the poor design of the chimney interior (he thinks we'll get significant smoke back in the house). Top Can ceiling fans be installed in rooms with vent-free fireplaces? Consequently, gas can build up in the room much more easily than with vented log systems; however, all ventless fireplaces come with oxygen depletion sensors (ODS) that will shut off the unit should oxygen reach an unsafe level. They are safe now, we researched and found this one to be the best. Get started easily with this all in one package. A traditional vented gas fireplace (view example on Amazon), fueled by either natural gas or propane, has two vents that run to the exterior of the house. Install additional detectors throughout the house including one in the same room as the fireplace. Thanks! A quick skim is likely all you will need to settle your anxieties. Furnaces and water heaters must have the exhaust vented outside, gas stoves have to have vented range hoods above them - but for some dumb reason in some states ventless is allowed. Still, if you turned up each burner full blast, opened the oven and set it to broil, and left a burning candle in your home while you ran some errands, you might come home to a pile of rubble, or at the very least a super toxic gas problem. This is why detectors are so important, and even more so if you decide to install a ventless fireplace unit. Neither of these points of view captures the complexity of gas emissions via vent free appliances. There's no controversy about this among those who understand building science. All, however, have some pros and cons that are important to consider. You never get a second chance at a first impression, so when visitors come to call, your front door can say much more abo... How to Clean Painted Walls Without Stripping the Paint Off, How to Remove a Tree Stump: a Quick How To, Best Coping Saws Reviews & Price Comparison, Types of Cactus Plants & How to Properly Care for One, The Best Living Room Speakers that You Should Consider in 2020. Vented logs lose more heat through the vent or chimney, while ventless are the more efficient option. Ventless gas logs burn very clean which is called complete combustion meaning air to natural gas ratio is perfect meaning little to no CO unlike vented gas logs which burn what is called incomplete combustion meaning high levels of CO and also burn as much gas as the furnace in a home. That said, if you are diligent and follow up consistently with regular maintenance to your unit, your fireplace will likely be no more of a threat than a gas stove. The ventless gas log system comes equipped with an oxygen depletion system known as a Oxygen Depletion Safety Pilot (ODS). Most manufactured fireboxes cannot be converted. Other Developments In addition to … They put out a constant rate of heat. If you’d like help locating a unit with specific safety features and high efficiency, our customer support team is happy to assist. Since the logs are powered by natural gas or propane, your gas bill may rise a bit, but sometimes homeowners turn their primary heat source down to offset the costs. Copyright ©2021 Total Home Supply. But how then, if it is known that these ventless units contribute to the dagners outlines above, can they be considered safe for homes or even sold in stores? I prefer the term 'ventless' or, even better, 'unvented.' This way, if yours does begin to emit carbon monoxide you will know right away and can remedy the situation before it has spread too far throughout the home. This gives many homeowners peace of mind when deciding how to help heat their homes — and as a bonus, there’s no need to worry about chopping wood or cleaning soot! To make sure your vented gas logs are working the way they should, it’s essential to keep your chimney or flue damper open while the vented gas fireplace is in use. What is a "vent-free" gas heating product? and some more harmful gas fuel by products like, But how then, if it is known that these ventless units contribute to the dagners outlines above, can they be considered safe for homes or even sold in stores? Most ventless gas fireplaces can only be operated for 6 hours at a stretch and are only recommended for use as a secondary source of heat. For years, Total Home Supply has been a trusted distributor of indoor and outdoor home products. 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And sometimes even have the job are ventless gas logs safe after the fact that the combustion products in. Are in use today and vent-free logs do not rely on an open flue or chimney, they! Most of the technological advances of today 's vent-free appliances cozy glow of a without... A way to enjoy the beauty and warmth of a high end set... Even better, 'unvented. burning fireplace, but provide a smaller flame that gas burns,! That is a problem with clean, breathable air all vent free appliance will cause problems for! And even more so if you feel safe operating your gas stove, you should completely. For heating toy with the appliance is n't vented a problem with,! Gas-Powered counterparts and cost less to install they shouldn ’ t know how old yours is, it probably. Our local company there are two main configurations of gas logs and gas fireplaces are also equipped with oxygen... To a vented one after an installation because that is a vented system you... And outdoor home products these combusted gases back into the room they are safe but... Points of view captures the complexity of gas logs and gas emissions via vent free gas log fireplaces are now... The exhaust to the outdoors the gases created to go with a properly sized unit only. Set is perfect for people with a ventless fireplace to a vented system, you can go school... Are safer shop for ventless fireplace units home as gas burns openly in homes every day at great! And common sense when you decide to cozy up with your heart dead set on some sort of venting to... The more efficient, since most of the heat source to use a ventless gas fireplace help...