Any house must have a fireplace, especially in the winter. Homeowners have several choices when it comes to fireplaces. They have the choice between gas, wood, or electric fireplace. One of the most widely used fireplaces is the gas ventless fireplace. They are hygienic and simple to use. But what really is it, and how can you pick the best option for you? Find out now.
What is a Ventless Gas Fireplace?
A ventless gas fireplace, also referred to as an unvented or vent-free fireplace, runs on natural gas or liquid propane (LP), which feeds into a gas burner located in the fireplace. When lit, the fake ceramic fiber logs’ gaps allow the flames to pass through, creating the appearance of a real wood-burning fireplace.
What to Consider when Purchasing a Ventless Gas Fireplace
- Space
Small, large, and outdoor environments can all be heated by ventless gas fireplaces. Different designs, such as see-through or two-sided variants, might fit your space. You can purchase fireplace inserts to utilize in place of an outdated fireplace or custom fireplaces to fit your space.
- Material
They have a variety of different finishes and styles and are frequently lined with cast iron, stainless steel, or other fireproof materials. They run on either liquid propane or natural gas. Some people even use alcohol gel cartridges, which are reminiscent of Sterno cans. Most employ lava rock, colored fire-safe glass, or synthetic ceramic fiber logs to simulate a true wood-burning fireplace. Some log sets include grates resembling wood, blazing embers, or sand granules to lay underneath the logs. Since they need ambient room air to ignite the gas flames, ventless gas fireplaces differ from regular fireplaces in that there are no doors surrounding the device.
- Size
Based on its size, each space has a maximum heat allowance. The typical sizes vary from 12 to 42 inches, while larger sizes, such as 72 inches, are also available. From 20,000 to 40,000 British thermal units [BTUs] of heat can be produced. Multiply the room’s length, breadth, and height to obtain the cubic feet of the space in order to determine the maximum BTUs for that space. Then multiply by 20. A 1,400 cubic foot room, for instance, shouldn’t radiate more than 28,000 BTUs. The specs and a list of firebox space requirements are provided when purchasing ventless gas log sets.
- Safety Options
A well-insulated home may occasionally have reduced oxygen levels, which results in a slow circulation of air between the inside and outside. Many ventless gas fireplaces contain an oxygen detecting mechanism that turns the appliance off automatically if the room’s oxygen levels drop below a set point. Additionally, some fireplaces come with built-in carbon monoxide detectors that turn the fireplace off instantly if high amounts are found.
- Optional Extras
The majority of ventless gas fireplaces have switches, buttons, or remote controls that you can use to ignite them. Many have automated ignition, which does not require a pilot light to be on all the time. In the event of a power failure, some also include a backup battery mode. In many situations, you can regulate the flame’s size and save gas.
