How to Operate a Ventless Gas Fireplace Safely
A ventless gas fireplace is a cost-effective and low maintenance room heating option.
Many people choose the ventless style because it provides the look of a wood burning fireplace but without the hassle of collecting logs, starting a fire or cleaning up ash debris.
It is also the only gas fireplace that does not require exterior ducts or a chimney.
Despite these benefits, the use of ventless fireplaces is controversial and even outlawed in some states and countries such as California, Massachusetts and Canada because of potential health concerns.
Get the right Size Fireplace The first consideration in purchasing a gas ventless fireplace is its intended use.
The right size ventless fireplace is the most crucial part of the safety process.
The BTU measurement will describe the minimum square footage a room needs to be to use the fireplace.
You can get the square feet of a room by measuring the width and length and multiplying them together.
Getting too large of a ventless fireplace can result in massive oxygen depletion in the room it's installed in.
Oxygen Depletion Sensor You'll also want to consider getting a ventless gas fireplace with a ODS (oxygen depletion sensor) installed inside the unit; this auto shuts-off the unit if oxygen levels start to drop.
If the unit you want doesn't have a ODS then buy a secondary unit to install in the wall near your unit with an audible alarm.
Carbon Monoxide Detector For safety reasons, it is also a smart idea to include a carbon monoxide detector in any room with a gas fireplace.
If it senses too much carbon monoxide it will shut off the unit.
No Extended Usage Never operate your ventless gas fireplace for extended periods of time; generally rule of thumb is no longer than 4 - 7 hours.
The best is to follow the manufacturer's suggested run time.
Running a ventless fireplace for an extended period of time will also aid in oxygen depletion in the room or a massive build of unsafe emissions; remember no combustion source is emissions free.
Regular Maintenance It's important that you do a yearly check-ups and maintenance on your unit to make sure there are no natural gas leaks or inefficient burners.
Dehumidifier Because the units put out quite a bit of moisture, a fungus problem could develop.
Having a dehumidifier in the room can help tremendously.
Many people choose the ventless style because it provides the look of a wood burning fireplace but without the hassle of collecting logs, starting a fire or cleaning up ash debris.
It is also the only gas fireplace that does not require exterior ducts or a chimney.
Despite these benefits, the use of ventless fireplaces is controversial and even outlawed in some states and countries such as California, Massachusetts and Canada because of potential health concerns.
Get the right Size Fireplace The first consideration in purchasing a gas ventless fireplace is its intended use.
The right size ventless fireplace is the most crucial part of the safety process.
The BTU measurement will describe the minimum square footage a room needs to be to use the fireplace.
You can get the square feet of a room by measuring the width and length and multiplying them together.
Getting too large of a ventless fireplace can result in massive oxygen depletion in the room it's installed in.
Oxygen Depletion Sensor You'll also want to consider getting a ventless gas fireplace with a ODS (oxygen depletion sensor) installed inside the unit; this auto shuts-off the unit if oxygen levels start to drop.
If the unit you want doesn't have a ODS then buy a secondary unit to install in the wall near your unit with an audible alarm.
Carbon Monoxide Detector For safety reasons, it is also a smart idea to include a carbon monoxide detector in any room with a gas fireplace.
If it senses too much carbon monoxide it will shut off the unit.
No Extended Usage Never operate your ventless gas fireplace for extended periods of time; generally rule of thumb is no longer than 4 - 7 hours.
The best is to follow the manufacturer's suggested run time.
Running a ventless fireplace for an extended period of time will also aid in oxygen depletion in the room or a massive build of unsafe emissions; remember no combustion source is emissions free.
Regular Maintenance It's important that you do a yearly check-ups and maintenance on your unit to make sure there are no natural gas leaks or inefficient burners.
Dehumidifier Because the units put out quite a bit of moisture, a fungus problem could develop.
Having a dehumidifier in the room can help tremendously.