Pros and Cons of Ventless Gas Fireplaces

Having a fireplace in your home adds a cozy feeling and creates an inviting space where you can look forward to unwinding from the day and relaxing. Even if you have limited space in your home or a limited budget, you can still have a gas fireplace even if you don't have an existing chimney.  We will take a look at a ventless gas fireplace, and the pros and cons associated with it.

What is a Ventless Gas Fireplace?

These are gas fireplaces that do not use a flue or chimney to exhaust combustion air to the outside. They are less expensive and easier to install than traditional fireplaces.

The Pros of Ventless Gas Fireplaces:

• Vent-free fireplaces don't require an existing chimney or venting.  This means you can install one almost anywhere in your home.

• They are highly efficient, more than 99% because they function on standards of near-perfect combustion. Not only will you enjoy a comfortably warm room, but you will also save on your energy bills.

• These are better for the environment since they eliminate the need to chop wood and tend logs.

• Vent free fireplaces come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you can find something suitable that will blend in with the existing décor.

• The price of a vent free natural gas fireplace can run anywhere from an inexpensive $300 to $2,500 or more making it possible to buy one no matter what your budget.

• Unlike wood-burning fireplaces, ventless fireplaces produce no ash or air-borne debris that can collect on furnishings and need to be cleaned up.

The cons

• One of the by-products of combustion is water vapor, and lack of a vent means this is circulated inside your home, raising the humidity of the interior air. While this may be a good thing if you live in a dry climate, it can cause problems with condensation on windows and mold or mildew issues in other climates.

• Combined with condensation and moisture issues in the home, the smell of gas also gets released indoors. Those with sensitive respiratory issues and problems such as asthma may find that their ailments are aggravated with the repeated use of a vent free gas fireplace.

[caption id="attachment_1519" align="alignleft" width="300"] Direct Vent Gas Fireplace Flames[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1520" align="alignright" width="300"] Ventless Gas Fireplace Flames[/caption]    

• One of the biggest complaints we hear about vent free gas fireplaces is that the flames look small and do not give a very authentic or beautiful look and feel when compared to a vented model or a traditional wood burning fireplace.

There are many advantages to a ventless fireplace, but also some disadvantages. Depending upon your preferences, budget, space, and other requirements, you can choose to purchase a ventless gas fireplace.  If a vent free fireplace is not for you, shop our great variety of  direct vent, wood, electric fireplaces, and freestanding stoves.