When deciding to make any major purchase, it’s a good idea to look at pros and cons on the products you are considering. Ventless gas fireplaces have a lot of benefits; so you might find they are the right choice for you.

One of the pros of a ventless gas fireplace is that they are fueled by gas. Gas is relatively inexpensive, especially when compared to the expense of purchasing firewood for a traditional fireplace. Cost of the unit itself is another benefit. You can find venless units for less than $400. Of course you can spend more than that if that is within your budget and you want a fancier model, or one with cabinetry or other features.

Another benefit is that ventless gas fireplaces are highly energy efficient. A ventless natural gas fireplace doesn’t have a chimney or venting. Other fireplaces lose a majority of their heat through this venting. A ventless option doesn’t have that problem. It is a much more efficient source of additional heat for a room.

Easy installation is positive feature of this type of fireplace. Installation is greatly simplified because there is no venting, or chimney. This also means you can install the fireplace wherever you want. It doesn’t have to be on an outer wall, it can be wherever you desire. There are even ventless gas fireplace inserts. A ventless gas fireplace insert can be placed in an existing fireplace if you decide you would like to update in that way. Installation of the insert can usually be done by you, the consumer, with no problem.

Ease of use is yet another benefit. Once your fireplace is installed it is simple to use. Most can be turned on with just the flip of a switch. Some models even have remotes you can use to turn your fireplace on and off.

There is no worry about sparks damaging carpet or other objects near your fireplace. There is also no soot or ash to worry about either. Not only does this eliminate concern of stained or damaging your property, but it also simplifies cleanup. Creosote buildup doesn’t happen in a fireplace of this design like it does in a traditional fireplace. There is very little maintenance or cleanup involved with this type of fireplace.

Either the American Gas Association or the Canadian Gas Association certifies ventless gas fireplace logs. They also come equipped with Oxygen Depletion Sensors. These sensors ensure your safety by tracing the level of oxygen in the room. If the level drops below a safe amount than the gas supply is cut off.

One of the few reasons you may not choose a ventless gas fireplaces is if you don’t have an existing gas line in your home. In this case you likely would consider an option that uses a different type of fuel.

Before considering this option your home needs to have only one qualification, and that is a gas line in your home. This type of fireplace requires gas and the air from the room to fuel the flame. The only other limiting factor is where you live. There are some states that don’t allow vent free natural gas fireplaces to be used or installed. Assuming neither of these restrictions apply to you, this type of fireplace could suit your fireplace needs.

One of the most appealing aspects of a vent free gas fireplace is that it requires no chimney or other type of venting (just as the name suggests). This makes it a possibility for home that originally didn’t have a fireplace. This also increases affordability. Installation or building of a chimney or other venting can be a costly project.

The versatility of installation location is another pro for a lot of buyers. These fireplaces can be installed wherever you want in your home. Corner vent free gas fireplaces are a great space efficient option if you want a fireplace, but are a little short on space. You do want to make sure the fireplace you purchase is the appropriate size for the room you are going to install it. Because the fireplace uses the oxygen in the room as fuel, the room needs to be big enough to provide sufficient air for the unit to function properly.

Vent free gas fireplaces aren’t only for homeowners whose homes don’t have an existing fireplace. Vent free gas fireplace inserts are a great option if you already have a traditional fireplace but are looking for something more efficient. These inserts can be installed in an old fireplace.

One of the concerns you may have when purchasing vent free gas log fireplaces is safety. There are a few precautions you can take to optimize safety with your fireplace.

The fireplaces are equipped with oxygen depletion sensors that are designed to shut off the gas when the oxygen level in the room reaches dangerously low level. Although they have these sensors it is still wise to have carbon monoxide detectors in your home, and especially in the room the fireplace is installed.

Also, be sure the unit is properly installed in your home. If you feel you are not qualified to install the unit yourself, have a professional install it for you.

Be sure to also follow any manufacturers instructions. The manufacturer knows the maintenance the unit needs, and also are aware of potential problems that could arise from your fireplace. The manufacturer will also tell you what size of room the unit can safely be installed.

Corner gas fireplaces are great, especially if you already have a gas line in your home. You may already be lucky enough to have a chimney and corner fireplace gas in your home. If this is you, your fireplace may benefit from a new mantel, or fireplace doors. There are many ways you can spruce up an old fireplace. A simple cleaning can sometimes be enough for you to be satisfied with your fireplace again.

A direct vent corner gas fireplace can be a really great option, as long as you are planning on installing the fireplace on an outer wall. This is because the fireplace gets the air it needs, and releases the byproducts it produces through a vent that goes directly from the fireplace outside, through an outer wall of your home. This type of fireplace can also be found in insert form, so it can be placed in an existing fireplace.

One type you may also want to consider is a corner ventless gas fireplace. If you don’t already have a chimney, this could be a more affordable option for you. Theses types of fireplaces don’t require any venting. This makes them easy to install, and less costly than many other types of fireplaces. The fireplace uses the air from the room, and the gas from your line to fuel the fire. The flame burns hot enough that it combusts any fumes that could be dangerous. Just in case though, all fireplaces of this variety are equipped with Oxygen Depletion Sensors, that let you know if the oxygen levels have become too low in the room.

After determining what type of fireplace you are going to get, you may find yourself deciding which fireplace to buy based on the design of the corner gas fireplace mantel. Mantels come in all different styles, all of which are available on a corner gas fireplace. There are modern, traditional and antique styles available.

Don’t get discouraged if you think the space or shape of your room doesn’t allow for a fireplace. You may be surprised how well a corner gas fireplace will fit in your home. They provide the elegance of a traditional fireplace without taking up all the space.

A direct vent gas fireplace doesn’t use a chimney like a traditional fireplace. Instead it can be directly vented to the outside through an exterior wall. The unit draws air in through this venting to fuel the fire and also uses the venting to dispose of the byproducts to the outside. The direct venting allows for much easier installation than a chimney would, and means it is less costly as well. Due to their construction, a fireplace like this can be installed in more places.

These gas fueled direct vent fireplaces do not require you to constantly be feeding the fire with wood. Such a benefit over a traditional fireplace! They are easier to clean and maintain than a traditional fireplace as well. No concerns about ash or soot.

Another benefit over a traditional fireplace is heat output. A traditional fireplace is fairly inefficient. A direct vent gas fireplace on the other hand is about %75 percent heat efficient. These units also have blowers to help distribute the heat throughout the room.

Direct vent gas fireplaces can be a very affordable option. You can find a basic unit for less than five hundred dollars. There are options for every budget. You can also find model that cost over six thousand dollars. It all depends on what you want for your home, and what you are willing to spend.

Not only do you enjoy the heat of the fire, but you can still enjoy the look of the burning fire. While the gas log may not produce a flame quite as authentic as the real thing, the appearance of the flame is still beautiful and appealing. A lot of progress has been made in the look of gas log flame in recent years. Most units have at least the front made of glass for viewing of the flame; some models allow you to see the flame from either side of the unit.

If you have an existing fireplace, but want it updated, or are looking for something more efficient you may want to consider a direct vent gas fireplace insert. Direct vent gas fireplace inserts are designed to fit into existing fireplace masonry. You may even be able to install the unit yourself, especially if your existing fireplace was gas fueled. Otherwise you may need a professional to help you install a gas line to fuel your insert.

There are two types of vent free fireplaces you can install; a vent free natural gas fireplace, or a vent free propane gas fireplace. The difference is only in the fuel each uses to create the flame, one uses propane, and the other natural gas. This flame looks a little less realistic than that of a real fire. Instead of smoke, the vent free gas fireplace insert has other byproducts. These byproducts are what cause some to question the safety of a vent free fireplace.

The most dangerous of the byproducts produced by the fireplace is carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, but is toxic. If you have been exposed to too much, you will experience carbon monoxide poisoning. Some of the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and a general feeling of weakness.

Some other byproducts include carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide. These byproducts are toxic in higher concentrations, and can be detected much easier than carbon monoxide. So poisoning from these fumes is much less likely.

Another, less severe byproduct of a vent free fireplace is water vapor. It could even be a benefit if you live in a dry climate. On the contrary, if you live in a humid area, or your home is very well insulated, the moisture could eventually foster the growth of mold. Unrelated to health, the extra moisture could cause structural damage, such as wallpaper to peal.

You may be asking why anyone would install a vent free fireplace knowing about these byproducts and health concerns? The flame of vent free gas fireplace logs is extremely hot. This heat destroys virtually all of the byproducts. The concentration of byproducts left is said to be safe. This is contingent upon you the consumer, following manufacturers’ recommendations. It’s important to use a fireplace only in the size of room suggested. Only use the fireplace for a few hours at a time, and never leave the logs burning unattended (this includes going to sleep). You can also install a carbon monoxide detector. You may also want to open a window slightly while the fireplace is running.

Vent free gas fireplaces can be a safe option for you, as long as you are sure to follow the manufacturers directions, and follow some safety precautions. Also, before you purchase it and have it installed, you should check the codes where you live. There are some states that have outlawed the use of these fireplaces, due to the health concerns.

This type of fireplace does not require a chimney, flue, or external venting ducts. Ventless gas fireplaces use either natural gas or propane as fuel. So the only necessary component is a line to deliver either the propane or natural gas to the fireplace. Even if you are limited on space a corner ventless gas fireplace can be installed. This makes for a very effective use of space, and you can still reap the benefits of a fireplace.

The fireplace needs more than just the propane or natural gas to create a flame; the air from the room is also used as fuel. Because it uses the air from the room, the size of the room is important. If you install a ventless gas log fireplace in a room that is too small for the fireplace, the flame will not last.

There are some health concerns related to ventless fireplaces. Some states don’t even allow you to install a ventless gas fireplace insert. The health concerns are related to the by-products created when burning gas in your home. These bi-products include carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide.

Another bi-product of a ventless gas fireplace is water vapor. This is much less of a concern than the other bi-products, but it could cause structural damage, or wallpaper to peel.

If you do decide to get a ventless fireplace despite the concerns aforementioned, be sure to size it properly, and follow all other manufacturer’s recommendations. Most manufacturers recommend running ventless gas fireplace inserts for only four to seven hours maximum. Taking these precautions will ensure that your safety is not compromised. Ventless gas fireplace logs have what is called on Oxygen Depletion Sensor, which will turn of the gas before carbon monoxide reaches are dangerous level. However, it would also be wise to install a carbon monoxide detector near the fireplace. You may not be able to determine the presence of carbon monoxide since it is odorless and colorless, but the detector will be able to.

If you have a room in your home that is a little colder than the others, you may want to consider installing a ventless fireplace as an additional source of heat. Also, because a ventless fireplace does not require electricity to run, it can be used for heat in an emergency situation.

Whether you choose to install a ventless gas fireplace for looks alone, or to use it for additional heat, it can be a valuable asset to your home.