Is a Vent Free Gas Fireplace Safe?
If you are a homeowner and don’t have a fireplace you might be considering installing one. One of your options is a vent free gas fireplace. You can install the fireplace anywhere you want; you can even find a corner vent free gas fireplace. This type of fireplace is an appealing option because you don’t have to have a chimney or any duct work to install the unit. You may be wondering how that is possible, and where will the smoke go?
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.