Why are ventless fireplaces illegal?

Ventless fireplaces are often restricted or illegal because of safety concerns, specifically due to the fact that they might introduce noxious combustion by-products into your home's air supply.

What states are ventless fireplaces illegal?

States including California and Massachusetts have banned the installation of ventless fireplaces, and the devices are not permitted in HUD housing. Individual municipalities may also ban them, so check with your local building authority before you purchase a ventless fireplace.

Are ventless fireplaces safe?

Ventless fireplaces produce small amounts of nitrous dioxide and carbon monoxide which can be deadly in large doses. The CDC warns against exposure of any level of carbon monoxide, stating that up to 500 people die per year due to accidental carbon monoxide poisoning.

Can a ventless fireplace make you sick?

One of the greatest risks of using a ventless fireplace is that of carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be deadly inside your home. Specifically, carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that, in high enough concentrations, can lead to serious health problems such as: nausea. dizziness.

How do you keep a ventless fireplace from smelling?

Vacuum up pet hair and dust to prevent the smells from concentrating around your fireplace. A room air purifier will also help to clear the air. Also, if you smoke, it's best to do so outside to prevent residue from accumulating around your fireplace. Plug-in deodorizers and harsh cleaning chemicals should be avoided.

Are Vent Free Fireplaces Dangerous? - eFireplaceStore

Do ventless gas fireplaces give off heat?

Ventless gas logs release heat (and moisture) into the same room and recirculate the same air back into the room.

Which is better vented or ventless gas fireplace?

Ventless Log Sets

The increased amount of heat means vent-free gas logs are much more efficient than vented sets. What you gain in efficiency, you sacrifice in appearance. The flame on most ventless sets don't look as realistic or aesthetically pleasing as vented sets.

How long do ventless fireplaces last?

A well maintained ventless log set with ceramic logs can also last a long time, but, if heavily used, will begin to wear in 3-5 years.

Do ventless fireplaces smell?

Ventless logs do in fact produce an unmistakable odor, some more so than others depending on the quality of the brand. There is no way of preventing this, it is simply the nature of burning gas in your home without exhausting the fumes up a chimney.

Do ventless fireplaces cause headaches?

The smell of burning gas can cause sensitivity, headaches, and other issues in some people. This can especially be the case with vent-free gas logs. These types of logs don't have a chimney or vent to remove the fumes produced by the fire, so the smell is typically stronger.

Can you convert a ventless fireplace to vented?

Answer: Unfortunately, there is no way to convert a ventless fireplace into a vented fireplace. Ventless fireplaces are not designed to have a vent added to them. Your only alternative is to tear out the existing ventless fireplace and replace it with a vented fireplace.

Is it OK to leave a gas fireplace on all night?

An overall rule for safe gas fireplace usage is to not let your fireplace—no matter which style—operate throughout the night. Unmonitored gas fireplaces can lead to dangerous, often fatal, outcomes. The two most concerning outcomes of leaving a gas fireplace on for too long are a house fire or a gas leak.

Why does California ban ventless fireplaces?

Ventless fireplaces are often restricted or illegal because of safety concerns, specifically due to the fact that they might introduce noxious combustion by-products into your home's air supply.

Do ventless fireplaces need a chimney?

Ventless fireplaces are typically freestanding units that don't require a flue or chimney to exhaust combustion air to the outdoors, making them relatively easy to install in any room.

Do ventless heaters produce carbon monoxide?

All unvented gas heaters, even when burning properly, produce large concentrations of carbon dioxide, raising the levels of in the house.

Should I turn off the pilot light on my gas fireplace in the summer?

In general, we suggest homeowners turn the gas pilot light off for the spring and summer months, but if you prefer to keep it on, you likely won't notice any significant changes in your monthly energy bills or home comfort.

Can gas fireplaces explode?

Although convenient, these home gas fireplaces pose significant risk of explosions and house fires if they are improperly installed or maintained. Gas Fireplace leaks can result in carbon monoxide poisoning, but can also result in explosions that can level an entire neighborhood block.

Can you get carbon monoxide poisoning from a gas fireplace?

Yes, gas fireplaces are one potential cause of carbon monoxide poisoning. While there are many potential sources of such exposure, including certain appliances and devices, motor vehicles and wood stoves, gas fireplaces are a common culprit.

Do ventless gas logs produce carbon monoxide?

No matter how you swing it, even if your ventless gas fireplace is working correctly, it will emit small amounts of carbon monoxide. These levels aren't typically harmful for healthy individuals, but it can be a problem for those who are vulnerable, including: Children.

How do you vent a gas fireplace without a chimney?

You can install a gas fireplace without a chimney if you have either a ventless gas fireplace or you install a venting system. For gas fireplaces that need a vent, a direct vent system is widely suggested. Direct vents can be installed either vertically through the roof, or horizontally through the wall.

Are gas fireplaces safe to breathe?

The main concern with a gas-burning appliance is the exhaust of carbon monoxide and leaving the unit on overnight is simply risky. The fact is, most gas units are safe and do not emit carbon monoxide at levels that are toxic.

Can you run a gas fireplace all day?

You can run a vented gas fireplace all day with little concern for anything other than gas usage.

Are ventless electric fireplaces safe?

Vent-free fireplaces still have to burn gas with all of the associated issues, such as combustion gasses, safety concerns, and gas line installations. All ventless units have to be designed and maintained to code like traditional units.