unbiased truth about ventless gas fireplaces?
Ventless gas fireplace - doable DIY?
Venting a ventless gas fireplace?
Vented vs ventless fireplace
Is a ventless gas fireplace insert safe?
Yes, modern ventless gas inserts are very safe. They are equipped with an Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) that automatically shuts off the unit if oxygen levels drop below a safe threshold.
Can ventless gas inserts be used with propane or natural gas?
Most of our ventless gas inserts are available in configurations for both Natural Gas (NG) and Propane (LP). It is critical to select the correct fuel type during purchase, as they require different components.
How much heat do ventless gas inserts put out?
Ventless gas inserts are highly efficient, operating at nearly 100% efficiency. They are designed for supplemental heating and can significantly warm a large living space.
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TL;DR: is a ventless gas fireplace safe for occasional use?
I have a somewhat small fireplace in a 1920s house in New England. A chimney expert has recommended that we not burn wood due to the poor design of the chimney interior (he thinks we'll get significant smoke back in the house). I am interested in a gas insert for two reasons: occasional ambiance and a reliable heat source during a power outage. Our main heat source is gas-fired baseboard radiators, which requires power to operate. We've already got a gas line in the basement below the firebox, so it wouldn't take much work to hook it up (I've had a plumber take a look).
My main question is about vented vs ventless. When we first looked into it, I was gobsmacked by the cost of a vented unit, and we just gave up on the idea. Then, after realizing that all of my family members have ventless units and are happy with them, I decided to give ventless another look. My main reason for considering ventless is the cost of the unit and the avoided cost of running a new chimney liner.
When you read up on ventless, the opinions tend to fall into two categories: 1) it will make you sick and ruin your house, or 2) I've had one for years and I love it! Can anyone explain why the opinion is so dramatically split on this? Is it a matter of new vs old units? Is there any particular technology I should seek or avoid? Are the dangers overblown if it's a unit that's used only occasionally and not as the main heat source? I'm quite confused.