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Regency Fireplace Products
regency-fire.com › home › blog | your fireplace questions answered | regency › ventless fireplaces explained | safety of vent free fires
Ventless Fireplaces Explained | Safety of Vent Free Fires
April 10, 2025 - Ventless fireplaces are built with safety in mind, but since they don't have an exhaust system, they release small amounts of combustion gasses such as carbon monoxide and moisture into the room.
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Hall Propane
hallpropane.com › home › how does a ventless gas fireplace work?
How Does A Ventless Gas Fireplace Work? Your VA & NC Experts!
October 22, 2024 - Burns Efficiently: Ventless gas ... their vented counterparts. Each ventless model has a regulator that mixes gas and air, eliminating exhaust fumes to work similarly to a kitchen gas range....
Discussions

unbiased truth about ventless gas fireplaces?
The number one complaint I see on this sub about ventless gas units is the massive amount of moisture it puts in the air. That said, my in-laws have a ventless gas stove in their rather large family room and everyone loves it. It's great to stand in front of and warm your rear after you just came in from the cold. They don't run it for long periods of time so between that and the large size of the room, the extra moisture has no apparent effect. Edit: In summary, I'd say it's great for point of use (warming your buns, power out for a day) but I wouldn't use one for primary heat. More on reddit.com
🌐 r/HomeImprovement
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26
January 25, 2016
Eli5 How do gas ventless fireplaces work without electricity?

And I'm sitting here thinking this thing is powered by voodoo witchcraft. Genius thank you

More on reddit.com
🌐 r/explainlikeimfive
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June 10, 2021
Are ventless fireplaces really that terrible?
I believe the biggest complication would be that of additional CO2 buildup. Your bigger concern should be future liability though. If your inspector advised against it, and you sell your house in the future, the buyers inspector may well also catch it and you may be forced to either correct it as condition of sale or credit them the cost of the retrofit. I expect that adding a fireplace will add value to the home, but without doing it correctly you’re risking throwing that value away at resale. If it were me, I’d direct vent now, as doing it now (even if it adds cost now) will be significantly cheaper than retrofitting it later. More on reddit.com
🌐 r/homeowners
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September 29, 2018
ELI5: How can natural gas "ventless" heaters and fireplace inserrs be used indoors without a chimney without poisoning or asphyxiating everyone indoors?
Provided it has enough oxygen available for complete combustion, burning natural gas produces water vapor and CO2 but not CO. So monoxide usually isn't an issue for those. As far as consuming all the oxygen, chimneys don't provide that for wood or propane or whatever else, either. They're an exit not an entrance. Houses are not airtight, there's enough exchange to keep all but an unusually small or very well sealed room supplied with oxygen. Edit: as u/ridingbicycle pointed out, certain items like oil furnaces may need an intake, as they'll go through a lot of oxygen and are often mounted in the basement where soil provides a much greater seal than simple walls. More on reddit.com
🌐 r/explainlikeimfive
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January 17, 2023
People also ask

Are ventless fireplaces safe to breathe?
Ventless fireplaces are built with safety in mind, but since they don't have an exhaust system, they release small amounts of combustion gasses such as carbon monoxide and moisture into the room. That's why they include built-in oxygen depletion sensors (ODS), which will automatically shut off the fireplace if oxygen levels get too low. To stay safe, make sure the room has good airflow, avoid running the fireplace for extended periods, and schedule regular maintenance to keep it working properly.
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regency-fire.com
regency-fire.com › home › blog | your fireplace questions answered | regency › ventless fireplaces explained | safety of vent free fires
Ventless Fireplaces Explained | Safety of Vent Free Fires
Can you turn a ventless fireplace into a vented one?
No, transforming a ventless fireplace into a vented model is not possible and unsafe. Ventless units are engineered to burn differently, and altering the system could affect combustion and void manufacturer warranties. If you're seeking improved air quality or ventilation, replacing your ventless unit with a vented gas fireplace is the safest and most effective option.
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regency-fire.com
regency-fire.com › home › blog | your fireplace questions answered | regency › ventless fireplaces explained | safety of vent free fires
Ventless Fireplaces Explained | Safety of Vent Free Fires
How long can you safely run a ventless fireplace?
Ventless fireplaces rely on indoor air for combustion and release minimal emissions into the room. While modern units meet strict safety standards, it's recommended to limit use to no more than 2 to 3 hours at a time to avoid oxygen depletion and humidity buildup. Signs that the fireplace has been running too long include condensation on windows, stuffy air, or a burning odor. Installing a carbon monoxide detector near the fireplace is required and adds an extra layer of protection.
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regency-fire.com
regency-fire.com › home › blog | your fireplace questions answered | regency › ventless fireplaces explained | safety of vent free fires
Ventless Fireplaces Explained | Safety of Vent Free Fires
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/homeimprovement › unbiased truth about ventless gas fireplaces?
r/HomeImprovement on Reddit: unbiased truth about ventless gas fireplaces?
January 25, 2016 -

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.

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Woodland Direct
woodlanddirect.com › learning-center › direct-vent-vs-ventless-gas-fireplaces.html
Direct Vent vs Ventless Gas Fireplaces | WoodlandDirect.com
August 21, 2024 - They don’t require venting, which allows all of the heat produced to stay inside the living space, and offers a lot more flexibility with installation. Ventless fireplaces work by pulling in indoor air and exhausting it as heat.
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Casualfurnitureworld
casualfurnitureworld.com › casual furniture world › casual furniture world's blogs › how to use vent-free gas fireplaces safely
How to Use Vent-Free Gas Fireplaces Safely - Casual Furniture World
February 6, 2024 - Vent-free gas fireplaces do not produce more than 40,000 BTUs for additional safety purposes, so they produce less heat. Their ventilation method means their flames aren’t as large or realistic looking like direct vent fireplaces, or gas fireplace ...
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Embersinc
embersinc.com › blog › the-pros-and-cons-of-ventless-fireplaces
The Pros and Cons of Ventless Fireplaces — Embers Custom Fireplace & Gas Products
August 10, 2023 - Additionally, their energy efficiency can result in reduced heating expenses over time. ... Ventless fireplaces utilize natural gas or propane to produce real flames, creating a cozy and authentic fireplace experience.
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The Torch Guys
thetorchguys.com › news › how do ventless gas fireplaces work: safety and pros
How Do Ventless Gas Fireplaces Work: Safety and Pros
November 19, 2025 - Instead, it burns gas so efficiently that almost all of the combustion byproducts, mainly carbon dioxide and water vapor, are released safely into the room. Check how do water vapor fireplaces work.
Find elsewhere
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HomeServe
homeserve.com › en-us › blog › buying-guide › ventless-gas-fireplaces
What Are the Pros and Cons of Ventless Gas Fireplaces?
While there are certainly some benefits to owning a ventless gas fireplace, there are also a number of potential drawbacks.
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The Bio Flame
thebioflame.com › blogs › ethanol-fireplace › how-does-a-ventless-fireplace-work
The Bio Flame - How Does a Ventless Fireplace Work?
May 8, 2023 - Ventless fireplaces use an intake vent to take oxygen from the interior air, whether in your living room or the fresh air on your outdoor patio, and mix it with the provided fuel to produce flames.
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Blazing Embers
blazingembers.com › home › blog › what is a ventless gas fireplace? everything you need to know
What Is A Ventless Gas Fireplace? Everything You Need to Know - Embers Fireplaces & Outdoor Living
May 30, 2025 - They work by drawing room air into the fireplace, heating it via combustion, and then expelling the warmed air back into the room. This cycle continues, gradually increasing the temperature of the space.
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Quora
quora.com › What-are-the-benefits-of-using-a-ventless-natural-gas-fireplace-insert
What are the benefits of using a ventless natural gas fireplace insert? - Quora
Answer: 100% efficient. No heat is lost as it all goes into the room. That means that you can use a smaller fire to heat the room to the same temperature as a vented fire. Which in turn reduces the bill.
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Houzz
houzz.com › discussions › 5594979 › using-ventless-gas-logs-in-wood-burning-fireplace-with-damper-open
Using Ventless Gas Logs in Wood Burning Fireplace, with Damper Open?
January 23, 2019 - The burn characteristics of a properly installed and arranged vent-free gas log set create complete combustion (no carbon monoxide), thus nothing to vent. The damper does not need to be open during use.
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Total Home Supply
blog.totalhomesupply.com › ventless gas fireplaces: everything you need to know
Ventless Gas Fireplaces: Everything You Need to Know
October 30, 2024 - Ventless fireplaces heat primarily through radiant and convective heating, which works well in smaller, enclosed areas. In larger, open spaces, however, the heat is less contained, so warmth dissipates more readily.
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Full Service Chimney™
fullservicechimney.com › home › what are ventless gas logs
What Are Ventless Gas Logs
July 8, 2021 - Ventless Gas Logs release heat (and moisture) into the same room where the vent-free fireplace is installed and recirculate the same air back into the room. Vented Gas Logs Vent Outside Home Using a Chimney’s Flue ...
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Doctor Flue
doctorflue.com › home › what is a ventless gas fireplace and is it right for you?
What Is a Ventless Gas Fireplace and Is It Right for You?
September 13, 2016 - Instead of channeling unburned vapors through a chimney and out of the house, the fire in the unit is adjusted to burn at maximum efficiency, minimizing the production of harmful carbon monoxide gas produced by burning.
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Modern Blaze
modernblaze.com › modern blaze › expert shopping guides for modern fireplace needs › ventless gas fireplaces: complete buying guide
Ventless Gas Fireplaces: Complete Buying Guide – Modern Blaze
January 17, 2025 - Ventless gas fireplaces are powered by either natural gas or liquid propane. Because they don't require a flue or chimney, they're perfect for newer homes and condos.
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Von Tobel
vontobels.com › home › what is a vent free gas fireplace?
What Is a Vent Free Gas Fireplace?
February 2, 2022 - Vent free fireplaces draw the air for combustion from the surrounding room, add fuel like natural gas or propane, and an ignition point known as the burner. Once the fuel is burned, the heat produced is sent back into the surrounding room.
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MagikFlame
magikflame.com › electric fireplace guides › are ventless gas logs safe?
ᑕ❶ᑐ Ventless Gas Logs - Are They Safe?
Ventless gas logs burn natural gas or liquid propane within a self-contained firebox. They do not release emissions through a chimney or flue. This type of home appliance first came out in 1980, and remains controversial to this day.
Published   December 26, 2023
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Pitmon Oil & Gas
pitmonoil.com › ventless-gas-fireplaces
What Is a Ventless Gas Fireplace? | Pitmon Oil
January 4, 2023 - If you want to maximize your heating efficiency, then a ventless gas fireplace is ideal for you! As its name suggests, this type of fireplace doesn’t require an external vent. Therefore, all the heat produced stays within the living space, making it more energy efficient than vented fireplaces.
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Bob Vila
bobvila.com › interior › heating & cooling › fireplaces & chimneys › considering a ventless gas fireplace? here's what you need to know
Considering a Ventless Gas Fireplace? Here's What You Need to Know - Bob Vila
January 11, 2022 - A ventless fireplace, such as ProCom’s Dual Fuel Propane and Natural Gas Fireplace Insert, contains a regulator that produces a fine mixture of gas and air in a way that allows the gas to burn cleanly.