Ventless options can heat a room, however they should strictly be used for supplemental heating as they require more airflow and shorter burn times than vented models.

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.

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.