Ventless Fireplace Problems: Are Ventless Fireplaces Worth the Hassle?
Moisture Problems
Gas takes a considerable amount of water to burn, which creates moisture. A ventless fireplace does not have an outlet to rid your home of the excess moisture. If moisture hits cold surfaces condensation can occur, which can lead to mold. This can cause a considerable amount of problems considering that this will typically take place in areas you don't always see such as attics and inside exterior walls.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Since fumes have no way of leaving your home, ventless fireplaces can make you or your family susceptible to carbon monoxide poisoning. Although vented fireplaces can also cause carbon monoxide poisoning, ventless fireplaces are at an increased risk because fumes are not extracted from your home. You can minimize your exposure to this risk by placing carbon monoxide detectors in your home. You should also make sure that you only place a ventless fireplace in a large room in your home. Small areas are more susceptible to air contamination.
Soot
Fire produces soot when burned. In a traditional fireplace, the chimney is where the soot escapes the home. While periodic chimney sweeps are necessary for traditional fireplaces, soot buildup doesn't plague you like the soot of a ventless fireplace will. Instead of escaping from your home, the soot from a ventless fireplace can damage your walls, curtains, ceilings and anything else in your home that the soot comes in contact with. In addition, breathing in large quantities of soot can lead to lung damage.
Headaches and Dizziness
Some homeowners complain of headaches, dizziness, itchy eyes, and throat irritation caused by a ventless fireplace. These symptoms are caused by a lack of ventilation. Since the flame burns some form of gas, harmful byproducts enter your home. When you breathe the byproducts in, the symptoms listed can occur. If you have a ventless fireplace and notice any of these symptoms, turn the fireplace off immediately and do not resume the use of the fireplace until you speak with a doctor.
Prohibited
Certain states have outlawed ventless fireplaces. These states include Alaska, California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, New York, and Utah. In addition, many municipalities within other states have outlawed ventless fireplaces as well. Before installing a ventless fireplace, make sure that it isn't outlawed in your area.
Sources:
http://www.askthebuilder.com/B96_Gas_Fireplaces_and_Ventless_Gas_Fireplaces.shtml
http://www.epinions.com/content_3647578244
http://chimneysweeponline.com/hovflett.htm
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/vent-free-ventless-gas-fireplace-logs.html
Published by Meg G.
Meg G. is a financial professional. During her previous life, she ran a contracting business with her husband. Now, she likes to share late breaking news, financial advice, and do-it-yourself tips with her d... View profile
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2 Comments
Post a CommentBasically, your piece is of some merit. But you failed to mention that a lack of proper maintenance of a vent-free gas log set, fireplace or heater causes the problems you stated. In addition, you presented a host of states that do not allow vent-free gas heating appliances. You need to shorten that list down to just one, California. As of 2011, the other states approved the use of Vent-free Gas Heating Appliances. Most if not all, require that the appliance be professionally installed and inspected.
In addition, currently the Dept of Energy (DOE) has action pending to limit the maximum output of Vented Gas Log Sets and Gas Fireplaces to 10,000 Btu's. As they are currently rated as Decorative Gas Appliances and do not have a significant energy efficiency rating. (i.e. 80 -85% of the heat is exhausted outside).
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