Ventless Fireplaces - Protect Your Family From Potential Health Hazards

There is a lot of interest in ventless fireplaces as decorating additions to the home. The primary reason is their relative ease of installation when compared to installing a vented fireplace involving flues and chimneys. This has become very popular in condo construction since it allows individual units to have real gas fireplaces that are self contained. It makes fireplaces very practical in large buildings where individual chimneys and flues would be very expensive to install.

They are also very popular when remodeling or rehabbing a home. They can easily be added to bedrooms, studies, dens or other rooms. But there are potential hazards that should be considered. We all know that when natural gas burns carbon monoxide is generated. That's why all gas furnaces and water heaters are vented through a chimney. So how is it that we can burn the same natural gas in a ventless fireplace and not worry?

Well part of the reason is that the technology of the burners is much better and burns cleaner than in your furnace or water heater. The amount of carbon monoxide is far less with a ventless fireplace. Nonetheless, since the fireplace is ventless, carbon monoxide and other gases are vented directly into room instead of up a chimney to the outside.

In addition, whenever you burn natural gas, water is produced. This water has to go somewhere and it does. Now if your home is very dry in the winter this added humidity may be good, but generally the addition of too much humidity can cause mold and mildew to form. If the water vapor condenses on cold surfaces in unseen areas like attics and walls damage can result.

There is a way to protect your home and family from these hazards and still have that ventless fireplace anywhere you want. There are two types of ventless fireplaces that eliminate the toxic carbon monoxide and the excess water. The answer lies in the gel fuel fireplace or the electric fireplace. Both of these are safe, clean fireplaces that give the look of a real fire without all the potential hazards.

The gel fuel fireplace burns an alcohol based fuel in a can. It is clean burning and odorless. It will give you a real flame and the sound of a crackling fire. The best part is that this fireplace is portable with easy installation and very little maintenance. The fire while real won't give off much heat so don't count on this as an alternative heat source.

The electric fireplace is another good choice. It is portable and also easy to install with little maintenance. All you need is a standard electrical outlet and it's ready to go. Many models of the electric fireplace come equipped with a heating unit and fan or blower. You'll be able to heat a small room. The biggest draw back I've found with this type of ventless fireplace is that there is no real flame - only simulated. I like the sound of a crackling fire. But if this is not a problem, the electric fireplace will look spectacular in any room.

With these alternatives why risk the potential hazards of the gas ventless fireplace. Protect your home and family and enjoy that fireplace you've always wanted. These fireplaces will look beautiful and give you years of care free service.

John Stoner is the owner of Patio Furniture Fountains and Fireplaces a website featuring decorating tips and ideas for the home, patio, deck and garden. Here you'll find more information on ventless fireplaces.