Showing posts with label ventless fireplace. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ventless fireplace. Show all posts

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.

Gel Fuel Fireplaces - The Best Ventless Fireplace Choice

The gel fuel fireplace has been around for a while but only recently has it gotten the attention of homeowners and interior designers. The ventless fireplace has become an exciting addition to home décor. It's no wonder. The design options available are numerous. Today's ventless fireplaces are crafted in ways that match the elegance and charm that use to be associated only with an elaborate and expensive built in gas or wood burning fireplace. Gel fuel fireplaces have become the best ventless fireplace choice.

The gel fuel fireplace is by far the easiest to install and maintain. They can be installed in a few hours with only a few simple tools. A screw driver is generally all that's required. No big complex assembly process. No fitting part A into slot B after C is bolted to D. Probably the best part is there is no maintenance. There obviously is no chimney or venting required with a ventless fireplace. Most people don't realize what a benefit this is. The old built-in gas and wood burning fireplaces have to be maintained on a regular basis. Chimneys have to be cleaned and inspected regularly. Soot, smoke residue and ashes have to be cleaned up. Why would anyone want to bother with all of that? With the ventless gel fuel fireplace you no longer have to.

The gel fuel fireplace is good for the health of your family and your home. Burning gel fuel consumes little energy and emits no toxins, or offensive odors. In fact, with the addition of aromatics or incense, your room can be filled with a variety of wonderful fragrances or if you prefer, just a faint aroma of burning wood.

A ventless gel fuel fireplace, since it does actually burn, will give off some heat - many times up to 3,000 BTUs. Now this is not going to be used as an alternative heating source, but it sure will give off a warm glow and provide an elegant ambiance. Plus, burning the gel fuel will give you that romantic crackling sound of a real wood fire. And it's so simple to enjoy. Just open the cans of gel fuel, light and place them behind the fireplace logs. Many models will handle up to 3 cans at a time allowing you to control the size of the flame. Each can will burn from 2 -3 hours.

The simplicity of the gel fuel fireplace makes them perfect for apartments, condos mobile homes, dens or offices. In fact, I can't think of any room that wouldn't benefit by the addition of a ventless fireplace. And because they are portable, you can move them from room to room even outside on your patio. I've heard of some cases where people have put them in almost every room of their home including the bathroom. Given how inexpensive they are compared to installing gas fireplaces or a real wood burning fireplace, you can afford to put them just about anyplace you want to create that special effect. Good quality gel fuel fireplaces can start as low as $200 - $250.

It's easy to see why the gel fuel fireplace is the best ventless fireplace choice. Its ease of installation and low maintenance cost make it a great choice. If you want to add real charm and warmth to your home, you should consider a gel fuel ventless fireplace. It will add an elegant ambiance to any room for years to come.

John Stoner is the owner of Patio Furniture, Fountains and Fireplaces, a website that provides information and decorating ideas for the home, patio and garden where you will find more about gel fuel fireplaces and other decorating topics.

What You Should Know Aboout Ventless Fireplaces

Fireplaces are gaining in popularity and are even standard in many new homes. Some people find them cost-prohibitive, however, and search for cheaper alternatives. Ventless gas fireplaces are options some people consider. Because of their low cost, convenience, and relative ease of installation, they are attractive to those on a strict budget. They are also an excellent heat source. Before considering such a fireplace, though, there are some things that you should know.

Ventless gas fireplaces are not vented to pipes or chimneys, so the burned gases are not removed from the home. This means that any gas by-products—such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide—are put into circulation in the air. It is then breathed by you and your family. Vent free gas fireplaces also produce excess water vapor, which can lead to the production of mold, mildew, and dust mites. All of these things cause poor quality air and increased health risks.

Vent free gas fireplaces are illegal in many states. Even in states where they are allowed, builders must follow very specific codes about their placement. For example, they must provide an exhaust system for removing the hazardous by-products.

On the other hand, vent free units often come equipped with carbon monoxide detectors and oxygen sensors. Both of these features are designed to shut off the system if conditions reach an unsafe point.

If you do decide to use one of these models, experts say you should not use the fireplace for more than 4 hours a day. They also advise that increased levels of carbon monoxide can cause dizziness, headache, fatigue, and nausea.

Though ventless gas fireplaces are financially affordable, they just might not be worth the cost to your family’s health. Only you can decide, but make sure you get all of the facts.

Gas Fireplaces Info provides detailed information about ventless, outdoor, corner, and natural gas fireplaces, and gas fireplace stoves, as well as gas fireplace inserts, logs, and more. Gas Fireplaces Info is the sister site of Fireplace Mantels Web.

Ventless Fireplaces - Things to Consider Before You Buy

It used to be that choices in fireplaces were very limited. They were basically the vented wood burning or gas fireplace. Then along came the ventless fireplace, giving the home owner many more choices. The ventless fireplace also gave new options to apartment dwellers and condo owners. Today there are several options in ventless fireplaces and several things you need to consider before buying or installing.

For starters, the ventless fireplace can be permanently installed or can be portable. What is best for your particular situation needs to be carefully considered. If you're renovating an existing fireplace than installing a ventless fireplace insert is a good option. If you're not into tearing out walls and running flu pipe, than a portable ventless fireplace is the way to go. For apartments, condos, offices or anywhere else there is limited space the portable fireplace is usually the best choice.

If you opt for the permanently installed ventless gas fireplace here are some things to consider. In years past the technology only allowed for a vented gas fireplace because of the massive amounts of carbon monoxide generated as a by-product of burning. Today the technology has been improved so there is more efficient burning of the gas, producing very minimal carbon monoxide. It's all in the burners that are used. And while they burn more efficiently they just don't look quite as good as the vented gas fireplace. This is because with the vented fireplace the burners could be covered with silica sand making it look like the whole area around the logs was burning, giving a much more realistic fire. Because these high efficiency burners can't be covered with anything, you won't get the burning embers effect. If this isn't a big deal for you, than this option may be a very attractive way to go.

In addition, other safety features have been added such as oxygen depletion sensors (ODS). These sensors monitor the amount of oxygen in the air around the floor. If carbon monoxide builds up, these sensors are activated and the gas is shut off. This would happen long before you would start to feel any effects from the carbon monoxide.

Another issue to consider with the ventless gas fireplace is moisture. One of the by-products of burning natural gas is the production of water. With the vent free fireplace this moisture is trapped within your home. Sometimes this moisture will condense on cold surfaces. If this happens where you don't see it such as in attics in the winter, other problems can arise. On the other hand, especially people who heat with radiators may want and need the extra humidity that is created.

If you don't want the ventless gas fireplace, there are other alternatives. The gel fuel fireplace is a great option. It is portable, easy to install and burns gel fuel in cans placed behind the logs. Just light and you're ready to go. The fire is real and can be made larger or smaller depending on how many cans of fuel you burn at one time. But this is not an alternative heating source. It really is only a decorative fireplace.

Another option is the electric fireplace. This is another portable option with ease of installation and no maintenance. The technology has improved to where you run these with heat only, flame only or heat and flame. Equipped with a fan or blower they give off enough warmth to heat a very small room. These are certainly just decorative fireplaces. They feature only a simulated flames and no crackling sound of a real fire. This option is hard to beat for apartments, condos and offices.

With a little thought and planning, you can find a ventless fireplace option that will meet your specific needs and situation. Whatever the choice, a good ventless fireplace will give you years of pleasure and provide a spectacular gathering place for family and friends.

John Stoner is the owner of Patio Furniture, Fountains and Fireplaces, a website that provides information and decorating ideas for the home, patio and garden. There you can learn more about ventless fireplaces and other home decorating ideas.

The Ventless Patio Fireplace - Great Autumn Fun

With autumn having just invaded us, we have months to enjoy before we hit winter. That’s why you’re going to have to hurry up and get on that patio fireplace project you’ve been thinking about all year. It’s not difficult to build a patio fireplace that you’ll actually enjoy year around, but one you’ll start enjoying this fall.

The easiest of all patio fireplaces is the fire pit. It’s easy to build and all it requires is a ventless fireplace insert to make for no mess, no smoke and no hassle. You can also invert it into a patio table when not in use.

The next time you’re out for a lazy Sunday drive take a route through a new housing development in your area. Look for the beautiful brick houses in the neighborhood. You just might find a load of bricks stacked to the side of a few of the houses if the contractors haven’t taken them away yet.

If you look at the house and find that it is finished, that it doesn’t need any more bricks, then you’ve found a good place to start. Ask the owner if they would appreciate your services and offer to haul them away at absolutely no charge to them. They might come back at you with an offer, but that’s business. You’ll still get a great discount on bricks if you don’t get them free for being a Good Samaritan and offering to haul them away.

Once you have your bricks, get some mortar and a trowel. You’re now ready to become your own brick layer. Pay attention to what you’re doing and be as careful as you possibly can. You should be able to do it on your own with no trouble. Purchasing a book about masonry is a few dollars investment that can save you from having to hire a brick layer rather than simply doing it yourself.

There are plenty of pit designs that really enhance the look of any patio. A square is the old reliable. But pits can be circles, ovals and octagons. When you have angled sides like with an octagon or a hexagon, they can get a little complex if you let them. Master brick layers know how to cut brick so that the angle fits perfectly into shape and looks beautifully formed. Circles and ovals are also a bit tricky. You’ll need to learn more than the average person in order to make them look any good.

Don’t allow yourself to be limited. If you want a circle pit, go ahead and learn how to do it. Either use your imagination and give it a try or buy a masonry book so that you can teach yourself. But, a square is rather easy and it looks great on any patio.

Take measurements of how high you would like the fire pit to be. Measure it up to your leg or sit down in a chair and measure a comfortable height for yourself. I would suggest anywhere from two to three feet. That’s about the normal depth so that it’s high enough to comfortably sit around and low enough to reach into rather easily. You have both relaxation and maintenance purposes taken care of at the same time. A good square to go with would be about four feet by four feet.

Now, you have to approach the project with a hearty attitude. Look forward to creating something on your own and that your family will enjoy. Otherwise, you’ll screw it up and yell at me for talking you into it.

Stacking bricks isn’t difficult as long as you remember that you need mortar between the bricks, on all sides. That means you can simply slap some mortar on top of the bricks and make sure mortar goes between them. Keep the thickness of the mortar uniform, normally half an inch. Then scrape off the excess mortar and put that back in your bucket.

You’ll get the hang of it rather quickly, so have fun and enjoy yourself. You’d need enough bricks to stack anywhere from ten to fourteen high. Be sure to adjust your own math if you plan on making a deeper pit.

A fire pit should only take a few hours at the most. It’s one of those jobs that seem overwhelming at first. But taking it one step at a time and you soon start to see the work coming together quite nicely.

Once you’ve finished your pit, simply place a ventless gel fireplace insert in the pit and light your Sunjel to give you a patio experience you’ll enjoy time and time again. Plus when you are finished using your fire pit, be sure to fashion a nice wood cover so that you can make it into a table for other purposes. The cover will hide your patio fireplace away so that you can surprise your company when they come over for an evening of entertainment.

The patio fireplace is a great idea for anyone who is looking around their home and wondering what more could they add to it. It’s the perfect home improvement project for anyone who loves to do work with their hands and create interesting additions that make the neighbors jealous. But more than any of that, it’s the perfect attraction to have when you simply want to enjoy a quiet evening at home on the patio.

Jessica Brylan has been a student of construction all her life, under her father who retired in 2004. Her passion strangely enough turned to the design and structure of the fireplace. You can look forward to her newest publication, Pros and Cons of Ventless Gel Fireplaces after it's scheduled to publish soon.

The Do It Yourself Corner Fireplace - Ventless Gel Style

Fireplaces somehow became my specialty. I started out with framing homes, building decks and designing additions. But, I did start coming up with some pretty interesting fireplace designs after I discovered the Ventless Gel Fireplace firebox and insert. You can literally do anything when you have those two things.

One evening, I received a call from a friend of mine in West Virginia. He had an idea for a fireplace and he knew exactly where he wanted to put it. He loved my idea of Ventless Gel Fireplaces, but this one was going to have to be a Do It Yourself job. I made plans and took the trip down to see what he was talking about.

He had a beautiful log cabin in the mountains. It was complete with cedar wood plank floors and brick walls on the inside. But, the outside was your natural looking log cabin you fall in love with when you vacation in the Appalachians. That rustic look that just makes you want to stay and never leave.

When I finally arrived, we talked for a bit and I got a feel for what he was thinking about. Then, he showed me the corner where he wanted it placed. I looked at a picture he presented me and immediately I got the idea.

He wanted a Ventless Gel Fireplace, but he wanted a specialized deal. The fireplace he had designed sat at an angle in the corner and it had a shaft that ran to the ceiling. He said he wanted it to be made of concrete and I knew what I needed to do.

I can't say this enough but designing your own Ventless Gel Fireplace is really rather easy and it's quite fun too. You get the fireplace experience without the mess, the fumes or the sparks. But, you don't have to build a chimney or a hearth. And I could understand why he would want it that way. If you looked at how beautiful his floors and his walls were, you'd understand too that he didn't want anything destroyed. It just missed a fireplace.

I was on the phone ordering supplies and he was surprised to see the bottom line. It wasn't that expensive at all when you do things my way. I'm going to say this now and you'll most likely hear it out of me again, but don't ever let a project overwhelm you. There is a simple solution for everything.

My firebox and fireplace insert was delivered to him within a week. When I heard that it had arrived, I made another trip to West Virginia to finish the job. He was really surprised when he heard that he would have the fireplace he had envisioned in just one day.

The first job in building the corner fireplace was to begin with the frame. In framing the unit, I would use two different types of material. Wood for the firebox itself and wire for the shaft reaching to the ceiling.

The wood frame would be built to hold the firebox and inserts. I don't have any fear of building a wooden frame when I know that I am going to be placing a Ventless Gel Fireplace firebox and insert inside. The safest fireplace solution ever, I have nothing to fear.

The wooden frame will sit angled in the corner. There is technical jargon for what angle it should sit and how to measure, but I'm sure you know what I mean. If you plan on attempting anything like this, digital equipment works best. Digital protractors and digital levels used together can give you the exact angles you need.

The frame for the shaft wasn't that hard. I used wire to create a structure that funneled to the ceiling. Then, I used wire mesh to give myself something to play with when I was ready to create the shaft. Here's the kicker!

I've always said to look at the project and don't let it overwhelm you. Find an easy solution to every problem. Instead of using cement like he wanted, I talked him into an easier and a more cost effective solution. I grabbed some drywall compound and I made my client a shaft. It was that easy.

The wire mesh held the compound in place until it dried. I actually thought it looked good when it was finished. It had a rough texture to it like stucco patterns on the ceiling. But, my client wanted a smooth finish. So, out came the sand paper.

And that is all it took to build my client a corner fireplace he had in his mind. In fact, he said it was exactly what he had envisioned. I just said, and I'll say it again, look at a project for how easy it is. Nothing is too hard. Don't let a job overwhelm you because anything can be done if you just look for the solution.

Jessica Brylan has been a student of construction all her life, under her father who retired in 2004. Her passion strangely enough turned to the design and structure of the fireplace. You can look forward to her newest publication, Pros and Cons of Ventless Gel Fireplaces after it's scheduled to publish soon.

The Ventless Gel Fireplace Has Many Design Options

The Ventless Gel Fireplace comes to the house virtually ready to warm your home and give you that cozy feeling. A few simple Do-It-Yourself steps and you have a fire blazing minutes after it arrives at your home. But, you don’t have to think it’s all over at that point.

Your Ventless Gel Fireplace can actually become a major part of your décor. Especially that is if you are willing to build fireplace mantels throughout your home and place your portable fireplaces in them. So, design options are always an interesting aspect to explore.

Stone

Stone can actually be a huge undertaking that can return tremendous rewards. But, because a Ventless Gel requires no chimney and no hearth, the work is easier than you think. Cathedral type mantels that stretch to the ceiling and hug the floor with massive footstools can really add prestige to your Ventless Gel Fireplace arrangements.

Marble

Marble can get rather expensive. With some of the mantels running a smooth $8500, you can have a marble mantel brilliantly placed in your home for about the same cost as a small addition. But, the elegant carvings and beautifully crafted designs will make marble one of the most prominent features in your home.

Wood

Wood mantels are actually the easiest of the design options. Choices of the right woods can make your fireplace look contemporary or take viewers back centuries. Dark woods and light woods, the many different textured woods make choosing a wood mantel the most diverse option of all.

Stucco

Stucco offers a more contemporary look that cleans itself up nicely. But, people find it a problem that stucco is flammable. It’s not really a problem when you consider how Ventless Gel Fireplaces are totally safe, fire and all. The fire stays in the fireplace unlike the traditional fireplace with logs, sparks and fumes. So, enjoy the stucco form and design. You’ll never lose your home over it.

Mosaic

Mosaic tile arrangements are often seen on tables, mirrors and walls. This brings to light that mosaic makes for a great fireplace design option as well. Mosaic tiles can enhance the area above the fireplace mantel as well as the sides. Even the floor in front of the fireplace area makes for a great place to create a mosaic design.

Concrete

Concrete, like stone, can create a massive structure that stretches to the ceiling. In fact, concrete is easier to form and great bases at the foot of the fireplace provide for nice, romantic seating areas. Place your Ventless Gel Fireplace inside and you have a major structure that is warm and cozy from first sight.

The magic of a fireplace is hard to explain, but easy to understand. They provide for great gathering places where families can talk and couples can connect. New design options will always be around. But, you might just find yourself having fun creating some of your own.

Jessica Brylan has been a student of construction all her life, under her father who retired in 2004. Her passion strangely enough turned to the design and structure of the fireplace. You can look forward to her newest publication, Pros and Cons of Ventless Gel Fireplaces after it's scheduled to publish soon.

The Pros and Cons of Ventless Fireplaces


Ventless fireplaces are not vented to chimneys or to pipes. They are becoming more popular because of their low cost and convenience. They are also easy to install. These fireplaces are a good source of heat as well. However, there are some obvious drawbacks because they are in fact ventless. Therefore, the gases are not removed from the home. Apparently, some States have even banned these types of fireplaces. Gases such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and nitrogen dioxide are all vented back into the home. Obviously, this can creates quite a health risk.

If ventless fireplaces are allowed in your state, then are some very specific, important steps that must be followed. The most important step is that an exhaust system must be in place so that the hazardous gases are released from the home. Many of these particular fireplaces come with the proper carbon monoxide detectors and oxygen sensors. If these sensors detect any of the dangerous gases, they automatically shut off the entire system. It is recommended that these units not be run for more than four hours a day.

Many people have ventless fireplaces installed because there is no need for chimneys or flues. They are also quite popular with people who re-model homes because they can easily be added to an existing room because they are self contained and quite cost efficient. Another issue with these types of fireplaces is the production of water. This water is released into the home in the form of water vapor. This is not a bad thing during the winter when the air is dry but if too much water is in the air it will cause problems in the form of mold and mildew. This can cause quite a bit of damage if not looked after, especially in the walls or attic.

Ventless fireplaces have become quite popular and another reason for this is that they come in different shapes and styles that are designed to compliment many different home decors. They can be installed just about anywhere as well. However, it is important to note the drawbacks of them too. Make sure you follow all the safety precautions and you will be very happy with your new fireplace.

We provide information on all things related to fireplaces such as a fireplace heat exchanger, fireplace rugs and ventless fireplaces along with many other items concerning your fireplace.
by D. Karlson

How You Can Benefit From A Vented Gas Fireplace

A vented gas fireplace is not only attractive to look at, but it is also much safer and efficient than a ventless fireplace. These are just a couple of the added benefits that this type of fireplace brings to your home. Here's a look at many more.

As the name implies, a vented gas fireplace will require some type of ventilation, be it a chimney or other out the wall system.

If your home does not have an existing chimney, you may want to either reconsider this type of fireplace or be prepared for the added expense of building a chimney for it.

Now, with that being said, the benefits of a vented fireplace are quite advantageous.

Lower Burn Temperature - A ventless system requires a very high burn temperature in order to avoid carbon monoxide buildup. This is why the flames look so blue with a ventless fireplace.

Since the burn temperature can be lower in a vented gas fireplace, the flames will look much more real and closer to those of a wood burning fireplace.

Safety - A vented fireplace is much safer than a ventless one. Yes, a ventless fireplace has carbon monoxide sensors that shut off the flames once it hits a certain level to avoid a dangerous situation, but why mess with that to start with? What if the sensor fails?

With gas, having a vent or chimney only makes better sense to me. I know carbon monoxide will not build up and cause potential trouble.

Efficiency - Since a vented fireplace can burn at lower temps, you will use less gas to run it; this results in lower gas bills and more money in your pocket, not to mention a cleaner more beautiful fire.

It is for these reasons among others that the benefits of a vented gas fireplace far outweigh the added installation time and need for a chimney.

By the way, you can learn more about a Vented Gas Fireplace as well as much more information on all types of fireplaces at http://www.FireplacesA-z.com

Ventless Fireplace - The Environment's Best Friend

If you haven't taken a look at a ventless fireplace lately, you may be missing out. Contemporary ventless fireplaces have soared in popularity in recent years. Why? It's mostly due in part to their ease in setting up because there is no ductwork to deal with. It's also due to how energy efficient they are. These fireplaces disperse all the heat they generate, into your room, and not up the chimney.

Have you ever sat by a roaring fireplace, only to suddenly have smoke come rolling out? If you're like most folks then yes you have. It certainly takes a way the enjoyment a fire provides. With a ventless fireplace you don't have this concern.

How about having to constantly clean out the ashes from a wood burning fireplace? That can get old in a hurry if you use your fireplace frequently. Again, this isn't an issue with a ventless fireplace.

There are no flues to deal with, no trying to light the fire and turn the logs, along with many other issues most homeowners get tired of dealing with.

With a ventless fireplace you can put away the wood and all of these other issues, and immediately begin enjoying the warmth and coziness a fireplace provides.

Ventless fireplaces don't use wood or gas that produces smoke. They us a special jellied alcohol that burns clean. There is no smoke or smell. it is completely safe to use, and does not harm the environment in any way. Plus, it looks fantastic!

A ventless fireplace could be exactly what you've been needing. Check them out today and start enjoying fewer hassles with building a fire and more time enjoying it.

All Rights Reserved Worldwide. Reprint Rights: You may reprint this article as long as you leave all of the links active and do not edit the article in any way.

Terry Edwards is the owner of Fireplaces A-z, a website providing great information about fireplaces and fireplace accessories. You can learn more about Ventless Fireplaces as well as much more information on all types of fireplaces at http://www.FireplacesA-z.com

Ventless Fireplaces, Choose from Several Versions

During the Summer months a fireplace has little appeal, in fact many people never bother to even look at the thing and often disguise it with screens, flowerpots or possibly a fireplace tealight conversion kit with which they can at least light a few tealights or candles to bring the dark hole in the wall to life. Yet, during the colder time of year there are few who would not love to be able so sit by a roaring fire, all warm and snug. Of course those who do not have a built in fireplace can only dream about the luxury of a cozy fire within their own four walls. That is, until now. Now anybody can own a fully functional fireplace, whether they live in a house, an apartment, a single room or even a cave. A chimney is no longer needed.

Several versions of ventless fireplaces are on the market. All of them are 99% heat efficient since the heat goes into the room and not up the chimney. Which one you choose probably depends on one or more of these considerations: price, looks, and hook-up.

1. Non-vented natural gas fireplaces which have to be connected to an available natural or propane gas line. They come in various sizes. Large versions put out up to 25,000 BTU's of heat for large rooms. Smaller versions produce 5,000 to 10,000 BTU's. Most come with oxygen sensors that shut down the unit if the home oxygen level gets too low.

Because of the dangers of carbon dioxide build up with a ventless natural gas fireplace in the home several states strictly prohibit their installation. Another problem with these fireplaces is excessive moisture condensation, since a byproduct of gas combustion is water vapor. Fungus and mold infestation could result in additional serious health problems.

They come in a variety of styles and Prices start at about $500. Usage cost is based on usage hours and natural gas or propane prices.

2. Electric fireplaces need no outside venting. They simply need to be plugged into a 120 V outlet. They put out about 4,500 BTU's if the heater is turned on. They have a realistic flame effect, created with randomized filtered lighting. The flame effect can be used without the heater. A multifunctional remote control comes with each unit.

Available in a variety of styles to suit your decor or taste. Prices start around $2,100. Fuel cost is based on usage and cost of electricity at the time used.

3. Gel fuel fire places need no installation or hook ups. They can be placed anywhere in your home or cabin and even can be taken with you when you move or spend time at a second home. The gel comes in pint size cans and will burn from 2 to 3 hours, depending on the humidity level of a home. The dryer the air, the longer the fire will burn. BTU output is 9,000. It is a non-toxic gelled alcohol made from organic thickeners and Isopropyl Alcohol, that it is smokeless and odorless. It is safe, clean burning, no fumes, no sparks, no ashes, nor flying embers. 100%environment friendly. Because it is an alcohol product it can be safely stored indoors at room temperature or cooler. Another feature neither the electric nor the gas fireplace offers, is the real crackling sound produced while the gel fuel burns. By adding the smell of burning wood through the use of scented candles, incense or oils a total fireplace experience can be created.

Gel fuel ventless fireplaces are available in a wide variety of styles, composition and colors to suit your decor or taste. Prices start at $300. Fuel cost is based on usage. Each can of gel fuel burns for approximately 3 hours and costs about $3. This is comparable to the cost of those compressed logs available for regular fire places, however, one of these will have to burn out while you can close the lid on the gel fuel container anytime and reuse it at a later date.

While each version has its benefits and drawbacks, the buyer is wise to consider all of those before making the commitment. When it comes to versatility, this writer finds the Gel Fuel Ventless Fireplace the best choice because of its lower initial purchase price, no need for utility connections, small clearance, and reasonable fuel cost per burn; but most of all I like the fact that I can take it with me when I move. Ideal for apartment dwellers and small homes.

The author has a home decor business, http://www.buyhomeandgardendecor.com, where, amongst other products, she also sells ventless fireplaces. http://www.buyhomeandgardendecor.com/gel_fireplace.html

Creating Your Own Ventless Gel Fireplace

Do It Yourself is springing up all over the place. It’s a great thing because there really is no reason why a person can’t learn to do interesting projects for themselves. If you have an idea for a fireplace but you just don’t like the odds you are up against, there really is no reason why you can’t figure out how to do it for yourself.

The old way of doing things used to be to call the general contractor and get a quote on a project idea you had. But, there was always a risk that the work wouldn’t come out looking like the image you had in your mind. Did you communicate your wants as clearly as you possibly could? It’s hard to know until you see the finished project.

But if you have a fireplace idea, there is no reason why you have to go through all that. You have the image in your mind. Do your homework and learn how to do it yourself. That’s the only way you are ever going to be completely happy with an idea you have.

Ventless gel fireplace has fireboxes that help you design your own fireplaces by yourself. The firebox contains the fire, holds your inserts and gives you a safe place to stack your ceramic logs. So, take a second and see how it works.

One project I recently helped complete was the fireplace in the bathroom. Of course, electric won’t work. But, the traditional fireplace and a gas fireplace would be very expensive. In comes the firebox.

We knocked a hole in the drywall and cut out a square where the firebox would be installed. I built a wooden structure that would house the firebox. The firebox was installed and I finished the wall with a concrete border and a rock design that added a beautiful touch to the bathroom décor.

Relaxation in the bathroom is greatly enhanced after you install a fireplace. Taking a bath and feeling the warmth while you are hypnotized by the crackling of the fire is a great way to enjoy an evening. But, it’s not that common to find a fireplace in the bathroom.

That idea and others are just what I’m talking about. You can install your own fireplace in your living room. You can create a patio fireplace if you want. There is no limit to how far you can go to enjoy the fireplace experience anywhere you see fit.

The bathroom project took a day after the firebox arrived at the house. I truly believe anyone can have a fireplace anywhere if they just use their imagination and followed through with these great ideas we all get from time to time. Call for help if you need. I really wouldn’t want you to destroy your own home if you have absolutely no construction skills at all. But, it’s worth the time if you’d like to give it a try and learn how to do some home improvement projects on your own.

Jessica Brylan has been a student of construction all her life, under her father who retired in 2004. Her passion strangely enough turned to the design and structure of the fireplace. You can look forward to her newest publication, Pros and Cons of Ventless Gel Fireplaces after it's scheduled to publish soon.