If you love the ambiance of a fire but don’t like the soot, ashes, and work associated with the traditional type of fireplace, a ventless fireplace might be of interest to you.  This type of fireplace doesn’t have a flue or a chimney and is a convenient way to enjoy a fireplace without all of the work and mess that comes with a “real” one.  A ventless model is less expensive and much easier to install and also meets strict federal guidelines for safety in your home.

Your ventless fireplace can be fueled with either gas or propane and relies on indoor air for its combustion.  Since 2002 these fireplaces must have a safety device that automatically shuts off the fireplace if the carbon monoxide level rises to an unacceptable level in your living space.  You can safely use a ventless fireplace to enjoy a cozy winter evening with your family in your new home.

You will need a professional installer since your fireplace is connected to a gas or propane supply line.  You’ll need to clean your log set annually so that it will perform up to its maximum level and so that you’ll be able to enjoy a healthy and safe environment.  Make sure that you hire a reputable company that has all of the proper credentials to install and maintain your ventless fireplace.  You’ll also want to check with the proper building authority to see if you need a permit to add the fireplace to your existing home.

Be sure to select the right size for the room in which you are placing your fireplace.  If you have a large, open floor plan like a great room, you should expect to install a unit with a 25,000 BTU output or higher.  For smaller areas, you can use a smaller size which will give you the same esthetic value just in a smaller form.  These units are nearly 100% efficient in keeping the heat that they give off in your room.  You can compare this to a wood-burning fireplace with a chimney where you can expect to lose 85% of your heat up the flue.

To add just a touch of style and sophistication to your décor, you may want to add a ventless fireplace if your home doesn’t already have one.  You’ll have many hours of enjoyment with it on cool fall evenings and at your holiday gatherings during Christmas and New Year’s Eve.  It’s an excellent place for your guests to gather as they reminisce about the good old days and how modern conveniences like ventless fireplaces have taken the work out of a good fire at home.