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.
The choices in fireplace styles used to be very limited. You had to choose between a vented wood burning or gas fireplace. But that has all changed. Now there is the ventless fireplace giving homeowners, condo owners and apartment dwellers many more choices. But with these new options come several things you need to think about before buying.
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.
One of the things to consider with the ventless gas fireplace is moisture. When you burn natural gas, water is produced. This water can collect in undesirable places when it gets trapped in your home. It can condense on cold surfaces and cause unseen damage. On the other hand, if you have radiant heat you may find the added moisture a welcome addition.
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.
The electric fireplace is another ventless fireplace option you should consider. These are portable fireplaces that are easy to install with absolutely no maintenance. Advanced features allow them to be operated with the flame only, heat only or with both the heat and flame. Many have remote controls. Their fan or blower allows you to heat a small room. Nevertheless these are only decorative fireplaces with a simulated flame and no crackling fire. But these can be just the thing for apartments or 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, ventless fireplaces will give you years of pleasure and provide a spectacular gathering place for family and friends.
Both Elisabeth Mcgill & John Stoner are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Elisabeth Mcgill has sinced written about articles on various topics from Real Estate, Family and Pets. The author has a Home and Garden Decor business. She is excited that 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.. Elisabeth Mcgill's top article generates over 2900 views. to your Favourites.
John Stoner has sinced written about articles on various topics from Koi Fish Pond, Family and Home Management. John Stoner is the owner of a website featuring decorating tips for the home, and garden. Here you'll find more information. John Stoner's top article generates over 4400 views. to your Favourites.