Ventless Gas Fireplaces; What You Should Know

Some gas fireplaces are so-called “ventless” units. We have copied some comments produced by others into this document to provide some guidance in their use. We suggest that if you have such a fireplace, that the time it is in use should be limited, and it should not be used when family members might inadvertently fall asleep, especially in that room. Some states outlaw their installation in bedrooms for that reason. We recommend the installation of a carbon monoxide detector in the room in which any ventless fireplace is located. Downloaded comments:<“CO (carbon monoxide) binds to the blood’s hemoglobin, and blocks the sites where oxygen would normally bind. The brain regulates breathing based upon carbon dioxide levels in the blood, rather than oxygen, so a victim can succumb to oxygen starvation without ever noticing anything.”"Ventless" is a misnomer. These fixtures should actually be called "room vented" fireplaces, since that is truly what they are. All combustion products from these fireplaces are simply venting into the rooms where the units are installed.The American Lung Association (ALA), the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the Emissions Protection Agency (EPA) and the Mayo Clinic have all issued warnings about the use of ventless fireplaces. These warnings are directed particularly with regard to pregnant women, the elderly, those with pre-existing cardio-vascular difficulties, and small children.Note: We at Jack Frost specifically state that ventless fireplaces should NEVER be used as a primary heat source. Not only are you “living in your chimney” for the reasons already described, but you are creating substantial amounts of moisture that is trapped in the home. A ventless gas fireplace can produce about 8 gallons of water per day, if operated continuously. This can do serious damage to the home and the occupants.