Ventless Propane Fireplace – Pros and Cons
Have you always wanted to snuggle up next to a warm burning fire while sipping some coffee and reading a book. Or maybe you would like to warm up with your significant with a fire crackling in the background.
Wanted to give a bedroom or small family room that rustic cabin look but weren’t able to install a fireplace. Well, now you can have a fireplace virtually anywhere in your home. The ventless propane fireplace is an alternative to traditional fireplace, but what are they and are they safe?
The ventless propane fireplace means that there is no vent, or chimney, like in a traditional fireplace. This eliminates any drafts from coming in and you from losing heat.
It also allows you to put a fireplace in almost any room in your home. Chimneys can only be installed in an outside wall, but now you can put them in bedrooms, dens, basically anywhere.
Since there is no chimney to build, these fireplaces are also cheaper to install, saving you money. Ventless propane fireplaces are made to run efficiently and to produce less carbon monoxide than traditional fireplaces.
They come equipped with sensors that detect carbon monoxide and oxygen levels that automatically shut off the flame if levels become dangerous.
With all good things, there are also some cons to consider when deciding if the ventless propane fireplace is right for you. Since there is no vent, byproducts from burning propane are not released outside like with a chimney.
Instead the bi-products, mainly carbon monoxide, is released into the home. If the fireplace is not installed correctly it can cause carbon monoxide poisoning or even death.
Therefore it is extremely important to ensure that a ventless propane fireplace is installed by a certified professional. This will ensure that the automatic shut off valves are installed and working correctly.
Another bi-product of propane is moisture, and excessive moisture build up in the home can cause warping or other serious dangers. However, this is also minimal if the fireplace is installed properly. The other thing to consider is that these fireplaces can only be used approximately 4 hours a day, so leaving a fire burning all day isn’t a good option.
Ventless propane fireplaces are a nice addition to any home. But be aware of the risks and make sure that it is only installed by a certified professional. This way you can avoid unsafe levels of carbon monoxide build up in the home.
