What are Ventless Fireplaces?
Ventless fireplaces release the emissions of their burn, including noxious gases such as nitrous dioxide and carbon monoxide, inside the home instead of outside the home like a direct vent fireplace. Ventless fireplaces use interior air for combustion, which includes anything present in the air and on the burner and release all emissions inside the room they operate – potentially decreasing the air quality you breathe.
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Types of Fireplace Venting
There are several different types of venting that can be used with a fireplace, below is a quick explainer of how they differ.
Direct Vent gas fireplaces use outside air for combustion and release all emissions outside the home in a sealed system.
Natural Vent gas fireplaces (B-Vent) use air from within the home for combustion and release emissions outside the home.
Ventless fireplaces use air from within the home and release emissions within the home – resulting in poor air quality and potential health risks.
Learn more about the
different types of fireplace venting.
Are Ventless Gas Fireplaces Safe?
Ventless gas fireplaces emit combustion off-gasses into the room they are operating. Without proper ventilation and safety systems in place there can be serious health risks associated with burning gas in a ventless fireplace. Ventless fireplaces produce small amounts of nitrous dioxide and carbon monoxide which can be deadly in large doses. The CDC warns against exposure of any level of carbon monoxide, stating that up to
500 people die per year due to accidental carbon monoxide poisoning.
In order to be used safely ventless fireplaces require carbon monoxide detectors and automatic shutoff valves that measure the oxygen levels in a room. In addition to carbon monoxide, ventless fireplaces also produce a high levels of water vapor. The increased level of water vapor in the home will increase humidity, increasing the risk of mold growth.
Benefits of Ventless Fireplaces
The following are some of the benefits of ventless fireplaces:
- No ventilation required
- No venting means less construction, easier to install in apartments, and a reduction in material costs.
- Great source of heat
- Produce a comparable amount of heat to traditional vented fireplaces
- Relatively Inexpensive
- Less material cost, no need for venting and minimal installation required
Drawbacks of Ventless Fireplaces
The following are drawbacks of ventless fireplaces:
- Release of dangerous gasses
- Carbon monoxide & Nitrous Dioxide
- Dangerous if not managed correctly and negative long-term effects
- Excessive levels of carbon dioxide
- Produces high levels of green-house gasses
- Sooting on the walls, ceiling, and furniture
- Darkening and potential damage to furniture, walls, and ceilings
- Moisture & humidity buildup
- Heightened risk of mold and other moisture born issues
- Reduction of oxygen in small spaces
- Heightened risk of air quality and oxygen level issues
Can Ventless Fireplaces Be Installed Legally?
Depending on where you live you may or may not be able to install a ventless gas fireplace. In addition, the places that do allow ventless installations will have several restrictions on their installation including the size of room and type of room as well as airflow requirements.
Canada
Indoor ventless gas fireplaces cannot be sold in Canada. They can be sold and installed outdoors as fire features or outdoor fireplaces in areas with adequate air circulation.
United States
Most states in the US will allow the installation of ventless fireplaces. There are several states and local counties/cities that have banned the sale and installation of indoor ventless fireplaces including California and Massachusetts. For more accurate information about the legality of indoor ventless fireplaces consult your local government or talk to your local authorized fireplace dealer.
The National Building Code requires a ventless fireplace to be placed in rooms with a certain square footage and are restricted from being placed in bathrooms and bedrooms. In addition, the building code requires a fresh air source to be within a certain distance of the fireplace. Consult local experts to get specific policies in your area.
Modern Ventless Fireplaces for Apartments, Condos, & Bedrooms
Instead of using combustible fuel without any venting why not consider a modern electric fireplace? Electric fireplaces are ventless and do not release any emissions into your home. Heat from electric fireplace is generated from an internal electric heater and the flames are generated using LEDs. Electric fireplaces are the best way to add the warmth, comfort, and ambiance of a fireplace when venting is not an option.
Regency’s lineup of modern electric fireplaces uses Chromalight LED technology and a 3-dimensional firebox to generate flames so real, you won’t believe they are electric. The built-in heater is perfect for supplemental and zone-heating in apartments, condo’s townhomes, and bedrooms.
Explore the Skope lineup of ventless electric fireplaces.
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Regency Skope E110 Electric Fireplace
FAQ
How long can you safely run a ventless fireplace?
Ventless fireplaces rely on indoor air for combustion and release minimal emissions into the room. While modern units meet strict safety standards, it's recommended to limit use to no more than 2 to 3 hours at a time to avoid oxygen depletion and humidity buildup. Signs that the fireplace has been running too long include condensation on windows, stuffy air, or a burning odor. Installing a carbon monoxide detector near the fireplace is required and adds an extra layer of protection.
Do ventless fireplaces heat a room?
Ventless options can heat a room, however they should strictly be used for supplemental heating as they require more airflow and shorter burn times than vented models.
Can you turn a ventless fireplace into a vented one?
No, transforming a ventless fireplace into a vented model is not possible and unsafe. Ventless units are engineered to burn differently, and altering the system could affect combustion and void manufacturer warranties. If you're seeking improved air quality or ventilation, replacing your ventless unit with a vented gas fireplace is the safest and most effective option.
Are ventless fireplaces safe to breathe?
Ventless fireplaces are built with safety in mind, but since they don't have an exhaust system, they release small amounts of combustion gasses such as carbon monoxide and moisture into the room. That's why they include built-in oxygen depletion sensors (ODS), which will automatically shut off the fireplace if oxygen levels get too low. To stay safe, make sure the room has good airflow, avoid running the fireplace for extended periods, and schedule regular maintenance to keep it working properly.
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