Vent Free Fireplace Installation | Fireplace Installation Tips. Vent- free fireplaces use either natural gas or propane and don't require a chimney to work properly. You can place these fireplaces just about anywhere in a home or business without needing major construction for venting. As an added bonus, vent- free systems are very efficient at heat production as compared to traditional fireplaces and have low operating costs. Decide on your new fireplace and purchase your vent- free unit.
Read More There are many available styles of mantels and trim options to match your decor and budget Fireboxes can be plain or ornate but the size you purchase needs to correspond to the size of the room and the amount of heat you want. Decide on the firebox before deciding on a mantel to ensure you purchase the correct size mantel for the firebox.(2)Determine if a vent free system will meet your needs. If you live in a humid area you may need to purchase a dehumidifier as vent- free units can increase indoor humidity. You should also contact your local municipality's building department to see if a vent- free system can be used safely in your home. Contact a licensed plumber or HVAC technician familiar with gas line installations.
Have him install a new connection where the fireplace will sit or ensure an existing connection is in proper working order. Inspect the unit upon delivery. Ensure you have all the necessary pieces for installation and that they're not damaged. Situate the fireplace base and your chosen hearth against the wall in the area you've selected.
A vent-free gas fireplace that runs on either propane or natural gas doesn’t require a flue or vents to the outdoors. Today’s vent-less gas fireplaces have oxygen-detection safety pilot lights on them that do not light if. All about Vent Free Gas Log Set. From installing to the exact specifications. For more info, visit and speak to a professional at http://www.chimneycricket.com. Vent Free Fireplace Installation; Wood Burning Stoves; Fireplace Inserts; Electric Fireplaces; Fireplace Glass Doors; What Type Of Fireplace Do You Have? Cleaning Your. Decide on your new fireplace and purchase your vent.
The hearth is the elevated noncombustible area in front of the fireplace. Place the firebox on top of the hearth, and connect the gas line. Move your mantel so that it lies around the firebox, and install the trim and accessories, such as doors and vent- free fire logs.
VENT FREE GAS FIREPLACE INSERT MODEL #FBD28T WARNING. Installing, testing, or replacing gas piping or b). State and local codes in some areas prohibit the use of vent-free heaters. LOCAL CODES PRODUCT FEATURES. 6.
Vent- Free Fireplace | Vent- Free Gas Fireplace. See if We Have Top- Rated.
Here we'll show you how to install a gas fireplace. Sign up today for FREE and become part of The Family Handyman community of DIYers. Complete DIY instructions for installing a direct-vent gas fireplace. Print. Share. Installing a vent free fireplace is a great way to add a fireplace to any room even if you don't have access to a chimney. Chimney Cricket experts have been installing gas fireplace logs, both vented, vent-free or vent-less gas logs, since 1990. Vented Gas Logs. Installing gas fireplace logs in your home will make life easier; No more hauling.
Fireplace Contractors in Your Area. If you've looked into vent- free fireplaces at all, you've probably discovered there are quite a few differing opinions on the safety of installing one in your home.
The basic concept of a vent- free fireplace is easy enough to understand. By burning gas instead of wood, you can create a "smokeless" heat that doesn't require ventilation and allows all the heat created by the fire to stay in your home. Of course, it's not exactly that simple. By- products are still created when burning gas in your home, including carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, among others. These gases get pushed into your home along with the heat, which can create a dangerous situation if not carefully monitored. Vent- Free Fireplaces and Other Appliances.
You might be thinking if all these dangerous gases are being pushed into my home, how is it that vent- free fireplaces are safe at all for residential use? It's a good question and some people would say they're not. Others will point out that you're also openly burning gas when you turn on your stove, and people aren't exactly showing up in the news condemning the use of gas stove and oven ranges. Both points of view are valid and misleading.
If you have a high capacity oven range, ran all the burners on high for several hours a day (or if it's malfunctioning), you might have a toxic gas problem. On the other hand, if you properly size a vent- free fireplace and only run it on a limited basis and well within the manufacturer's specifications, you shouldn't have any problems with dangerous gases. That said, many homeowners take the stance that no level of dangerous gases are safe in their home. Carbon Monoxide and Other Dangerous Gases. Of all the dangerous gases, carbon monoxide is the most dangerous and the most notorious. Few homeowners are still unaware of the odorless and colorless gas. It can cause all sorts of health problems ranging from mild headaches to death.
If you decide to install a vent- free fireplace do yourself favor and install multiple carbon monoxide detectors in your home, including near the fireplace. Check them regularly.
One of the less advertised gases that can be dangerous to your home is water vapor. Excessive water vapor being emitted from your vent- free gas fireplace can cause your wallpaper to peel, as well as other structural damage. Even gases other than carbon monoxide can cause respiratory problems if they're present in large enough quantities and/or someone in the home has sensitivity to that gas. Homeowner Safety and Fireplace Alternatives. Improper installation, improper fireplace sizing, improper use, and appliance failure can all lead to major safety issues. In fact, health concerns over the use of this appliance have led some countries and states within the US to ban vent- free gas fireplaces. Still, too many homeowners covet the low installation and operating cost and only want to use their fireplace on a limited basis.
If you're one of these homeowners, at the very least try to find a contractor/manufacturer who will bear the responsibility for product failure, should something go wrong. Ask these professionals and companies about health concerns. If they dismiss these concerns as foolish myths, you should probably run for the door. On the other hand, if they tell you there are some concerns, but they've never had any problems with their fireplaces, ask them to put in writing that they will cover any damages and expenses associated with product failure. Your best bet remains to simply put up the extra money and install a vented fireplace. It may cost a little more and not be as energy- efficient, but saving a few dollars on your utility bill shouldn't be as important as the health and safety of your household.
Marcus Pickett is a professional freelance writer for the home remodeling industry. He has published more than 6.