History

Fireplaces have evolved in form and style over the centuries. From being a necessity for cooking and heating, it serves to add a decorative element to homes.

Ventless fireplace

Ventless fireplaces are efficient sources of heat for a single room. They do not require flues, chimneys or external venting ducts. This reduces the installation costs considerably as compared to the traditional wood and gas fireplaces. Ventless fireplaces use propane or natural gas as sources of fuel. These gases require air of the room for burning. Ventless fireplaces are also used as an alternate source of heat in homes, especially in conditions of extreme cold. They also add an aesthetic appeal to the room, as they are available in a wide array of colors. The only requirement is a line supplying propane from a tank or natural gas from the city supply.

How to choose

Each ventless fireplace has a rating that tells how much energy they consume and the amount of heat they provide, measured in BTUs. The BTUs are important as this figure determines the adequate size of a room for the fireplace to function properly. It is not advisable to install a high output to a small room. Ventless fireplaces utilize ductless technology and they vent out into the room. Thus the volume of air in a room is very important. Ventless fireplaces may replace central heating in case the electricity goes off. Nevertheless, manufacturers recommend the use of a ventless fireplace as an alternate source of heat.

Potential health hazards

While installing these fireplaces, it is advisable to know the potential disadvantages. These types of heaters tend to deplete oxygen, build up carbon monoxide and leads to suffocation. Ventless fireplaces increase the humidity in the room. Several states in the United States such as Massachusetts, Canada and California have outlawed ventless fireplaces.

Overview

Ventless fireplaces are ideal to create a cozy ambience. They are also available in portable forms. These fireplaces are a revolution of sorts. A ventless fireplace provides all the advantages of the traditional hearths and mantels without the additional cost of hiring a contractor. As they are not attached to a chimney, they are portable.

Contemporary fireplace
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