One great option for fireplaces today is a ventless fireplace.
Compared to traditional vented wood or vented gas fireplace, this is a better alternative for most homeowners.
This type of fireplace runs on natural gas or propane.
So, unlike the old traditional fireplaces, a ventless fireplace do not need external outlets like chimneys, flues or side wall vents.
Because of its many advantages, a lot of people prefer ventless units.
For one, this type of fireplace does not require the burning of wood.
Fireplace units that use wood for burning only produce ash and soot which are a chore to clean.
Furthermore, these units are usually cheap to install and use.
And because they do not need an external exhaust, they can be installed on any wall regardless of whether it an internal or external wall.
This saves you the cost of chimney construction and maintenance.
There are other reasons for people preferring this fireplace type.
Vent free units often offer more reliable heat control than wood burning fireplaces.
You never have to push logs around to get the right amount of heat.
The best part is that you can recreate the look and feel of traditional winter fires without the hassle of using wood.
Several types of vent free units are available.
They come in small, medium and large units.
For large rooms, a large unit is required.
Similarly, smaller rooms require smaller units.
Be careful to use the right size " using a large fireplace in a small room can prove to be dangerous.
Not everyone is comfortable with a ventless fireplace.
In fact, in some states and countries, the use of this type of heating unit is forbidden by law.
Some places recommend its use only as a secondary power source during power outages.
The main reasons for caution are health related.
Even if a vent free unit produces only minimal carbon monoxide, some people are concerned that the gas could build up and deplete the oxygen level in the room, proving to be fatal to the room occupants.
Moisture is another concern.
Vent free units do not have external exits to release the water vapor that they produce.
The concern is that moisture could find its way into a room and lead to the formation of molds and mildew.
Not only will this ruin furniture, it may also cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
The good thing though is that there are always ways to protect yourself from these possible dangers.
If you have decided that you want a ventless unit, simply make sure that it comes with a standard gas sensor.
The gas sensor will inform you of carbon monoxide levels and warn you if the level is already too high for your safety.
To deal with the moisture problems, you can get a dehumidifier.
Before getting a ventless fireplace, check with local authorities first if there are no prohibitions against using such.
Based on its given advantages and disadvantages, it is up to you to determine if a ventless fireplace is right for you or not.