No matter what the occasion may be, there is no other place that the people at a family event seem to gravitate to then the fireplace. But not all people have the luxury of having a fireplace in their home. While most modern built or even century old homes have fireplaces as the focal point of many rooms, lots of homes built during the middle of the last century do not. However, thanks to modern technology, a vent free gas fireplace can be installed without having to bust out a wall or install a flue through the roof. With these limitations removed, a fireplace can be installed most anywhere in the home that is accessible to a gas line.
While a vent free gas fireplace is not meant to be used as the primary heat source for a building, they do make great supplemental heat sources for rooms that may be difficult to heat or for just adding to the beauty of any room. Since there is no flue, there is no heat going up the chimney and being wasted. In addition to these benefits, this type appliance is also much cheaper to operate than say an electric space heater or one that burns kerosene.
The first thing people tend to question when you speak of a fireplace being vent free is what about the toxic gases produced by a free burning flame. A vent free gas fireplace has a high efficiency burner that burns with a much hotter flame, thus consuming all the usual products of combustion before they are emitted out in to the room. These units are required to have an oxygen depletion sensor installed to detect a lack of oxygen near the burner that will shut the burner off if the proper mix of air and fuel is not maintained.
With proper installation and maintenance, a vent free gas fireplace can be a good alternative to the traditional fireplace. And, with the many styles and sizes available, you are sure to find one that works well for your situation and also compliments the decor of any room.
