The fireplaces out on the market are inspected and regulated to be safe to the consumer, but . Despite the manufacturer claims of reduced gas levels, many fireplace professionals consider ventless fireplaces as unsafe. But, the cooking process itself, even on an electric range, releases fine and ultra fine particles into the air. Fireplaces might add the ambiance of warmth and tranquility to your home, but that cozy, crackling glow also conceals an ash pan of potential problems. Gases are free molecules that remain separate from each other without condensing to a liquid or solid. If people don't install them correctly, or use them correctly, they could cause a buildup of carbon monoxide in a room. And remedying it can be a tiresome, timely, and expensive prospect. The goal is to keep them within tolerances and keep us from harm. Most are benign. These, though, are the exact conditions which guarantee the problems we visited earlier. Soot can badly stain areas around a fireplace, like mantels and ceilings. They must be burned in a wood burning fireplace with the damper open, so smoke goes up the flue along with most of the heat. The natural gas or propane that makes it into our home isn't 100% pure. those with existing breathing problems and those who are likely to overlook maintenance) advise against unvented appliances altogether. It's even possible for other substances we wouldn't normally think of to produce air pollutants. As a result, they don't show up in the testing. Sorry, we were unable to share this article, Fireplace Safety Tips to Stay Warm (but Not Get Burned) This Winter, Feeling the Chill? But that doesn't mean they can't be accounted for. It's worth noting that the CPSC uses children, pregnant women, and the elderly as the baseline for its standards. The humidity of air affects how comfortable it is to breathe. There are several types of ventless fireplaces to choose from. Beyond CO poisoning, another concern with ventless gas fireplaces is water vapor. In addition, there have been zero recorded deaths in the U.S. linked to an ODS-equipped appliance. PAHs are also on the list of human carcinogens. They're called volatile organic compounds. On the other hand, the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Energy, the American Lung Association, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the states of California and Massachusetts, and even some dealers and manufacturers within the hearth industry advise against the installation or use of unvented heating appliances at all. Many people even use this type of fireplace as the main heat source in their room. This is how a fireplace is rated, and how much energy it consumes. Cost of ventless gas fireplaces. Make sure any vent-free fireplace you consider is ANSI Certified to ensure these byproducts are limited to a safe level. Contact us to start customizing your own bespoke HearthCabinet™ ventless custom fireplace. For CO, it sets a limit of 15 ppm/hr over 8 hours and 25 ppm/hr over a 1 hour . But, going so far that we aren't participating in living life isn't exactly "healthy" either. That is, given that the scientific community may, at some time in the future, revise its recommendations about the safe limits of indoor air quality constituents and that meaningful research about ultra fine particles is still too young for definitive claims one way or the other, these agencies, in the interest of the most vulnerable populations (i.e. Are Ventless Gas Fireplaces Safe? However, all vented gas logs will create some soot, just like burning real wood does. The concern over it, then, is about what happens when you don't get enough of it. That means four people every hour lose their lives while driving. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) sets a limit of 0.3 ppm/hr for NO2. They . A HearthCabinet® single-sided ventless fireplace can be easily added into a patio, terrace, deck or any outdoor space to add a great touch of vitality, focus, and charm. When the damage gets bad enough, you'll end up having to rip out and replace surfaces like drywall instead of just cleaning them. When you are choosing out a vent free fireplace for your home be sure to pay close attention to the BTU's. The Parrot in Health and Illness is not intended to replace the veterinarian; it is, however, a valuable reference that belongs in the library of everyone who owns a parrot. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) set a required minimum O2 level of 19.5%. Are ventless fireplaces safe? Are Ventless Fireplaces Safe? If you are buying a fireplace for a small room in your house you should find a unit with fewer BTU's. As clever as we are, humans have identified many of the polluting flies in our soup. So, too much water vapor can promote its growth in corners and other hidden spaces. 4.1 out of 5 stars. Although it sounds a bit counterintuitive, ventless gas fireplaces are similar to a gas-powered oven, in that the flame is safely generated without need for . In other words, the allure of an "easier" installation translates into a "planning free" installation and a "maintenance free" ownership. Detractors will argue back that these problems are preventable and easily addressed with . At normal concentrations, it's pretty harmless. Ten times smaller than fine grains of beach sand, or about five times smaller than the diameter of human hairs, these are the largest airborne particles. Not only that, alcohol consumption increases the risk of all sorts of cancers. All other things being equal it was even less than the lower maximum recommended by ASHRAE. Since 1983, every vent-free appliance has been required to have an oxygen deletion sensing pilot (ODS). Everything in life comes with at least some trace of risk, so when we say it is safe, we mean relatively speaking. The first factor in how safe a heater that is ventless is the gas you use for it. The ODS, oxygen detection safety pilot, by design is sensitive to fluctuations in oxygen supply, and is required to automatically activate the automatic gas valve to shut off the unit should the oxygen level drop . In a process called “perfect combustion,” molecules of oxygen combine with methane’s carbon and hydrogen to create two harmless byproducts: water vapor and carbon dioxide (CO2). It's a great way to heat a room that gets a little chilly and keeps the furnace from running all the time. Mold is another coarse particle we're all familiar with. Supporters of ventless fireplaces will tell you there are also risks involved with vented fireplaces, such as creosote buildup. In particular, if your planned space already has excessive moisture, a vent free appliance will cause problems. Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors Most new ventless fireplaces come with their own carbon monoxide detectors that will shut down the unit if too much of this harmful gas is detected. NO2 production was also lower than the CPSC limit. The first is usually, "How do they work?" That's vent free combustion. The gas ignites and the gas flames burn up to the hearth, usually through fireproof and non-combustible 'logs' or other decorative pieces such as stones and pebbles. Additionally, the ventless heaters that are used in homes today are much more fuel and air efficient than the earlier models which fueled fireplaces, creating a safe, clean and energy-efficient heating solution. This gas is piped through the fireplace to power a gas burning element. CO monitors should be calibrated or replaced every year. ft. of living space. We also know that mold loves dampness. The Pros Of Ventless Gas Fireplaces. The point of inhaling is to get oxygen into our lungs. It's easy to forget about cars and trucks and motorcycles we depend on every day. Yeager charges around $900 for a ventless fireplace installation that includes gas logs, which typically cost between $200 and $300 if purchased separately. You can't see it or taste it, which is why it's called the silent killer. Are vent free gas fireplaces safe? In truth, everyone should be concerned with both. But the ventless fireplace is safe because the quantity of gas produced is not high enough to be hazardous. We mentioned gas cooking ranges and stoves make combustion byproducts. Ventless Fireplace Operation Time Ventless fireplaces should only be used for six hours or less a day or whatever is recommended by the manufacturer. That smell when you turn on a heater the first time for the season? It's even possible for people with weakened immune systems to develop chronic lung disease or get mold infections inside their lungs. Once you are logged in, you will be able to find our fireplace supply right here. Vent-frees emit significantly less CO than the maximum levels set by the CPSC. This book is the fifth volume in the series Spacecraft Maximum Allowable Concentrations for Selected Airborne Contaminants, and presents SMACs for acrolein, C3 to C8 aliphatic saturated aldehydes, C2 to C9 alkanes, ammonia, benzene, carbon ... If the oxygen level drops, risking incomplete combustion, the pilot flame's shape deviates from the one that keeps the unit on. Found inside – Page 92now provide a realistic fireplace experience. ... There are two types of gas fireplaces: direct vent and ventless. ... There's a point between burning a match and a roaring fire; there's a safe zone and a danger zone. These ventless gas ... Even though heavily regulated for safety, several states including California and Massachusetts have banned ventless systems (so have Canada and several other countries). There seems to have been a spike in the popularity of vent-free appliances about 20 years ago. Yeager charges around $900 for a ventless fireplace installation that includes gas logs, which typically cost between $200 and $300 if purchased separately. That is comparatively better than any other gas option. Yeager charges around $900 for a ventless fireplace installation that includes gas logs, which typically cost between $200 and $300 if purchased separately. The two biggest property damage concerns from vent frees are soot deposits and mold damage. By doing your homework, and really studying up on these types of fireplaces, you can enjoy the benefits of a vent free fireplace without the safety concerns. Incomplete combustion creates the dangerous molecular byproduct carbon monoxide (CO)—an odorless gas that causes brain damage and even death at high-enough exposure levels. If you fit any of the bills above, or if you still have concerns, there are plenty of direct vent appliances that would suit your needs. Other materials, too, like plastic TV housings, can release particles or gas into the air. Their purpose is fairly obvious. But, it can also get into upholstery, clothes, and, in extreme cases, your lungs. The gas is then burned with air from the room to keep the fire continuously going. Onyx fireplace by Touchstone is the best wall mounted electric fireplace because it is loved by our customers and provides the best value for the money. By comparing a home's insulation to these standards, it's possible to classify it as loose, tight, or average. "In this fascinating collection of postings from his popular "Musings of an Energy Nerd" blog, Green Building Advisor's Martin Holladay cuts through the hype and myths about energy efficiency, sustainability, and green building to present ... So far, each year ASHRAE has elected to forgo the ban recommendation on the grounds of lack of evidence. But, the risk is real. And, there's no reason to expect it to discontinue that trend. Candles made from petroleum-derived wax are the worst offenders. There are compounds we suspect might be harmful in some concentration but that we don't have any standards for yet. 174. Are Ventless Gas Logs Safe? But, be aware that the maintenance schedule of a given appliance may vary. Ideally, this should happen at the beginning of the burn season and at the end. Ventless gas fireplaces, on the other hand, will cost between $1,000 and $5,000. They're suspected of causing colon, breast, and prostate cancers. For added safety, many gas fireplaces will have an ODS, or oxygen depletion sensor. A ventless fireplace (view example on Amazon) contains a regulator that produces a fine mixture of gas and air in a way that allows the gas to burn cleanly. The second concern stems from uncertainty over what we don't yet know. Vent frees simplify the physical installation because there's no venting. Vented gas logs burn like a real wood fire with a yellow flame that produces smoke. It's important to follow those guidelines when you are picking out your fireplace. Vent-free combustion. Manufacturers offer a variety of guidelines and restrictions that aim to mitigate harm. Cinders, ash, volatile resins and creosote that are not routinely cleared from the fireplace can pose a dangerous fire hazard. 4.8 out of 5 stars. To ensure safety, it's important that the unit be used as intended by the manufacturer and is properly installed. Complete combustion adds all the oxygen to a burned substance it can hold. Technically, ventless gas fireplaces are safe, but you will find just as much resistance to them as you will find supporters. If you decide that a ventless fireplace is just what you need for your home, be sure that you are informed. The dual fuel technology allows you to operate this fireplace both on fuel and natural gas. Bedrooms and bathrooms have even stricter requirements. Yeager charges around $900 for a ventless fireplace installation that includes gas logs, which typically cost between $200 and $300 if purchased separately. And there are fair concerns to address their safety. Vent-free gas logs are safe when used properly. The most notorious of them are methylene chloride, benzene, perchloroethylene, and formaldehyde. This is why chimney cleaning is required by codes even when installing a vent free gas log set. Written by youth expert Joe White, Fuel makes it easy and practical for parents to connect spiritually with their teens in just minutes a day. There is, of course, though, a limit to what we can handle healthily. Even our beloved pets' dander is a kind of coarse particle. Click to see full answer. I am skeptical about the safety of ventless fireplaces. Indoor air quality is all about what makes it into our bodies through our lungs. Perhaps as a result, 20% of these homes had CO concentrations greater than what the Environmental Protection Agency considers safe (9 ppm over eight hours, a recommendation similar to the WHO’s). Cooking with gas? Either of these leaking or emitting fumes into the house can cause some potential health problems. Every Tool You Need For Fireplace Installation, How to Find the Right Contractor to Install Your Hearth Appliance. Vented fireplace VS Ventless fireplace. Most buildings aren't perfectly airtight. That's dust volatilizing. Audrey Ference has written for The Billfold, The Hairpin, The Toast, Slate, Salon, and others. The quick and simple answer to the question, are ventless fireplaces safe is yes, with the proper precautions. As for our particles, it's the ultra fine ones that may be of interest. It's the source of "fresh" air. But, unfortunately, some of them can cause us problems. 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