Ventless gas fireplaces are a common and popular heating source for homeowners. Pleasing to the eye, vent-free fireplaces don’t release any smoke into the home. Yet, Despite their cozy ambiance, they can be extremely dangerous.
Because vent-free fireplaces trap toxic fumes inside of the flue, there is an increased risk for Carbon Monoxide poisoning. While trapping smoke can be convenient for your home, it can also expose you to hazardous gases.
The good news is that there is a safe and energy-efficient alternative. Since they offer the same comfort as a traditional fireplace, sales for electric fireplaces have increased. Here is everything you need to know about electric fireplaces and how they can benefit your home.
Ventless Gas Fireplace Drawbacks
Take a closer look at a vent-free fireplace and you’ll notice several things that separate it from the rest. They are installed into the wall, using gas instead of wood as an energy source. When lit, smoke no longer comes out of the fireplace, with no need for ventilation or fireplace upkeep.
However, while much of the heat gets trapped inside your house, it can bring other unwanted gases with it. It is easy to prevent Carbon monoxide poisoning with a wood-burning fireplace, but it is much harder to manage a ventless gas fireplace. Due to its style of installation, it can be difficult to know if it needs an inspection.
To be clear, a ventless gas fireplace is manageable, but it can be difficult to know when hazardous gases may be entering your home. To be aware of the safety concerns that come with having a vent-free fireplace, stay involved with the entire installation process.
Even so, it may be time to consider switching to a more resourceful and secure alternative. Here are a few things to consider before keeping or installing a ventless gas fireplace in your home.
1. They are Unsafe
As mentioned before, having a vent-free fireplace can be dangerous. Although it tends to keep a lot of heat in your home, some gases can leak into your living space. If you don’t have a carbon monoxide detector near your fireplace, the risk of poisoning is even greater.
Among the most common and deadly gases is Carbon Monoxide. This tasteless and scentless invader is completely undetectable by the naked eye. This makes it one of the most dangerous health hazards for homeowners. Unfortunately, lack of ventilation paired with a gas-based energy source can create toxic fumes.
Some other common toxic gases include carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and water vapor. Any of these can give you serious side effects, especially if you live with an underlying medical condition.
2. They Are Illegal in Some States
Although they are legal to install in most states, vent-free fireplaces are illegal in California and Massachusetts. Even so, more individual states are banning sales and/or installations, making it difficult to have one in your home.
They are completely illegal in Canada unless they are being installed outdoors, and most states have specific installation policies for every kind of fireplace. Make sure that you check your local county’s laws on vent-free fireplaces before installing one into your home.
3. They are Difficult to Maintain
Although they keep smoke out of the house, it is difficult to know what is being brought in with the heat. Due to the nature of their installation, vent-free fireplaces are difficult to maintain.
You must make sure carbon monoxide detectors are near the fireplace. Be a part of the installation process from beginning to end. Certain counties and/or states have very specific fireplace installation policies. With that in mind, make sure that the professionals are following every rule set in place.
Benefits of Electric Fireplaces
With the number of benefits that come with installing one into your home, it’s no wonder that the demand for electric fireplaces keeps going up. These stylish, energy-efficient, and safe appliances could make a great addition to your home.
Not only are they simple to install, but they can also appeal to every aspect of your interior decorating. Some can go into a wall, while others can come with a freestanding mantel. Every aesthetic can make your home even more appealing for you, your family, and your guests.
If you have utilized a gas or wood-burning fireplace, it can feel strange to switch to an entirely new style. But once you make the decision, you may wish you would have installed one a long time ago. Here are all the amazing benefits of adding an electric fireplace to your home.
1. Safety
Traditional wood-burning fireplaces are hazardous. They can create uncontrollable fires or emit a myriad of toxic gases. Vent-free fireplaces trap smoke in the chimney, but their heat emission can bring poisonous gases into your home.
With an electric fireplace, you no longer have to worry about any health hazards. Some even come with an option to shut off after a long period of time so you don’t have to remember to do it yourself.
2. Cheap Cost
Traditional fireplaces are expensive to install, leaving you with a hefty paycheck. Plus, general maintenance can add to that price. With the need for fireplace inspections, repairs, or damage, a fireplace can cost a lot of money.
Electric fireplaces are cheap and easy to install. Depending on the style, an electric fireplace may only cost you a few hundred dollars. Even if you do pay more for an electric fireplace, you won’t have to worry about chimney sweeps or inspections. This makes an electric fireplace valuable and resourceful.
3. Energy Efficiency
Instead of using a heating system during the winter, an electric fireplace can be a safe and energy-efficient alternative. Compare this to a ventless gas fireplace, known for being a safety hazard.
When using supplemental heating, you save money and reduce the amount of energy used in your home. This not only makes electric fireplaces resourceful, but it also makes them sustainable.
4. Simple Installation
Installing wood-burning or vent-free fireplaces can be an invasive and costly process. When installing a fireplace, there may be significant changes made to its place in your home. In the case of a ventless gas fireplace installation, strict rules must be followed to keep your household safe.
While it does depend on the style, electric fireplaces don’t typically require an intense installation process. Some can stand on their own, meaning that little to no installation may be necessary. Even if you do choose to install one into the wall, it may only need a bit of adjusting. Collaborate with the company you work with, and you won’t have to worry about any future repairs.
5. Seamless Maintenance
Electric fireplaces are very easy to maintain. Without the need for consistent chimney sweeps or masonry repair, you won’t have to worry about taking care of your fireplace once it’s installed.
Not only that, but you won’t have to worry about toxic gases entering your home from a lack of ventilation or upkeep. With an electric fireplace, spending money on maintenance will become a thing of the past.
6. Longevity
One of the greatest things about electric fireplaces is that they last for a long time. Since they are less likely to rust or need masonry repair, there is very little need for replacement. Once you have one installed into your home, you can sit back and enjoy its comfort.
Some can even last for years without appearing like they need repair. They rarely show signs of decay and won’t increase as a safety hazard the older they get.
7. Customization
There are many electric fireplaces to choose from. If you are planning to install one in your home, you will find a style that works for you.
With themes ranging from modern to traditional, there is a style for every person. You can also choose the level of installation, whether that may be a slightly invasive wall-hung fireplace or a simple stand-alone mantel.
8. Ambiance
The atmosphere that you get out of an electric fireplace is one of beauty, calmness, and relaxation. With its sleek, efficient design, your new fireplace will freshen up your home and add a bit of personal flair to your living space. Whether you prefer to snuggle up with a good book or spend a winter evening with your partner, there is an electric fireplace for every situation. Spend some time in front of a warm fireplace safe and worry-free.
9. Space
Since they are not as invasive, electric fireplaces take up less space. Even one installed into the wall won’t need much depth. It is very unlikely that you’ll need to readjust much to accommodate your fireplace. With that in mind, their easy installation allows for more flexibility when it comes to space.
Compare this to traditional fireplaces, which often need a chimney to work. Electric fireplaces can work on their own, regardless of whether you have a chimney. If space is an issue, smaller sizes can be utilized to fill up tight corners or hallways.
10. Sustainability
Vent-free fireplaces trap all their toxic gases within the hearth. When smoke gets released, so do these carbon emissions. With that in mind, traditional fireplaces are not eco-friendly. Even wood-burning fireplaces send unsafe fumes into the air, making them less sustainable.
With that in mind, people who value the environment may want an electric fireplace. Without the need to use up natural resources, they can be a simple but elegant addition to your home. If it has the option to produce heat, it does so sparingly. This makes it very energy-efficient and doesn’t taint the environment.
Why You Should Invest in an Electric Fireplace
Compared to ventless gas fireplaces, electric fireplaces are safe, cheap, and energy-efficient. Although they trap toxic gases in the chimney, vent-free fireplaces can become hazardous.
You no longer have to worry about these issues if you switch to an electric fireplace. Their beautiful and realistic designs offer a style for everyone, even if you’re used to owning a traditional fireplace.
Electric fireplaces can give you the benefits of a traditional fireplace and more. Easy to install, their cheap cost makes their appearance that much more valuable. Whether you want one placed on a wall or standing on its mantel, there is a fireplace for every occasion.
With an electric fireplace, you no longer have to spend money on yearly chimney sweeps, repairs, or inspections. If you have used a wood-burning fireplace, you no longer need to buy firewood or worry about ash and soot making a mess.
Investing in an electric fireplace is a safer alternative to vent-free fireplaces. With plenty of options to choose from, you can find a fireplace that enhances your home’s interior design.
Switch to Electric With That Fireplace Store
That Fireplace Store offers professional and satisfactory services for all your fireplace needs. As an authorized dealer of Napoleon, we have many electric fireplace designs to choose from. With That Fireplace Store, you can expect a local experience matched with the utmost quality for your home.
Whether you are looking for a more modern take or want to have one installed in your home, we are happy to help. Make the switch to an electric fireplace and choose one of our lovely designs.
We are happy to install a maintenance-free option into your home. To inquire about our fireplace services, please email us at info@thatfireplacestore.com or visit our website at www.thatfireplacestore.com.
