Vent Free Fireplaces – The Controversy
Vent free fireplaces are a controversial topic among builders and interior decorators today.
Supporters Of Vent Free Fireplaces
Those who recommend vent free fireplaces tout their many advantages. A vent free fireplace can be installed virtually anywhere. A fireplace can be the focal point in the center of a room, without having to be attached to a wall or a ceiling.
Vent free fireplaces often have up to three see-through walls, making them a spectacular design feature for any home, particularly a winter home. The top of the fireplace can also be left see-through, or an insulated top can be added, providing a valuable, functional horizontal surface on which to place a TV set, books, accessories, or framed photographs.
Surrounds for vent free fireplaces can be adapted to fit virtually any interior design style, from traditional to modern to country, and everything in between.
Opponents Of Vent Free Fireplaces
Those who oppose the use of vent free fireplaces say they are unsafe and unhealthy. These opponents point out that, while natural gas fireplaces may not emit particulate emissions, combustion of natural gas produces gas by-products that can be harmful to the environment. When these gas by-products are released indoors, the environment that they are harmful to is the air homeowners are breathing in their homes.
In addition to emissions of nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and sulphur dioxide, a vent free fireplace also emits water vapor. In a damp climate, water vapor can collect inside the house, leading to problems with mold and condensation. In fact, the amount of water that goes into a home from a vent free fireplace for every 100,000 BTUs of gas burned can be up to one full gallon of water. Unless homeowners have a system in place for handling all this water vapor, their vent free fireplace might be doing them more harm than good.
Direct Vent Fireplace – A Good Alternative
A direct vent fireplace can be installed in nearly every application where a vent free fireplace would also work. Furthermore, a direct vent fireplace can be installed in a corner unit, so two sides of the fireplace are see-through. Direct vent gas fireplaces are sealed, so all the harmful gases are released outdoors through the product's venting system. In the outdoor environment, these gases can mix with other environmental gas naturally present in the atmosphere, reducing the harmful effects of these gases in your home.
In summary, vent free fireplaces should not be seriously considered by anyone who wants their fireplace for more than just looks. A direct vent gas fireplace is a safer alternative.
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