Vent free fireplaces are designed so that no outdoor venting is required. This means that there does not have to be a chimney for exhaust. Vent-free gas logs do have to be positioned so that a gas line can provide fuel for the logs but other than that restriction, vent-free fireplaces and logs can be placed in the living space anywhere you like. In fact, you could have a round fireplace in the center of the room with the gas line run underneath the flooring if that is your design dream.

When design engineers developed a means of creating realistic looking logs and a way to allow a yellow gas flame and the appearance of glowing embers in the fireplace and ensured that air quality was safe, the venting problem was solved.

It sounds almost too great to be true, but the design breakthrough of 99.9% efficiency is what permits the vent-free designs to be safe to operate without outdoor venting. A big plus is that vent free units do not permit drafts to come down the vent when not in use. This is also part of what allows the unbelievable efficiency rating. This means that, when your vent-free gas logs are operating, 99.9% of the gas turns directly into heat with almost no waste at all. This saves you tons of money over the years since most gas fireplaces lose substantially more heat and wood fireplaces are far less efficient than gas.

You may wonder how it can be safe to operate a gas fire in the home safely. If you have ever cooked with a gas stove or been in a restaurant where gas was used for the stove or ovens, you’ll realize the answer. Because the flames burn cleanly and do not release toxic gases, even if all the burners and the oven on a gas stove are turned on their highest setting, there is no need for venting. In fact, the fan hoods over stoves are for the removal of aromas and heat associated with cooking rather than removal of gases released by the flames. A vent-free fireplace and gas logs operates exactly the same way.

When any type of fireplace, whether gas, electric, wood, pellet, or other type of multi-fuel, it is recommended that a carbon dioxide monitor be added to the home. These inexpensive units are similar to smoke detectors and alter residents should there be a CO2 buildup. In fact, today these units are being added to all residences, whether there is a fireplace or not, to ensure safety.