Question from Sue Smith
We bought a house in TN last year and it has a ventless gas fireplace. I’m concerned about toxins since it is not vented. Should I be concerned and is it possible to have it vented?
Debra’s Answer
On a website that sells ventless fireplaces I found, “The primary gas combustion byproducts that can affect indoor air quality are carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, oxygen, and water vapor (humidity). Today’s vent-free fireplaces operate well within national standards and recommendations concerning these five byproducts.”
I would assume that the emissions are similar to emissions from a gas stove. And it’s recommended that gas stoves be used with a range hood to collect the combustion byproducts and remove them from the house.
Maybe one of my readers who has more experience than I with this type of fireplace can tell more about their experience with it.
