No Flue or Chimney
Vent-Free Fireplaces are designed to burn very efficiently and thereby require no flue or chimney. 100% of the heat generated from the burner in this fireplace is returned to the room since it has no chimney for venting. That supplemental heat will be most appreciated on a cold night as a secondary heat source. It does, however, limit the enjoyment of using your fireplace on warmer nights in our southern climate.
Gas Safety
Unlike other gas fireplaces that are vented, full combustion of the gas must be achieved so that byproducts from the burn can safely be emitted back into the living space. To accomplish that clean burn, the flame cannot impinge on the log set which would disrupt the combustion completion. The flame from the burner must pass between the logs and not interact with them. This does negatively affect the desire for the fire to look as much like a natural wood burning fire as possible. But, it is a sacrifice that has to be made to bring you the advantages that Vent-Free Fireplaces possess.
Vent-Free Fireplaces are often selected because of their ease of installation, their clean and efficient operation, and the cost savings of not having a chimney.
Because of the heat created at the face of these fireplaces, clearance requirements to combustibles around and above the opening should be closely monitored.
