Concerns With Vent Free Gas Fireplaces

Function

• These fireplaces consist of gas-fired units that work by drawing in air from inside the house into the firebox. The air facilitates the fireplace combustion process. Burning gas instead of wood, the fireplace produces a smokeless heat. Most of the heat circulates back into the house. Some units operate with efficiency ratings up to 99 percent.

Safety Issues

• The vent free fireplace does create byproducts, such as carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide. Since the fireplace does not require ventilation, the emissions circulate back into the interior space. Although vent free fireplace release a low amount of byproducts, the air taken from the room to help the combustion process causes some people to have a heighten sensitivity to odors, such as pet dander, new carpet or a gas smell. Individuals with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory ailments tend to experience the most problems, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency.

  In addition, vent free fireplace can cause a build up of excessive moisture that may lead to peeling wall coverings or other issues. California dose not allow the use of vent free appliances. Wisconsin and New York allow limited use.

Oxygen Detection Safety-Pilot

• To alleviate concerns about the safety of vent free fireplaces, since 1980, U.S. law requires a mechanism, called an oxygen detection safety-pilot (ODS), installed on all vent free fireplaces. The ODS functions like the circuit breaker in an electrical panel--it shuts down the fireplace when the sensor detects a fall in the oxygen level in the room. All vent free fireplaces have to undergo a certification process and meet the approval of the American National Standard Institute (ANSI).

Recommendations

• Make sure a licensed technician installs the fireplace in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications and the local building codes. Many regulations prohibit the installation of vent free fireplaces in bedrooms. The American Lung Association suggests the venting of all fuel-burning appliances to the exterior. Many vent free fireplace manufacturers advise consumers to limit the operation of the products to two or three hours at a time. In addition, open a window to allow in fresh air. For additional protection, install carbon monoxide detectors in accordance with the local building code.