You may hear the term unvented gas logs referred to as vent free gas log fireplaces.
Vent free gas logs carbon monoxide.
If you don t have an existing flue or chimney vent free gas logs may be the better option for you.
Carbon monoxide protection with gas logs burning gas or wood produces carbon monoxide a potentially lethal gas so you might wonder how a fireplace can be used safely without venting its waste outside.
While the centers for disease control cdc does not specifically track deaths or injuries from exposure to the carbon monoxide gas produced by ventless fireplaces about 15 000 americans suffer.
That said these gas fireplaces do have several safety features that work to prevent potential issues with carbon monoxide.
Carbon monoxide carbon dioxide nitrogen dioxide formaldehyde and significant quantities of water.
Manufacturer instructions say to use non venting gas logs four or less hours per day and to operate the logs with a window open.
You must remember to open the damper each time you use your unit to allow for proper venting.
When burning gas several by products of combustion are produced.
If you decide to install a vent free gas fireplace do yourself favor and install multiple carbon monoxide detectors in your home including near the fireplace.
Electric units wouldn t have the carbon monoxide risks associated as much as the gel and natural gas models.
A well placed carbon monoxide detector in the same room as the ventless fireplace will give a quick and early warning if the unit produced more carbon monoxide than it was supposed to.
Just like a traditional wood burning fire vented gas logs produce carbon monoxide emissions.
So do we and some more harmful gas fuel by products like carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide.
For this reason they require a chimney or flue to operate.