Vent Free Stoves Safety

Ventless fireplace health risks.

Vent free stoves safety.

The state law has been changed but regulations have not been promulgated. Vent free gas fireplace units have also been known to emit water vapor over time. Any potential risks don t show up until we fire it up. But to answer the question of whether vent free fireplaces are actually dangerous let s look at where the risks come from and what size they are.

According to industry group vent free gas products association vgpa a patchwork of regulations across the united states from the city level up to the state level controls the legality of vent free fireplaces. Vent free gas fireplace safety while most wood burning log sets and fireplaces produce live flames vent free gas fireplaces do not. Ventless gas fireplaces safety is a subject of lively debate. Energy commission to pesent draft language for 2008 iecc.

Sitting by itself turned off a vent free appliance is at worst a tripping hazard. The dept of energy rates a vented log set or fireplace as decorative gas appliance. However they have their own safety concerns that are far different than wood burning stoves. Vent free gas log sets and fireplaces are totally safe.

As homes have become more insulated and tighter they point out the lack of air exchange traps vapor and leads to air quality issues and potentially excess moisture. Vent free is rated as a decorative supplemental gas heating appliance. They just want to sell you something that s more expensive and inefficient. Propane has been a good way to heat many homes for a lot of years now but the safety precautions you need to take when using it should be always practiced.

Around 34 percent of states allow these units completely with no restrictions at all. Although most vent free manufacturers install an oxygen detection sensor designed to automatically shut the fireplace down if oxygen levels in the home become too low your family s health and safety are riding on that sensor working. While water vapor may not be a direct hazard to human beings like carbon monoxide is when a copious amount of damp warm air begins to fill the home some serious damage can be caused. The state does not allow vent free appliances.

For starters you may start to see your wall paper peel. Despite what some dealers and websites will tell you. Vent free detractors point primarily to the issue of excess humidity produced by water vapor a natural byproduct of gas combustion in the indoor environment. And there are fair concerns to address their safety.

For instance all gas fireplaces. Gas appliances pose fewer risks and safety hazards and have no long term maintenance compared to wood stoves. The first factor in how safe a heater that is ventless is the gas you use for it.