"I don't have a chimney. I have gas logs."

 Vent free gas fireplaces, also known as ventless or unvented, are very popular. Builders of new homes especially like these products because they do not have to have a chimney going through the roof which could cause leaks if installed improperly and they are less expensive to install. Many consumers also choose these due to their very high efficiency. All the heat makes it into the room.

The government requires that all these products have safety devices built into them to help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not specifically track deaths or injuries from exposure to the carbon monoxide gas produced by ventless fireplaces, about 50,000 Americans visit an emergency room annually due to carbon monoxide poisoning, and nearly 450 die.

Many people are not aware that vent free gas logs produce acceptable levels of toxic gases. The level of these gases is very low when measured in a laboratory. Many manufacturers of these products recommend opening a window or a door while they are in operation. Additionally, several states have banned these products. 

Anytime fire is produced, oxygen is used for part of the fuel. The other part is the gas. It is possible to use up all the oxygen in a room. When the oxygen in a room gets low, the fire turns carbon dioxide (a non-poisonous gas) into carbon monoxide (known as the silent killer). Carbon monoxide is odorless. Most vent free gas logs are not allowed in small rooms or bedrooms for this reason.

When a vent-free gas log set is first purchased, it burns quite cleanly. The problem is, that after a certain amount of time dust, pet dander and other materials start building up in and around some of the safety components built into the gas log sets. When this happens, all kinds of nasty gases start to accumulate.

According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), even though ventless fireplaces greatly reduce toxic fumes, they will still release some small amount into the home, which increases the risk of exposure to carbon monoxide. Additionally, ventless fireplaces produce water vapor as a byproduct of the combustion process, which can lead to high levels of humidity in the home and an increased risk of mold growth.

It is absolutely essential that you have your gas logs serviced annually to help limit the amount of toxic gases from being produced. Top Hat Chimney Sweeps does sell vent-free gas logs but only after an inspection has been performed to see if the vent free gas log set is an option for that home. We also require that customers have a carbon monoxide alarm installed in their home before installation of the product. Because servicing of these products is so important, we don't leave it to the customer to remember to have them serviced. We call them every year and let them know it is time to service the product.

To conclude, Top Hat Chimney Sweeps believes that vent free products are an option for people that do not have either the budget or ability to purchase a product that is vented. It is imperative to have the vent free gas logs serviced annually by a NFI CERTIFIED technician. You can locate certified technician near you at https://www.nficertified.org/public/

Stay safe and warm!