How much clearance do you need for a ventless gas fireplace?
Sidewall and ceiling clearances: The sides of the fire- place opening must be at least 16" from any combustible wall. The ceiling must be at least 42" from the top of the fireplace opening.
Zero-clearance fireplaces are pre-manufactured fireplaces that can be installed almost directly against combustible materials like wood, walls, or paneling. The construction and materials of the firebox do not allow the outside temperatures of the firebox to affect those materials and do not require a hearth.
Vent-Free fireplaces have been very controversial in the fireplace industry for over decades. Many argue that these fireplaces are unsafe. In fact, in 1996, they were banned by Alaska, Montana, Minnesota, New York, and Massachusetts, however, after strong influence by the industry, all but California still bans them.
The most obvious way of identifying a zero clearance fireplace is the existence of black metal, either exposed on the face or inside the firebox (Fig. #6). Some fireplace manufacturers are doing a better job of hiding the metal and making fireplaces that look more like masonry (Fig. #7).
Benefits of Zero Clearance Wood Fireplace
These fireplaces are also more efficient than an open-hearth masonry fireplace. Open-hearth options may have just 10 percent efficiency, while zero clearance wood fireplaces can have an efficiency rating of up to 70 percent.
Like other direct vent gas fireplaces, a zero-clearance gas fireplace does not require a chimney or hearth. The fireplace can simply be vented through an outside wall or through the roof.
The two primary concerns with ventless fireplaces are carbon monoxide and oxygen depletion. Buy the right size ventless fireplace; this will prevent issues with oxygen depletion and carbon monoxide build-up.
It's not safe to leave it on. Why Isn't It Safe? The biggest reason is that gas fireplaces can release deadly carbon monoxide gas, which is odourless and can go unnoticed until a person dies from carbon monoxide poisoning. It is best to not leave your fireplace on for more than three hours at a time.
But the difference between a zero clearance fireplace and an insert is the size and installation. Inserts are designed small enough to slide into an existing open space. But zero clearance fireplaces are explicitly framed into a wall and cannot be inserted because of their large firebox size.
There are pros and cons to both vented gas fireplace logs and ventless ones. One of the great things about both vented and ventless is that there is minimal cleanup. Vented are typically safer. However, they are not as efficient and will cost you a little more.
How long can you leave a unvented gas fireplace?
In short, you really shouldn't let a gas fireplace on for too long—specifically more than three hours at a time.
Massachusetts, California, and a number of other states in the U.S., as well as Canada and other countries, have outlawed ventless gas fireplaces due to the aforementioned safety concerns. Many individual municipalities, too, have outlawed these appliances in states where they are otherwise legal.
Most manufacturers don't advise running a vent free gas fireplace for more than a few hours a day. Usually, that's not much of an issue, because you'll get hot in 20 minutes, and you'll probably be ready to turn it off.
“While traditional fireplaces can only be located in rooms with a flue, ventless fireplaces can be installed in virtually any room,” Galinsky says. Their location can vary, but their flames will remain static.
Ventless logs do in fact produce an unmistakable odor, some more so than others depending on the quality of the brand. There is no way of preventing this, it is simply the nature of burning gas in your home without exhausting the fumes up a chimney.
Heating performance
One of the issues homeowners report with standard, open masonry fireplaces is the lack of heat they send to the room. Because zero-clearance fireplaces operate on what's called a “closed-combustion system,” they retain and deliver far more heat than any masonry fireplace.
Without proper ventilation and safety systems in place there can be serious health risks associated with burning gas in a ventless fireplace. Ventless fireplaces produce small amounts of nitrous dioxide and carbon monoxide which can be deadly in large doses.
An added benefit of a ventless fireplace is that they are more efficient in heating a room faster. However, though they are largely safe, they do release some fumes into the homes they are in.
Ventless fireplaces are more energy efficient than vented fireplaces because no heat escapes up the flue, so you'll save money on gas utility bills. A vented gas fireplace uses more gas to create the same level of warmth because some of its heat escapes through the flue.
The SÓLAS Slim-Line Built-In Series will transform any interior. With a depth of only 12″ – these modern, gas fireplaces are one of the slimmest in the hearth industry, providing flexibility and ease for installation!
Do ventless fireplaces cause headaches?
The smell of burning gas can cause sensitivity, headaches, and other issues in some people. This can especially be the case with vent-free gas logs. These types of logs don't have a chimney or vent to remove the fumes produced by the fire, so the smell is typically stronger.
In a gas ventless fireplace, oxygen is provided by the air in your home. If that air contains impurities, those impurities are drawn in with the oxygen and can produce odors which are amplified by the flame.
When properly maintained and adjusted, gas heaters produce low amounts of carbon monoxide. One cause of carbon monoxide poisoning from unvented heaters– incomplete combustion caused by lack of air–has been virtually eliminated in newer heaters by use of Oxygen Depletion Sensors (ODS).
Prevent carbon monoxide (CO) build-up.
An open window can help to vent the gas, and this is especially important in newer homes that were likely built with airtight construction techniques.
Gas Line Connection Options
A few different types of gas inserts can be installed into the fireplace. Note that it's not recommended to place ventless gas logs in existing fireplaces since they void warranties and are dangerous for those with respiratory issues.
Zone Heating with Gas Fireplaces
Operating a furnace for one hour at 75,000 -100,000 Btu cost a homeowner $1.12 - $1.49 based on last month's national average natural gas rate. By comparison, a natural gas fireplace running at 30,000 Btu per hour cost only 45 cents.
Clearance Requirements for Gas Fireplaces
The clearance from the firebox opening on a gas fireplace is six inches (15.24 cm). In addition, any combustible materials should be two or more inches (5.08 cm) from the external face of the gas fireplace.
Answer: Unfortunately, there is no way to convert a ventless fireplace into a vented fireplace. Ventless fireplaces are not designed to have a vent added to them. Your only alternative is to tear out the existing ventless fireplace and replace it with a vented fireplace.
Natural vent (also known as B-vent) gas fireplaces typically require a hearth. Direct vent and ventless (vent-free) gas fireplaces commonly do not need a hearth since they are typically glass-front and not open-front; however, some manufacturers may still require a hearth.
It's not safe to leave it on. Why Isn't It Safe? The biggest reason is that gas fireplaces can release deadly carbon monoxide gas, which is odourless and can go unnoticed until a person dies from carbon monoxide poisoning. It is best to not leave your fireplace on for more than three hours at a time.
Do you need special drywall around a gas fireplace?
It is possible to install drywall around a gas fireplace, but it is not ideal. This is because drywall is highly flammable. The best option would be to use type X drywall, which is gypsum-based. Standard building code dictates a minimum clearance of six inches between a fireplace and any combustible material.
While a gas fireplace keeps the flames contained, the heat generated can be tremendous. Metal framing adjacent to the firebox unit ensures safety and the longevity of frame. Your fireplace-construction will also require cement board (or concrete board) rather than typical drywall.
Lifespan Of 20 lb Propane Tank At 50,000 BTU Output
We know that such a tank contains 420,679 BTU and that a heater burns 50,000 BTU worth of propane every hour. That means that in ideal conditions, a 20 lb propane tank at 50,000 BTU lasts for 8.41 hours (8 hours and 16 minutes).