A gas ventless fireplace is an excellent alternative heat source, even though they are somewhat controversial. They are quite popular because they do not use a chimney, flue or any sort of external venting ducts. One of the benefits of not having all those extras is that they are less expensive to install. These fireplaces obviously do not use wood for fuel; they use propane or natural gas.
Before purchasing a gas ventless fireplace, determine what your exact needs are and where you want it installed. You will need a gas line running to the fireplace installed as well. Most people do not install them as a primary heat source; usually they are installed as a secondary source in a colder room. Each particular fireplace has a rating that indicates how much energy they consume and how much heat they provide. The heat is measured in BTU’s; this will also indicate how big or small the room should be for the fireplace to work, as it should. For example, you do not install a high performance unit in a small room.
A gas ventless fireplace vents out into the room. Therefore, it is important to be in a room large enough to support it. Regardless of whether it uses gas or wood a fire requires oxygen to create a flame. If it were completely ventless, it would automatically extinguish itself. Even though they have built in safety features, these types of fireplaces are banned in some states. The possibility that they can build up carbon monoxide and deplete oxygen levels is a major health concern. Before you purchase one of these fireplaces, you must consult your local laws to determine whether they are allowed or not.
Another concern associated with a gas ventless fireplace is that these appliances increase the humidity in the room. This can lead to mold or mildew forming in areas of the room.
In conclusion, make sure you are allowed by law to install a gas ventless fireplace before you purchase one. If you are able to get one installed, make sure you follow all the safety precautions associated with these units.
By: David Karlson
The smoke produced from firewood is not good for your health because it contains carbon monoxide which is harmful to the body. Gas Ventless fireplaces are used to emit this harmful smoke to the outside of the house.
There is a variety that lets you decide what is most suitable for you. Decide on one that will be functional with your fireplace. Their cost is so affordable that is possible for anyone to have one if they would like to. They are put up in fireplaces that use firewood. They change this fireplace in order to enable it to use gas.
The gas fireplaces use an insert with a metal container to depict air into the house and enable the gas in it to catch fire. This is how there is a steady supply amount of heat provided to the room. Unlike the traditional fireplaces where smoke is emitted through the vent, the gas ventless fireplaces rely on the air in the house. This means that dangerous smoke is left within the house which is risky to your health.
Gas ventless fireplaces may not be the best way to go when you want to enjoy the warmth of a hassle free fire. They require a lot of attributes to improve their performance. This could make you end up spending money that you did not have. Do not be taken in by their very attractive appearance. Look around for any other available options available in the market before settling for them.
By: Peter Gitundu
A Heat Pump is essentially the same as an air conditioner, but with one extra feature added. On cold days, a heat pump reverses its operations and heats the house instead of cooling it. What makes heat pumps stand out among other heaters is their heat gain. Today’s heat pumps at 0 Degrees Celsius outside return 3kw of heat for every 1 kw of electricity fed into them. It sounds too good to be true and immediately begs the question: Why don’t we use heat pumps in Toronto?
Low efficiency used to be the main reason. Up to 2006, most heat pumps were based on low-efficiency 10 SEER air conditioners, and they could not run at low outdoor temperature. In 2006 manufacturing of new units with less than 13 SEER efficiency was outlawed. Virtually overnight, new heat pumps’ efficiency increased by almost 30% and kept rising.
Heat Pump Pro’s
1. Heat pumps can be used in Toronto almost year-round. Air conditioners are only used for a few short weeks of summer.
2. The price difference between heat pumps and air conditioners is becoming smaller and smaller. Ductless units lead the way. Today ductless heat pumps cost only $200 more than their equivalent air conditioners. At this small premium, ductless heat pumps are already a no-brain winner against ductless air conditioners.
3. Central air heat pumps may still cost $1000 more that equivalent central air conditioner, but even at this premium a heat pump is an easy choice instead of an air conditioner if you use electricity, propane, or oil for heating.
4. “Smart” hydro meters are coming. Here in Toronto, electricity at night and on the weekends will cost only 3.2 c per kilowatt. At this price and at 300% efficiency, electricity is becoming the energy of choice for heating.
5. Heat pumps take advantage of global warming. As winters in Toronto are getting milder, heat pumps are becoming more profitable.
6. No reason to worry about carbon monoxide poisoning or fuel (gas, propane, oil) escape inside of the house.
Heat Pump Con’s
Heat pumps need supplemental heat. This can come from either a fuel-based furnace or an electric heater. There are two main reasons for this.
1. Because the same system is used for both heating and cooling, the heat pump is limited by the smaller of the two needs – the cooling one. On the coldest days of winter, the heating capacity of the heat pump may not be sufficient.
2. Cold outdoor temperature can also lower the heating capacity of the heat pump to the point where it has to be turned off and backup heat needs to be brought in.
Supplemental heat is not as a big a deal as it sounds. A couple of electric strips can be easily accommodated by the ductwork at a cost of a few hundred dollars. On the other hand, it may spare you buying a new furnace at $3,000.
And last, but not least – you can finally get rid of fuel heat inside of your house. People and fuels don’t really mix well in the same space.
By: Boris Sherman