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Ventless Fireplaces - Protect Your Family from Potential Health Hazards

By: John C Stoner

Ventless fireplaces have gained in popularity over the years as a way to bring the warmth and charm of a fireplace to traditionally hard to serve places. Not needing chimneys and flues like the traditional wood burning or gas fireplace, they can be installed almost anywhere for much less cost. This has made them very popular in condos and other multi-unit buildings where individual flues and chimneys are impractical.

They are also very popular when remodeling or rehabbing a home. They can easily be added to bedrooms, studies, dens or other rooms. But there are potential hazards that should be considered. We all know that when natural gas burns carbon monoxide is generated. That's why all gas furnaces and water heaters are vented through a chimney. So how is it that we can burn the same natural gas in a ventless fireplace and not worry?

Well part of the reason is that the technology of the burners is much better and burns cleaner than in your furnace or water heater. The amount of carbon monoxide is far less with a ventless fireplace. Nonetheless, since the fireplace is ventless, carbon monoxide and other gases are vented directly into the room instead of up a chimney to the outside.

The burning of natural gas has as a by-product the production of water. The water that is produced when a gas ventless fireplace is in use is released into your home in the form of water vapor. Most of us won't complain about added humidity in the dry winter months, but too much of anything can cause problems. In this case mold and mildew can form. If this warm air comes into contact with cold surfaces such as in the attic or behind walls other hidden damage can result.

There is a way to protect your home and family from these hazards and still have that ventless fireplace anywhere you want. There are two types of ventless fireplaces that eliminate the toxic carbon monoxide and the excess water. The answer lies in the gel fuel fireplace or the electric fireplace. Both of these are safe, clean fireplaces that give the look of a real fire without all the potential hazards.

The gel fuel fireplace burns an alcohol based fuel in a can. It is clean burning and odorless. It will give you a real flame and the sound of a crackling fire. The best part is that this fireplace is portable with easy installation and very little maintenance. The fire while real won't give off much heat so don't count on this as an alternative heat source.

Another good alternative is the electric fireplace. It is also portable, very easy to install and has virtually no maintenance. With a standard electrical outlet you're ready to start enjoying. Most models are equipped with a heating element and fan or blower. These will give off enough heat to warm a small room. The biggest objection I hear about these fireplaces is that there is no real flame. If you like the sound of a crackling fire this might not be the choice for you. If that's not an issue, these fireplaces will look spectacular in any room.

With all these alternatives why risk the potential hazards of the gas ventless fireplace. Protect your home and family and enjoy that fireplace you've always wanted. These fireplaces will look beautiful and give you years of care free service.

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com

About the Author:
John Stoner is the owner of Patio Furniture, Fountains and Fireplaces a website featuring decorating tips and ideas for the home, patio, deck and garden. Here you'll find more information on ventless fireplaces.

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