While there are plenty of vented or ventless fireplaces on the market, I'd imagine different types are prevalent in different markets.
Mine is vented, and I'm looking to replace it, as I can feel cold air coming in through the vent. My house is clearly losing a lot of energy just from having a fireplace.From my brief reading on the topic, vented fireplaces are typically around 70% efficient, while ventless ones are generally in the neighborhood of 95%+ efficient. So that's a consideration.
However, given the recent research on how NOx and carcinogens can build up in the home from gas stoves (even when turned off), I'm not exactly thrilled with the idea of putting a ventless gas appliance in the home.
I would say if your priority is energy efficiency, you should probably just seal off the fireplace and maybe put in an electrical insert if you want some type of ambiance. If you want a gas fire because you like having a real fire, I'd put in a vented gas insert. But realize it would be the least energy efficient way to heat your home.
BigSkyMountains t1_j5tm9kk wrote
Reply to Can I convert my traditional fireplace to gas? by Elegant_Amphibian
While there are plenty of vented or ventless fireplaces on the market, I'd imagine different types are prevalent in different markets.
Mine is vented, and I'm looking to replace it, as I can feel cold air coming in through the vent. My house is clearly losing a lot of energy just from having a fireplace.From my brief reading on the topic, vented fireplaces are typically around 70% efficient, while ventless ones are generally in the neighborhood of 95%+ efficient. So that's a consideration.
However, given the recent research on how NOx and carcinogens can build up in the home from gas stoves (even when turned off), I'm not exactly thrilled with the idea of putting a ventless gas appliance in the home.
I would say if your priority is energy efficiency, you should probably just seal off the fireplace and maybe put in an electrical insert if you want some type of ambiance. If you want a gas fire because you like having a real fire, I'd put in a vented gas insert. But realize it would be the least energy efficient way to heat your home.