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The main ventless fireplace inserts is Using propane, or natural gas, ventless fireplaces have no chimney or venting to the outside. While this creates an inexpensive unit, there are health concerns to consider.

Several states within the United States, as well as other countries, have completely outlawed ventless gas fireplaces because of health concerns. Canada, Massachusetts, and California don’t allow people to install these types of heaters because of their potential to build up carbon monoxide, deplete oxygen, and lead to unconsciousness or even suffocation. Check with your local building code before purchasing one of these appliances.

A milder health hazard offers another disadvantage to this choice. Ventless gas fireplaces lead to an increase in the room’s humidity. Burning gas or propane creates water vapor that can build up in a room and possibly lead to mold and mildew growth. If most forms of mold aren’t truly dangerous, they will certainly increase allergies and could spoil fabric, photographs, and books.

Ventless gas fireplaces work by burning natural or propane gas in specially designed burners that promote efficient combustion. Unlike traditional fireplaces and vented gas units, ventless gas fireplaces have no way to move combustion byproducts out of your home. Although manufacturers insist ventless gas fireplaces are safe, many fireplace industry experts have voiced concerns. Here are some issues that may cause you to rethink a ventless gas fireplace  A gas fire produces more than just heat. The combustion of gas produces carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide. Although the amounts of these gases produced by a ventless unit is smaller than a traditional fireplace, the gases can still build up to unsafe levels in rooms and homes that are don’t allow for proper air filtration. Today’s tightly insulated homes typically don’t provide enough air filtration for use with a ventless fireplace, requiring that a window or door be opened to provide airflow.