There’s never been such a wide range of options when you buy a new fireplace for your home as there is now. From natural wood fires to the latest electric fires with smart technology, there’s now an option for every home.

But what about ventless fireplaces?

These are proving to be incredibly popular. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the benefits of a ventless fireplace and cover a few of the potential disadvantages and other important factors to consider.

Let’s dive in.

Ventless Fireplaces Explained

First of all, what exactly are ventless fireplaces?

Traditional fireplaces, like classic wood or coal fireplaces, need a chimney so the smoke can escape. As the fuel burns, it produces smoke and soot, and the chimney carries this away and out of the room.

Many other types of fireplaces also need to remove the smoke or fumes created by combustion. For example, if you have a standard gas fireplace, as the gas burns, the fumes must be vented out of the room.

Ventless fireplaces are different in that they don’t require the emissions to be vented out of the room.

They have various names, including:

• Vent-free fireplaces
• Unvented fireplaces
• Flueless fireplaces

They burn fuel more efficiently and only emit very small amounts of fumes. As such, they have no need for external ventilation, so they can be installed without a chimney or flue.

Types of Ventless Fireplaces

If you read a ventless fireplace buying guide, you’ll soon become aware that there are various types of fireplaces to choose from.

Natural gas and liquid propane are two of the most common types of ventless fireplaces. However, a more modern option, and one that is growing in popularity, is a bioethanol fireplace.

A ventless biofuel fireplace releases hardly any fumes as the fuel combusts, and its emissions consist of a small amount of carbon dioxide and water vapour.

These fireplaces are more eco-friendly, and they are available in many stylish designs, from traditional styles to sleek and minimalist wall-mounted fireplaces.

Benefits of a Ventless Fireplace

Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of ventless gas fireplaces, starting with some of the important benefits that you can enjoy:

Install almost anywhere

One of the most important advantages of ventless fireplaces is that you can install them almost anywhere you want.

When you install a traditional fireplace, or gas fireplace with a flue, you need to have a chimney or create a vent in the wall. This limits where you can install the fireplace as well as increasing the costs of installation.

With ventless fireplace installation, on the other hand, you are not limited in this way, and you can install your fireplace almost anywhere you want. This could be on the wall in the centre of the room, but it could be somewhere else. 

While you may need a professional to install it, the process is quick and easy compared to installing a standard fireplace.

Some flueless fireplaces are even freestanding, so you can simply position them where you want to and then move them later.

This freedom in where the fireplace can be positioned is important for many people. It also makes them a good option for renters because there is no need to get any complex installation carried out.

Wide range of designs

Another key benefit of ventless fireplaces is that they are available in so many different designs. Because of how they work, and the fact they don’t need a flue, there is more flexibility with the design.

You can get a ventless gas fireplace in a wide variety of styles. If you want a traditional log-burner style, there are models that replicate the traditional appearance perfectly. But you might prefer an ultra-modern minimalist design, you can find these too.

Wall-mounted models are particularly popular because you can attach them to the wall wherever you want.

Free-standing models are another option, and these are very convenient if you want to move the fireplace between rooms. This variety of options is not available with vented fireplaces.

Because they are so versatile, they make it easy for you to find a model that is perfect for the design of the room and matches the style, so you can customise your space how you wish and create the right ambience.

Heat your room efficiently

Ventless fireplaces are very efficient and redistribute heat to the room effectively. Modern designs reduce heat loss and reduce the amount of energy they use.

Modern fireplaces are built using the latest technology so you get to enjoy a cosy atmosphere in your room while also reducing the cost of heating. The heat is all utilised in the living space, rather than going out the vent, so no heat is lost via the chimney.

The amount of heat produced varies by model, so always check when you are choosing one. The British Thermal Unit (BTU) is important here because some have a higher output than others.

Affordable

Many people choose ventless fireplaces because they are an affordable option. Firstly, you save money on the installation costs, so there is no need to create a vent. But many fireplaces are also cheaper to run.

This is relative, of course – if you have cut up a tree in your garden for your wood fire, it’s essentially free fuel. But some types of fuel are quite affordable, and bioethanol is one of them.

Easy to operate

Lighting traditional log fires can be a hassle, and modern fireplaces are far easier to use. This applies to some vented as well as ventless fireplaces, but ventless fireplaces are typically very easy to use.

Some have features like remote controls, switches to turn them on and off with ease, and features to adjust the temperature so you can maximise comfort with the least amount of effort.

Authentic feel

One concern when choosing a modern ventless fireplace is that it may not have the same authentic feel as a traditional fireplace.

While nothing can perfectly match a real log-burning fire, modern fireplaces come very close. For example, bioethanol fireplaces burn a real flame, not a fake flame like some electric fireplaces.

You can also choose a fireplace with a traditional design, matching the experience of having a classic log fireplace in your home to make your living space more inviting.

Eco friendly

This is not a general benefit of ventless fireplaces, and it depends on the type of fuel you use. However, if you use an eco-friendly fuel like bioethanol, this means you can enjoy using your fire without worrying about harming the planet.

Clean-burning and highly efficient, bioethanol does not produce any smoke or soot.

Disadvantages of Ventless Fireplaces

Using a ventless fireplace has many advantages. But there are a few potential disadvantages to consider too, and here are a few of the main factors to consider:

Less effective at heat distribution

While ventless fireplaces are very good at providing heat to a single room, they are not so effective at heating large areas.

You can improve heat distribution using several techniques, from changing the position of the furniture to the strategic placement of fans. But these fireplaces are not typically designed to be your primary heating source.

Excess humidity

One thing to be aware of is the risk of excess humidity forming in the air. If this builds up too much, it can lead to the growth of mould and mildew. That’s why good ventilation is always important when using any type of indoor fireplace.

Odour production

You should also be aware of the odours that can be created by ventless fireplaces, but this depends on the type of fuel.

The amount varies by fuel and the quality of the fuel you use, but it could potentially cause problems for people who are particularly affected by this.

Is a Ventless Fireplace Right for You?

There are many benefits of a ventless fireplace, making it an excellent choice for many households.

Consider the size of your home, its layout, where you want to position the fireplace and whether the room has adequate ventilation. Also, think about how much heat you want it to produce and whether you want it to be your primary heating source for the room or mainly for aesthetic purposes.

If you decide that a ventless fireplace is the right option for your home, consider all the factors when making your decision.

Think about the fuel type, and whether you would prefer gas or something more eco-friendly like bioethanol.

Once you’ve decided that, take a look at the models available because they vary considerably. Would you like something small and sleek, or a larger, more traditional-style fireplace?

Whatever you decide, always get your fireplace from a reliable manufacturer so you know you’re getting a high-quality fireplace that will keep your room warm and cosy for many years to come.