Only a few years ago a ventless gas fireplace was very different from any you can find today. Back then, the logs looked faked and nobody would ever have mistaken one of these fires for a "real fireplace". This kept a lot of people from using gas as a source of fuel.
Today things have changed. Gas burns at a higher temperature than it used to, and can be cleaned by circulating through a catalytic converter (similar to those used in a car). This means that you can install ventless gas fireplaces anywhere you want even if there is no chimney flue. One of the most expensive part of having a fireplace installed is the construction cost for the chimney that most traditional fireplaces require. By using a ventless fireplace you can avoid the costly installation of a standard fireplace. In addition to burning clean, today's gas fire no longer produces the blue flame that it used to, and the look of ceramic logs has greatly improved. Today's logs will turn red just as would a wood fire and create an almost perfect illusion. There are many advantages to using a vent free fireplace today.
Fuel is provided by your local gas company if your house is already using gas for other appliances like your stove or your water heater. If your house is not fitted for gaz delivery then you can use propane gas to fuel your ventless gas fireplace.
The most important advantage of a gas fireplace is lighting it, you simply press a button, what could be easier no wood to cut or carry, or to store somewhere. Smoke is not a part of the process either, nor do you have to clean soot or ashes when the fire is done. You will never need to have the chimney cleaned either.
Another advantage is that gas fireplaces actually provide a good deal of heat to warm the room where they are located and you can reduce the temperature of your central system. Unlike ethanol ventless fireplaces which do not provide much heat and are mostly to create an atmosphere in the room.
A standard wood fireplace can be the area to use to install a ventless gas fireplace but it is not an absolute necessity. If however you have such a fireplace and want to convert it to gas it is quite easy to do. The fireplace is already vented so you could choose a regular gas fireplace insert without having a lot of construction done, but you can also have it closed and insert a ventless fireplace insert. The advantage of this would be to keep more of the heat produce rather than diverting it into the flue and out of the house. Closed ventless fireplaces do not waste as much energy as do old fashion chimneys.
I must say right away that unless you are an experienced handy person it is best to have your gas fireplace installed by a professional, who will take safety and materials into consideration, he/she will also be able to apprise you about local building codes and regulations that might be in effect in your area. In some communities only a licensed plumber is allowed to install gas lines, and some areas do not allow vent free gas fireplaces. In that case you might consider an ethanol or an electric fireplace .
My second advice would be to contact two or three installers in your area to get estimates, you will find many qualifies installers online who will be happy to assist you, and will reply quickly to your inquiries.
There is almost no need to talk about the design of today's ventless fireplaces as designers have created any contemporary fireplace design you can think of and more. The lovers of modern interiors will find minimalist fireplaces, in any material and all the colors possible. Those among you who prefer a more traditional look will also find the look that we expect to find in old antique fireplaces. Regardless of the style you want a vent free gas fireplace is available in that style, and it has never been easier to find the fireplace of your dreams than today, as you no longer have to rely on the whim of local merchants but can look at many stores online and find just what you need. You then have two choices you can either order on line and have it delivered to your door, or you can note the make and model, then with this information you can go to a local distributor and order the ventless gas fireplace you really want, instead of settling for something that is "close".
