Natural Gas Ventless Fireplaces

A ventless natural gas fireplace runs on your home's gas line and needs no chimney, so it can go in a wall that never had a fireplace. This collection spans vent-free fireboxes, inserts, gas log sets and wall units for indoors, plus fireplaces built for outdoor use.

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Ventless Natural Gas Fireplaces Keep Their Heat in the Room

A ventless natural gas fireplace, also sold as vent-free, burns gas from your home's line with no chimney. A vented fireplace loses part of its heat up the chimney along with the exhaust. A vent-free one has nowhere for that heat to go, so it all stays in the room.

This collection covers ventless fireplace inserts and fireboxes, vent-free gas log sets for an existing fireplace, wall-mount and freestanding units, and fireplaces made for outdoors. One outdoor model, the Majestic Courtyard, can later be converted for indoor use with Majestic's indoor-rated vent-free kit. See all outdoor natural gas fireplaces for vented and vent-free models side by side.

Indoor Models Shut Off if the Room's Oxygen Drops

Indoor vent-free fireplaces and log sets use an oxygen depletion sensor, a pilot that shuts the gas off if oxygen in the room starts to fall. They are also sized to the room. The National Fuel Gas Code treats a space with less than 50 cubic feet per 1,000 BTU as confined. A confined space needs extra air brought in, so a bigger fireplace needs a bigger room.

Vent-free appliances are restricted or banned in some states and cities, so check your local code before buying. Where they are not allowed, a direct vent gas fireplace is the usual alternative, because it is sealed and vents outside.

Above 4,500 Feet, Tell Your Installer the Elevation

Many vent-free models are rated for elevations up to 4,500 feet. Above that, the installer fits a smaller burner orifice, the opening the gas flows through, which Firegear specifies as cutting the input by about 4% for every 1,000 feet. Superior warns that running above 4,500 feet without the change can put the pilot out. Much of the Mountain West sits higher than that, so ask before you order.

Order Natural Gas, Since Many Vent-Free Units Cannot Be Converted

A vent-free fireplace is built for one fuel. The Empire Boulevard manual states that field conversion is not permitted, and Real Fyre and Monessen say the same of their vent-free sets. For a home on a propane tank, see propane ventless fireplaces. To compare both fuels, browse every ventless gas fireplace, or step back to all natural gas fireplaces.

Frequently Asked Questions about Natural Gas Ventless Fireplaces

Can a ventless natural gas fireplace go in a bedroom or bathroom?

It depends on the model. Empire's vent-free manuals allow one in a bedroom or bathroom only if it is rated 10,000 BTU or less. Monessen's vent-free gas logs and its Aria firebox cannot go in either room at all. Some states add their own rule; Massachusetts prohibits unvented gas heaters in bedrooms and bathrooms. Check the manual and your local code before choosing the room.

How big does the room need to be for a ventless gas fireplace?

Big enough that it is not a confined space. The National Fuel Gas Code, which vent-free manuals follow, defines a confined space as less than 50 cubic feet per 1,000 BTU of input. A 32,000 BTU fireplace such as the Empire Boulevard 48-inch needs at least 1,600 cubic feet, about a 20 by 10 foot room with an 8 foot ceiling. A smaller room works only if extra air comes in from an adjoining one.

Do ventless gas fireplaces smell?

Expect a smell for the first few hours, while the heat burns off oils and bonding agents left from manufacturing; open a window until it stops. After that a properly installed unit should not smell. It does burn whatever is in the room's air, so candles, air fresheners, hairspray and paint fumes can cause odors while it runs. If a smell persists, have the fireplace checked by a service technician.

Do ventless natural gas fireplaces work at high altitude?

Yes, with an adjustment above 4,500 feet. Many vent-free models are rated up to that elevation as sold. Higher up, the installer fits a smaller burner orifice so the gas input drops, which Firegear specifies as about 4% for every 1,000 feet. Superior warns that running above 4,500 feet without the change can cause the pilot to go out.

Can a ventless natural gas fireplace be converted to propane?

Usually not. The Empire Boulevard, Real Fyre and Monessen vent-free manuals all state their appliances are not convertible to another gas, so order the fuel your home already has. A few outdoor models, such as the Napoleon Galaxy, can switch with the manufacturer's certified conversion kit.

Will a ventless natural gas fireplace work during a power outage?

A millivolt or standing pilot model runs without electricity, which is why many people keep one as backup heat. Electronic ignition models need power, though some carry a battery backup; the Monessen Solstice runs on batteries for about 48 hours on its on/off setting. Check the ignition type on each product page.