Are Vent-Free Gas Fireplace Inserts Dangerous?
Vent-free gas fireplace inserts can be fueled by natural gas or propane. They give the warmth and cozy atmosphere that fireplaces create, but without all the dirty work and labor required to constantly prepare dry firewood. Does this Spark an idea?
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Complete Combustion
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Byproducts of gas combustion include carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide. Vent-free fireplace inserts use an extremely hot fire for an efficient burn, virtually eliminating these pollutants.
Oxygen Concerns
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Burning gas requires oxygen. Since 1980, vent-free fireplaces have been equipped with "oxygen depletion sensors." These sensors automatically shut off the gas supply in the rare case that oxygen levels in the room fall to 18 percent.
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Water Vapor Emission
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A small amount of water vapor also results from the combustion in vent-free fireplace inserts, but this is often a desirable byproduct as indoor home environments in the winter are often low in humidity. About one ounce of moisture per hour is produced for every 1,000 BTUs that comes from a vent-free fireplace.
Some People Are Sensitive To Combusion Byproducts
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Certain people, especially those with respiratory problems, may be susceptible to combustion byproducts. They should not use vent-free gas fireplace inserts.
Safety Precautions
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Despite the excellent safety record of vent-free gas fireplace inserts, it's wise to take safety precautions. Open a window slightly when gas is burning. Never to go sleep while the unit is burning. Install a carbon monoxide detector in the room where the fireplace is located.
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