We have a ventless propane fireplace, can this be converted to be vented?

Answer 1

I assume that the combustion gases are vented up the chimney or else you would be venting carbon monixide gas into the living area of your house. It sounds like the fireplace draws air from the interior of your house sending it up the chimney as it burns. This can be an expensive loss of heated air and can actually create negative air pressure in the house if the house is tightly insulated and sealed.

The best gas fireplaces have a vent to the outside in order to draw unheated air from the outside into the fireplace where it is heated and sent up the chimney. Usually, glass fireplace doors prevent heated air from inside the house from being wasted by being sent up the chimney.

Best advice is to research the make and model of your fireplace to see if it can accomodate a fresh air vent from the outside. Chances are good that it can.

Good luck with your fireplace.

Answer 2

There is no conversion that can be made to the appliance it’s self. If the unit was retrofitted into an older wood burning fireplace you can open the flue there buy creating a vented appliance. In reality by doing this you are just allowing heat to escape up the chimney. Unvented appliances are not intended for use as the primary heat source and many people notice air quality issues i.e. excessive humidity, or build up of residue on windows and walls. If you’re experiencing air quality issues check your owners manual to insure that your unvented appliance is installed and used as it was intended to be. A local heating contractor or your propane supplier should be able to advise further.

Answer 3

There shoould be no reason to vent it. If you go messing with it you are placing your family and yourself in danger. If you feel it is not working properly have someone come in with a meter. Your local fire department should be willing to come and test the air in your home. I am on a local volunteer fire department and we are happy to go out and check residences and businesses. The people in the community donate to our department, and have one day a year as fire fighter's day. We would sure rather meet you for an inspection than in the middle off the night when it is 30 below zero and windy. I have had it happen when my pager goes off and there is of course that moment of hesitation about letting the others do it, but you get uup all the same. You see the displaced families sitting in police vehicles waiting for the red Cross to come to take them to temporary housing. You want only qualified people to work on your equipment. I worked for a propane company and it can be dangerous stuff. It is clean burning though.