Before you order and install a new ventless gas log set or coal basket into your home, you may want to go through this checklist to make sure you’re purchasing the right log set for your fireplace. Nothing is more frustrating than getting your log set, and it doesn’t fit in your fireplace. Also, because the gas of the vent free fireplace log sets is not being vented out of the house and stays in the room, it’s especially important to inspect all potential safety and health hazards.
Do’s
- DO install the ventless gas log set in either a factory-built fireplace on that is UL-127 listed, a converted wood-burning masonry fireplace, or an approved, vent free firebox with an operable damper.
- DO double-check the firebox (fireplace interior) dimensions for the log set you are interested in and make sure your own is properly sized for it.
- DO have the current operating gas pressure and all gas lines checked by a professional.
- DO check the maximum BTUs allowed for a vent-free log set in your designated space and that the gas logs are within that number. Use the following formula:
Length x Width x Height x 20 = Maximum BTUs allowed
- DO thoroughly look over the product after it has arrived to make sure it’s in good condition and all the required parts have been included.
- DO follow the installation instructions carefully to avoid safety hazards and problems with operations.
- DO place the logs exactly as instructed in the manual. They have a set formation they must go in to avoid the flames touching the logs and creating soot.
- DO be aware that moisture is released when ventless logs are burned. This can lead to the development of mildew and mold in the home, known as health hazards.
- DO check to see if your state and local codes allow ventless log sets. They are not legal in the state of California.
Don’ts
- DON’T block up the chimney flue damper. It still needs to be operable. When vent free gas sets are on for extended periods of time, either the chimney flue or a window will need to be opened so that the oxygen levels in the room don’t get too low.
- DON’T install the gas log set into a converted, wood-burning fireplace until everything (the firebox, damper, and chimney flue) has been completed cleaned of all soot, and then inspected by a professional service person. Soot build-up can release harmful carbon monoxide when a fire is burning and also risks the start of a chimney fire if it’s built up in the flue.
- DON’T buy the gas log set unless you are sure it is available with the same fuel type as the gas supply in your home or business. Even after receiving the lot set, double-check that the “rating plate” label corresponds with what you chose (listed as Nat. or L.P.)
- DON’T hook up the fireplace gas log set to an unregulated propane tank or natural gas system. For example, if you get your gas from a well on your property rather than from a gas company, you cannot use it with a vent-free set because the gas pressure isn’t regulated.
- DON’T install a ventless set near combustible materials. These sets operate at a very high temperature which allows them to combust nearly 99% of the fuel during the burning process. This helps to decrease the soot output.
- DON’T add lava granules, embers, additional logs, or other accessories on top of the burner or the log set. The soot caused by this will give off high levels of carbon monoxide levels that have no way of being safely vented out of the home. Any additional items added to the firebox are to be placed on the floor and not interfere with the burner and flames.
- DON’T attempt to re-ignite the vent free log set for at least one minute after it’s been extinguished.
- DON’T use a fireplace glass door with ventless logs as the extremely high temperatures of the burning gas will discolor the finish of the doors and shatter the glass, even when they are open. Fireplace doors are mainly to be used with vented fireplaces to help keep out the draft when a fire isn’t burning.
- DON’T install vent-free logs in a fireplace with a cast stone surround mantel. The mantel will crack from the high heat.
- DON’T order a ventless log set if someone in the home has respiratory issues. All gas fireplaces give off a known respiratory irritant called nitrogen dioxide. Normally with a vented fireplace, this gets sucked up with the rest of the exhaust up and out of the chimney. But, of course, ventless fireplaces either have the chimney closed off or done have one at all, and the nitrogen dioxide remains in the room.
Feel free to download and print this checklist for your own personal use. Or, if you’re looking to order a new vent free gas log set, click the image below to shop our traditional, ventless gas log sets. We also offer ventless gas coal baskets and some contemporary options with river rocks and glittering fire glass.
