Can a Vent Free Gas Fireplace be Vented?

They warned you but you didn’t listen.

You thought you were good with a vent free gas fireplace when you could get a bargain on house price.

But now you regret it. You want it natural. And, unfortunately, your question is not how. Your question is if – if you can get a vent for your fireplace, will it be real?

And even before this question, you ask yourself, ‘can a vent free gas fireplace be vented?’

Well, it depends on the sacrifices you are ready to make.

Let’s start with the missing factor – the factor which is making all the difference.

What’s Missing?!

So, what piece is missing in a home that is responsible for making its fireplaces vent-less? No doubt, it’s its chimney.

If your house doesn’t have a chimney, the fireplace has no outlet to exhaust toxic flames.

In that case, you must have used a vent-less furnace before. The transition towards a vented system may require you to accept some major changes in your building infrastructure. Or if you are not happy with these changes, you can still have less-than-ideal venting using pipes.

Let’s learn about all the possible options that allow you to vent a vent-less fireplace.

What’s the Way Around?

Before you move ahead, note that the costs of venting these originally vent-less systems are huge. And I am not talking about the money you spend on these developments. You need a proper update for the building’s plan – that is if you own a single housing unit. In the case of multiple housing units like apartments or condos, your dream for a vented system may always remain as it is right now – a dream!

Let’s explore different solutions for all types of homeowners.

Go Vent-Free

I’m sorry to say, but this is the only possibility in some buildings.

We have discussed one scenario where changing the building plan is next to impossible – apartments and condos.

Another situation is where you are renting the place. In this second situation, your only option – after taking the opinion of your landlord – is to get a place where your desired fireplace is already installed.

Fortunately, vent-less systems have become just as beautiful, natural-looking, and safe as vented systems. You can get the safest hearth products to burn. And, then, you can get the fireplace with safety alarms and auto shut-off features so you can rest assured that your building’s oxygen levels linger in a safe zone.

Choose a Natural Vent

If you are adamant about getting the highest levels of safety and want to keep the fireplace as conventional as it can be, you have the choice of installing natural vents.

Depending on your building’s infrastructure, you can choose between installing a chimney and using a pipe venting system to escort toxicity out of your home.

Often termed as B-vents, natural vents don’t require much expenditure but have just as many benefits as a direct vent. In most cases, this is the best solution for homeowners.

Change the Infrastructure

If you can agree to incur two extensive costs – monetary expenditure and major changes in the infrastructure of your building – then direct vents are your choice.

Beware, the task is huge. You have to get professional help. But before that, you have to redesign the building map and get approval from the relevant housing authority.

Depending on your location, you should set aside a budget between $3,000 and $11,000. Note that this cost only relates to masonry and installation. The planning expenses make an additional concern.

What’s Your Choice!

Can a vent free gas fireplace be vented?

The short answer is yes. The long answer is it depends on many factors including your building design ownership, budget, and expectations.

So, which of the following solutions work for you?

Do you think you would compromise on a vent-free fireplace? Or would you opt a full-blown remodeling of your home?