Ventless gas fireplace too hot

5 years ago

Hi. We are in a new build and had a 60" linear Empire Blvd ventless gas fireplace installed. Even on the lowest setting, the wall surrounding the fireplace and the mantle get very hot to the touch within less than a minute. The wall surround is lightweight concrete and the mantle is wood and installed 24" above the top of the fireplace and the TV is above the mantle. We are considering a heat deflector which isn't aesthetically appealing but if it works it will be worth it. I've attached a photo. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Featured Answer

formulaross20

5 years ago

last modified: 5 years ago

Ventless fireplaces are the worst idea ever! Moisture control in buildings is a huge issue so why would you want an appliance that pumps water water vapor into the inside of the house? You're on an outside wall so why didn't you go with a vented fireplace?

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Comments (10)

kelkim2
5 years ago
Following because we looked at the ventless gas fireplaces at the showroom & couldn’t believe how hot the display wall got even on the lowest setting. Thinking about going with the electric version.
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sptmb
Original Author
5 years ago
three floors and it would have to vent to the top. Way over our budget
formulaross20
5 years ago
Why would it have to vent to the top? That is not a manufacturer's requirement for fireplace istallation.

https://assets.woodlanddirect.com/accordion/owners-manual/Empire-Boulevard-Direct-Vent-Linear-Gas-Fireplace-60.pdf
erinsean
5 years ago
Vent it through the outside wall behind/above it.
cayann26
4 years ago
I am having same problem, did you ever find a solution?
PRO
Hansen Wholesale
4 years ago
Rather than using a hood, you may want to consider an insulated steel surround that would serve as a heat deflector without looking like a hood. I would also replace the wood mantel with an insulated steel mantel since it hangs out further than the metal surround.

Real live example of stainless Steel Surround - 3" to 4" deep

Mockup of Black Angled Surround made 1" deep at bottom angling out to 4" deep at the top.

If you are interested in these options, email me directly and I can provide more details and pricing: gregt@hansenwholesale.com
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
4 years ago
Where I live these are illegal and for that exact reason BTW there are lots of wall vented FPs or just replace with a nice electric one that gives you some heat but no venting required I sure would not keep the one you have only time to get the first fire IMO.
kelseysd
last year
hi what did you ever do about this?
HU-753098018
11 months ago
I’m having the same problem and afraid to use this fireplace. A heat deflector absolutely destroys the appearance. Venting to outside? Fireplace installed on interior vaulted wall. I have another vent free fireplace in a standard fireplace cabinet downstairs that works perfectly. Why is the Empire Boulevard too hot?