Bump

I like vents any time combustion is involved.

Ventless fireplaces are the dumbest idea ever! The combustion products are CO2 (theoretically) and LOTS of water vapor. Why dump all that moisture into the house and on top of that take the chance on carbon monoxide poisoning?

Electric is fast taking over gas anything as more research reveals how bad combustion byproducts are for indoor air quality.

First, think of these appliances as gas fired heaters.

"Direct Vent" means there is a double walled metal pipe to a termination on the roof or on an exterior wall. Because hot combustion gasses exhaust through the inner part and cooler fresh air is drawn in through the outer part, the appliance is self-contained and should not create a danger to the inhabitants.

"Ventless" means combustion air is taken from the room thereby depleting oxygen and combustion gasses are exhausted to the room thereby adding CO which is odorless and deadly. They're supposed to shut down when a sensor detects a dangerous condition.

In some states, ventless gas fireplaces are not allowed in a house or are at least not allowed in a bedroom or bathroom.

I recommend that you do not even consider a ventless fireplace. We bought a home that had one. We didn't even know such a thing existed as they were not legal in the state we moved from. We used it once and did not use again as it really stinks up the house and significantly increases the internal moisture. I agree with the poster above that said they are the dumbest idea ever.

Banned in the entirety of the Great White North.

Also, in Texas, California, Massachusetts and other US states.

Ventless should be banned everyone - one of the dumbest things ever.

I'm not normally this emphatic about something which could be called a "design" choice either. But wow it's a horrible idea as a retrofit. The thought of building a new house and deliberately choosing ventless leaves me a bit speechless.

Either vent it safely or don't do it at all.

I agree.

Agree 1000%. I stayed at a hotel in LA in Dec which had ventless fireplaces in every rooms. I woke up each morning with a dry cough, and only the pilot light was on.