Vent Free and Ventless Fireplaces

While most states allow installation of vent-free gas heating appliances, a handful of states still prohibit residential use. Because counties and municipalities may adopt different codes than state agencies, please check with your local codes officials to determine the current code in the city where you plan to install the appliance before purchasing.

GCUF 32/36/42 Universal Fireboxes As low as 
$531.00

DFX24 with cabinet 
As low as  
$1560.00

DFX32 with cabinet  
As low as 
$1878.00

DFS series with cabinet
As low as
$1938.00

CFX Chesapeake Complete Fireplace
As Low As
$1521.00

Vent Free Stove
As low as 
$1645.00

Vail 24 Gas Fireplace with cabinets
As low as $1407.00

Vail 26 Complete Fireplace
$1286.00

Vail 32 Compact Gas Fireplace with cabinet 
$1672.00

What Is a Vent-Free Fireplace?

A vent-free (also called ventless or unvented) gas fireplace burns natural gas or propane so cleanly that it does not need a chimney, flue or vent pipe. Because no heat escapes up a chimney, almost all of the heat produced stays in the room. That is why vent-free fireplaces are a popular supplemental heat source for living rooms, basements, additions and other spaces where running a vent would be difficult or expensive.

Vent-free gas products sold in the United States are certified to the ANSI Z21.11.2 standard for unvented room heaters. Each one has an oxygen depletion sensor (ODS) pilot that automatically shuts off the gas if the oxygen level in the room drops below a safe level.

Types of Vent-Free Fireplaces We Carry

Fireboxes with log sets

Universal fireboxes such as the Monessen GCUF series and Empire Breckenridge are designed to be built into a wall, chase or cabinet and paired with a matching vent-free gas log set. This gives you the widest choice of log styles and sizes.

Complete fireplaces with cabinets

Packages like the Monessen DFX24, DFX32, DFS series, Chesapeake and the Empire Vail 32 and Vail 36 combine the firebox, logs and a finished cabinet or surround, so the fireplace is ready to set against a wall and connect to gas.

Compact and small-room models

For bedrooms and small rooms, look at the Empire Vail 24, the Vail 26, the Mesa mini and the Monessen Parlor.

See-through, corner and peninsula fireplaces

Two- and three-sided models let you share one fire between two rooms or create a focal point in an open floor plan. Compare them on our see-through fireplaces page.

How to Size a Vent-Free Fireplace

The National Fuel Gas Code (NFPA 54 / ANSI Z223.1) limits unvented room heaters to 40,000 BTU per hour, 10,000 BTU per hour in a bedroom and 6,000 BTU per hour in a bathroom. It also limits the total input of all unvented appliances in a space to 20 BTU per hour for each cubic foot of room volume. To estimate, multiply the length, width and ceiling height of your room and then multiply by 20. Rooms that open into adjoining spaces can count that volume as well. Local codes can be stricter, so check with your codes official.

Installation and Everyday Use

A vent-free fireplace still needs a properly sized gas line and should be installed by a qualified gas technician according to the manufacturer’s instructions and local codes. Many models are available with manual, millivolt or remote-ready controls; millivolt systems generate their own power from the pilot flame, so they keep working during a power outage. A light odor during the first hours of use is normal while paint and logs cure. Follow the owner’s manual for operating time and ventilation guidance, keep the logs positioned exactly as shown, and have the unit inspected and cleaned once a year.

Prices shown above are from our most recent catalog update. Manufacturer prices and models change, so please call us toll free to confirm current pricing and availability before ordering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do vent-free fireplaces need a chimney?

No. Vent-free fireplaces are designed to operate without a chimney, flue or vent pipe, which is why nearly all of their heat stays in the room. They do need a gas supply line and correct room sizing.

Can I install a vent-free fireplace in a bedroom?

Only small units are allowed. The National Fuel Gas Code limits unvented heaters in bedrooms to 10,000 BTU per hour, and some local codes prohibit them entirely. Check your local code first.

Are vent-free fireplaces legal in my state?

Most states allow them, but a few states and many local jurisdictions restrict or prohibit residential vent-free gas appliances. Your local codes official can tell you what is allowed where you live.

Should I choose natural gas or propane?

Choose the fuel you have at your home. Fireplaces and log sets are built for either natural gas (N) or propane (P), and the model number shows which one, so order the version that matches your fuel.