Ventless Fireplace vs. Wood Burning

When you are curled up next to a cheery fire on a cold winter night, does it really matter what type of fireplace you have? Of course it matters! Do you want your home to be energy efficient? Or would you rather have the genuine smell of wood stoves? Wood burning fireplaces are considered the traditional model. Ventless fireplaces are the modern and convenient alternative to wood burning. Your preference in this decision matters, because you will be making the deciding vote between ventless versus wood burning fireplaces.

Ventless fireplaces

A ventless fireplace could be powered by gas, electricity, or ethanol. There is no end to the different styles of ventless fireplaces, meaning that you have plenty of options available.

Pros

Electric ventless fireplaces can operate with or without heat. If you prefer, you can simply have the synthetic flame running for people to admire. Ventless fireplaces do not require ventilation, and therefore do not need to be connected to a chimney. This is a pro because they are more flexible about where they can be placed in the home. As well, they do not waste as much energy, because heat is not leaving the house through the chimney. This type of heat source will warm your home the same way that a heater would.

Cons

Ventless fireplaces do not typically warm huge amount of spaces. They are most suitable for small homes, or apartments. Another con for this type of fireplace is that they can have high initial purchase price. Although ventless fireplaces do perform the job adequately, some people may simply prefer the real thing.  

Wood burning fireplaces

These types of fireplaces function by burning wood. They provide a real flame, and they give off a traditional ‘fireplace’ smell of burning wood.

Pros

These are the traditional fireplaces that have been around for hundreds of years. Many people love this type of fireplace because they enjoy snuggling together around the crackling flames. Wood burning fireplaces raise the value of a house, because they are considered to be desirable to home owners. These fireplaces are fueled by wood, which is a renewable resource. This means that you do not need electricity or gas to operate it.

Cons

Wood burning fireplaces are typically the most expensive option in terms of start-up costs. This is largely due to different components such as the gas line, assembly, ventilation and wiring. 

Wood burning fireplaces are not known for energy efficiency. Some of the produced heat is immediately lost because it escapes out the chimney. This means that it is taking more heat to warm your home and requiring more wood for fuel. 

When the wood combusts, soot, ash and various gases are let out into the air. This means that these fireplaces require cleaning often. If they are not cleaned  there is a safety concern. Excess creosote in the chimney can cause dangerous fires. Another safety concern includes children and pets. They will need to be kept away from the fireplace to ensure that they do not get burned by touching the hot surface.

Although wood burning fireplaces are still the favorite of many, they come with an innumerable list of cons. Ventless fireplaces can solve most, if not all, of these issues. The overall convenience and modern touches make going ventless a joy! You may be attached to your old wood burning fireplace, but take a minute to think over the alternative. You might be doing yourself a favor in the long run.

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