I am building a home in the upcountry of SC.
The fireplace will be on an outside wall so I can use either a vented or vent free fireplace. The wall that the fireplace will be on is 20 feet tall.
Having a choice, is vented or vent free better?
Which is more cost effective as far as purchase and installation?
Thank you
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I am presuming that you are getting a natural gas or liquid propane fireplace.
In which case a vent free is cheaper and also more efficient that a vented unit.
The problem is, that many communities do not allow by building code the use of unvented gas fireplace appliances.
Vent free fireplaces have a greater risk (though still small) of cause health hazards from gases and vent free fireplaces emit more water vapor into the home as a result of combustion.
Vapor can condense and cause water problems, mold, etc...
In which case a vent free is cheaper and also more efficient that a vented unit.
The problem is, that many communities do not allow by building code the use of unvented gas fireplace appliances.
Vent free fireplaces have a greater risk (though still small) of cause health hazards from gases and vent free fireplaces emit more water vapor into the home as a result of combustion.
Vapor can condense and cause water problems, mold, etc...
