[jfguerrero1]

I have a 28 year old house that was built with a vented fireplace. Being vented it obviously has chimney pipe. The house is a 2 story house so the pipe runs from the top of the chimney to above the second floor - about 24 feet.

We are doing some remodeling. I removed the sheetrock to add cement board so that we could tile the the wall around the chimney. We then decided that the fireplace was too old so we thought it would be a good idea to replace the fireplace. In replacing it we want to go with a ventless fireplace.

The problem that I see is the chimney. I don't have to replace the structure that surrounds the chimney, as it will give the house that external look of having a fireplace, but I don't know what should be done with the chimney. Obviously it will not need to connect to the new ventless fireplace. So do I need to do more tear-out work to remove the entire chimney, close up the location of the cap, or could I simply disconnect the chimney at the top of the fireplace and build a wood frame to hold the rest of the chimney in place over the ventless fireplace, then close the cap at the top, to prevent birds or other animals from crawling in a nesting, be acceptable.

Has anyone done something similar to this type of fireplace replacement work?

Hope this makes sense.

And thank you in advance for your time to read this and for your replies.

 

[sixeightten]

It has held out birds and critters for 28 years, so that wont change. You can leave it as long as it is disconnected and properly supported.

 

[jfguerrero1]

Thank you sixeightten. I was hoping that would be a viable solution. I'll build a platform with 2"x8" framing to support the weight and leave it in place after I remove the 2 pieces closest to the fireplace.

 

[sixeightten]

Make sure to insulate that area as well.

 

[jfguerrero1]

Definitely. I had already bought some rockwool insulation to replace the old fiberglass insulation that had been put in place 28 years ago. Thank you!

 

[joecaption]

I'm going to bet your going to later regret not having that vent.
An unvented gas fire place will dump a ton of moisture into the home.
When I run mine, unless I open a window water will run down the windows and walls.
Having to open a window defeats the whole reason for running a heater.
Read the directions that came with it, most say to crack a window, do not install in a bedroom, and do not leave it on over night unattended.

 

[jfguerrero1]

joecaption, thank you for your experience with the ventless fireplace. I will definitely read the documentation.

 

[Bud9051]

Have you talked to your local fire inspector and your insurance company?

The negative information on unvented gas fireplaces isn't out there by accident it reflects the risk of exhausting combustion byproducts into your home where the air you breathe is getting contaminated. Even when the heater is burning properly the air quality is being affected. And if the burner gets fouled with a fleck of rust those byproducts can include carbon monoxide. Even a gas kitchen appliance states to run your exhaust fan when cooking.

Anything good you hear is emanating from company information that wants to sell their products. Here is some reading:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15666470/

Bud

 

[jfguerrero1]

Thank you Bud9051. I have reached out to either one. I had not even thought about that. Thank you for the link. I'll definitely read the information.

 

[Bud9051]

Not sure where you are located but this is the blurb Google provides under,
"Why are ventless fireplaces illegal?"


"Massachusetts, California, and a number of other states in the U.S., as well as Canada and other countries, have outlawed ventless gas fireplaces due to the aforementioned safety concerns. ... a gas leak. During production, installation or servicing, a leak can be created; plugged burner ports."

Bud

 

[jfguerrero1]

In reading that source, it is a finding from 2001, I'll keep looking for more recent testing and results related to ventless gas fireplaces. Products do get improved after reports like this are released. Perhaps they have been improved in the last 19 years, but then again - maybe not.

 

[jfguerrero1]

This testing https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29341855/ was done with a very large population. It was completed in 2018. Looks like systems have been improved, but I will continue digging. Not worth the risk to health or the loss of life if the ventless is going to be a problem. Thanks again Bud9051.

 

[jfguerrero1]

Well, after reviewing the issue brought up by Bud9051, the additional costs of removing the old fireplace to put a ventless fireplace in, as well as the labor involved (this was a major factor) I have decided to keep the old unit and just update it with new refractory panels, and other parts. Thanks everyone for the input.

 

[dj3]

I'm glad you decided to scrap your earlier idea which was against safety code.