The design dilemma is all too common, in that there is not enough room for a conventional fireplace in your new living space and you crave the radiant satisfying heat of an open fire. The solution comes in the form of a corner fireplace and many manufacturers have embraced this design by producing ranges for all types of application. From freestanding ventless designs to more elaborate vented fireplaces all are available to burn wood, electric, gas (both natural and propane), coal, pellets, and alcohol based gel fuels. Some corner fireplace designs come with mantels and surrounds so that the resulting effect is one of a built-in fireplace.
When considering the vast choice of corner fireplaces what are the benefits of vented over ventless designs? There are three basic types of modern corner fireplace:
• Top-Vented Corner Fireplace - this type uses an existing chimney the only modifications needed being the installation of an approved chimney liner, usually 4-5 inches in diameter and made of stainless-steel.
Where no chimney or vent is available, as is usually the case, then the next two types of corner fireplaces are ideal:
• Direct-vented Corner Fireplace - this type utilise a hole put through the wall to the outside directly behind or just above the appliance. The vent is double lined; in that the outer lining brings air in from the outside for the combustion of the gas, whilst the inner vent allows the exhaust gases to escape. As a result any dangers of fumes escaping into the living space are eliminated.
• Ventless Corner Fireplace (or Vent Free Corner Fireplace) - usually taking the form of a freestanding corner fireplace these units allow total heating freedom but do raise some safety concerns as they do vent exhaust gases into the room. It is important to make sure that the appliance comes fitted with an oxygen depletion sensor (ODS) that will cut the gas supply if oxygen levels fall dangerously low.
The heat delivery from these direct vent corner fireplaces as well as ventless corner fireplaces is controlled by the use of a wall thermostat although remote control devices are available. Other features include variable speed blowers and glass doors that radiate the heat and allow a full view of the fire. Adjustable heat output and flame heights are also available.
Ventless corner fireplaces especially ventless gas fireplaces are approved in most states but prohibited in others e.g. California . Why is this So? Basically the description as ventless is misleading as they are in fact room-vented and this raises two distinct and significant health and safety issues. Firstly they can lead to excessive moisture condensation because when gas burns it produces water vapour which can lead to fungus and mould growth with their inherent health disadvantages. Secondly a burner not operating at its optimum will produce carbon dioxide (CO2) and so a working oxygen depletion sensor must be fitted. Ventless electric fireplaces offer a safer alternative but are susceptible to powercuts. For the best advice on installing gas ventless corner fireplaces or problems with ventless gas corner fireplaces there are many local ventless corner fireplace dealers. Surfing the web will show the many designs available from custom made ventless corner fireplace mantels to the wide range of gel ventless corner fireplaces.
