Types

• The lack of ventilation can cause many types of problems with a ventless fireplace. Condensation that forms when warm air hits cold surfaces can build up in your home and cause mold in areas such as the attic and inside exterior walls. Soot formed while the fire is burning won't be able to escape up a chimney. This can damage walls, ceilings, draperies and furniture. Inadequate ventilation within a room can allow fumes to linger inside the home. This can cause a variety of physical symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, fatigue, itchy eyes and coughing. Fumes can also cause deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.
  
  

Effects

• Moisture, soot and fires can severely damage the interior of your home. Breathing in fumes can lead to chronic lung problems and even death. Problems arising from improperly installed ventless fireplaces can be costly. Homeowner's insurance does not always cover damage caused by ventless fireplaces, especially if they are not professionally installed.
  
  

Significance

• Ventless fireplace problems are so severe that these fireplaces are prohibited in some areas, including the states of California, Alaska, New York, Utah, Massachusetts, Colorado, Montana and Minnesota. Certain municipalities also ban ventless fireplaces. Make sure you know your local building codes before installing a ventless fireplace. Damage caused by an illegal ventless fireplace won't be covered by homeowner's insurance.
  
  

Prevention/Solution

• You can prevent or at least minimize your exposure to certain problems. Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home to detect lethal fumes. Make sure that your ventless fireplace is in a large area to minimize physical discomfort caused by breathing in fumes. Crack a window to the outside to allow a ventless fireplace to breathe. This can minimize problems caused by moisture. Keep an eye out for indications that soot is forming and causing damage in your home. Turn off your fireplace and contact a professional immediately if you notice any walls or areas surrounding the fireplace turning black.
  
  

Warning

• There are many do-it-yourself websites that will guide you through installing your own ventless fireplace system. In addition, many manufacturers sell their products directly to customers. Unless you are an experienced builder or other home improvement professional, do not try to install a ventless fireplace on your own. Improperly installing the gas lines or connecting to gas lines can cause dangerous gas leaks that pose a significant risk to those in your home. Insurance companies can also deny any claims caused by a ventless fireplace that was not professionally installed.