Gas burning fireplaces eliminate the smoke and hassle of wood burning.
As with any fuel burning device, however, proper venting is needed to prevent the buildup of potentially harmful gases. These units do not require venting systems that add to the cost or restrict the placement of the unit. Consideration Older gas units often burn inefficiently and produce substantial amounts of potentially harmful gases, including carbon monoxide. As a safety precaution, many manufacturers and codes require that any damper in the venting systems be permanently fixed in an open position. The HouseMaster Technical Staff notes that while the new ventless units burn efficiently and technically do not require vents, they can still contribute to indoor air pollution concerns.