Synthetic fireplaces, also called ventless fireplaces, are a recent development that is beginning to gain lots of acceptance. Using a compound called gel fuel, which is generally an isopropyl alcohol based substance, ventless fireplaces are still able to deliver not just the aesthetic value of a normal fireplace, but can also house the fire itself.
How's that possible, since artificial fireplaces don't have a vent? This is where the isopropyl alcohol is useful. Due to the molecular structure of isopropyl alchohol, when it burns, it does not produce any toxic or dangerous fumes. It burns pure, not giving off any scents or harmful chemicals.
Cans of gel fuel are placed in the artificial fireplace's aparatus, and then lit on fire. Each can burns for roughly three hours and provides both the beauty and heat that comes from a fire. Though not nearly as warm as a normal fireplace that burns either wood or natural gas, gel fuel still puts out a reasonably high level of BTUs.
For folks who want the beauty and aesthetic value of an inside fire, but don't have a traditional fireplace an artificial fireplace can be a good path to take. They are pretty cheap to buy and don't require any installation generally, unless you purchase the in-wall model. Most slide nicely and seamlessly up against the wall and bring a home the beauty of a normal fireplace, and the power to house real fire with no need to fool around with installing a vent.
The sole possible downside that I can find to an artificial fireplace is that gel fuel can be costlier than wood or natural gas. So if you're planning on using your artificial fireplace often, you'll be wanting to take that factor into consideration. But other than that, ventless fireplaces are an awesome invention, reasonably and easily bringing the beauty of a nice fire indoors.
How's that possible, since artificial fireplaces don't have a vent? This is where the isopropyl alcohol is useful. Due to the molecular structure of isopropyl alchohol, when it burns, it does not produce any toxic or dangerous fumes. It burns pure, not giving off any scents or harmful chemicals.
Cans of gel fuel are placed in the artificial fireplace's aparatus, and then lit on fire. Each can burns for roughly three hours and provides both the beauty and heat that comes from a fire. Though not nearly as warm as a normal fireplace that burns either wood or natural gas, gel fuel still puts out a reasonably high level of BTUs.
For folks who want the beauty and aesthetic value of an inside fire, but don't have a traditional fireplace an artificial fireplace can be a good path to take. They are pretty cheap to buy and don't require any installation generally, unless you purchase the in-wall model. Most slide nicely and seamlessly up against the wall and bring a home the beauty of a normal fireplace, and the power to house real fire with no need to fool around with installing a vent.
The sole possible downside that I can find to an artificial fireplace is that gel fuel can be costlier than wood or natural gas. So if you're planning on using your artificial fireplace often, you'll be wanting to take that factor into consideration. But other than that, ventless fireplaces are an awesome invention, reasonably and easily bringing the beauty of a nice fire indoors.
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If you aren't yet convinced, check out a few of these attractive ventless fireplace examples. For cheap gel fuel, check out how to make gel fuel.
