| During the Summer months a fireplace has little appeal, | | | | decor or taste. Prices start around $2,100. |
| in fact many people never bother to even look at the | | | | Fuel cost is based on usage and cost of electricity at |
| thing and often disguise it with screens, flowerpots or | | | | the time used.3. Gel fuel fire places need no installation |
| possibly a fireplace tealight conversion kit with which | | | | or hook ups. They can be placed anywhere in your |
| they can at least light a few tealights or candles to | | | | home or cabin and even can be taken with you when |
| bring the dark hole in the wall to life. Yet, during the | | | | you move or spend time at a second home. |
| colder time of year there are few who would not love | | | | The gel comes in pint size cans and will burn from 2 |
| to be able so sit by a roaring fire, all warm and snug. | | | | to 3 hours, depending on the humidity level of a home. |
| Of course those who do not have a built in fireplace | | | | The dryer the air, the longer the fire will burn. BTU |
| can only dream about the luxury of a cozy fire within | | | | output is 9,000. It is a non-toxic gelled alcohol made |
| their own four walls. That is, until now. Now anybody | | | | from organic thickeners and Isopropyl Alcohol, that it is |
| can own a fully functional fireplace, whether they live in | | | | smokeless and odorless. It is safe, clean burning, no |
| a house, an apartment, a single room or even a cave. | | | | fumes, no sparks, no ashes, nor flying embers. |
| A chimney is no longer needed.Several versions of | | | | 100%environment friendly. Because it is an alcohol |
| ventless fireplaces are on the market. All of them are | | | | product it can be safely stored indoors at room |
| 99% heat efficient since the heat goes into the room | | | | temperature or cooler. Another feature neither the |
| and not up the chimney. Which one you choose | | | | electric nor the gas fireplace offers, is the real crackling |
| probably depends on one or more of these | | | | sound produced while the gel fuel burns. |
| considerations: price, looks, and hook-up.1. Non-vented | | | | By adding the smell of burning wood through the use |
| natural gas fireplaces which have to be connected to | | | | of scented candles, incense or oils a total fireplace |
| an available natural or propane gas line. They come in | | | | experience can be created.Gel fuel ventless fireplaces |
| various sizes. Large versions put out up to 25,000 | | | | are available in a wide variety of styles, composition |
| BTU's of heat for large rooms. Smaller versions | | | | and colors to suit your decor or taste. Prices start at |
| produce 5,000 to 10,000 BTU's. Most come with | | | | $300. Fuel cost is based on usage. Each can of gel |
| oxygen sensors that shut down the unit if the home | | | | fuel burns for approximately 3 hours and costs about |
| oxygen level gets too low.Because of the dangers of | | | | $3. This is comparable to the cost of those |
| carbon dioxide build up with a ventless natural gas | | | | compressed logs available for regular fire places, |
| fireplace in the home several states strictly prohibit | | | | however, one of these will have to burn out while you |
| their installation. Another problem with these fireplaces | | | | can close the lid on the gel fuel container anytime and |
| is excessive moisture condensation, since a byproduct | | | | reuse it at a later date.While each version has its |
| of gas combustion is water vapor. Fungus and mold | | | | benefits and drawbacks, the buyer is wise to consider |
| infestation could result in additional serious health | | | | all of those before making the commitment. When it |
| problems.They come in a variety of styles and Prices | | | | comes to versatility, this writer finds the Gel Fuel |
| start at about $500. Usage cost is based on usage | | | | Ventless Fireplace the best choice because of its |
| hours and natural gas or propane prices.2. Electric | | | | lower initial purchase price, no need for utility |
| fireplaces need no outside venting. They simply need | | | | connections, small clearance, and reasonable fuel cost |
| to be plugged into a 120 V outlet. They put out about | | | | per burn; but most of all I like the fact that I can take it |
| 4,500 BTU's if the heater is turned on. They have a | | | | with me when I move. Ideal for apartment dwellers |
| realistic flame effect, created with randomized filtered | | | | and small homes.The author has a home decor |
| lighting. The flame effect can be used without the | | | | business, where, amongst other products, she also |
| heater. A multifunctional remote control comes with | | | | sells ventless fireplaces. |
| each unit.Available in a variety of styles to suit your | | | | |