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