What type of gas fireplace do I have? Vented or ventless?

My gas fireplace has a flu, but also has vents above and below on the interior of the house. There is also a switch on the wall beside the fireplace which doesn't seem to do anything. I want to use this to heat my home, but with the flu open it does nothing to help. My main concern is CO gas. I bought a CO detector which raises another question, "install downstairs or up?".

Public Comments

1. if it has a flu, it is vented,as far as using it for heat, check out web sites for .... I don't know what they are called but you use them to hold logs and they have motor on out side of fireplace that blows air thru pipes ( part of system) and hot air from log heat heats room. You can make one yourself if mechanically inclined that doesn't use motor. The principal is basic phisics, cold air is pulled in from bottom when hot air exits top openings. ( apicture would be better) websites for fireplace accessories
2. Most GAs fireplace inserts are considered vented. You should have your damper cracked at least one inch. The installer should have installed a "C clamp" type devise on the damper to keep it from closing completely. As far as the wall switch it could be a burner control or fan control the was roughed in and never wired to unit. Check farther into the blower cabinet to see if you have wires the havnt been hooked up
3. If you have a flue that vents to the outside then it is vented. Make sure the damper is open ALL THE WAY when using the fireplace and close it when not in use. You are wise to be concerned about CO. You should (I believe) have one on each floor that has combustable aplliances (fireplace, sotve, furnace, etc) as well as on the floor where bedrooms are (if different). CO poisoning claims too many lives each year (many are prventable) to not be taken seriously.