Gas Fireplaces in Bedrooms

We're often asked about installing or renovatingheating its sole or primary purpose is aesthetic
fireplaces in bedrooms. Here in Richmond, Virginia it is aenjoymentIs not required to meet fuel efficiency
controversial issue as building inspectors sometimesstandardsCannot use a thermostat to control
don't like the idea due to safety concerns.Please beoperation of the flamesDecorative Appliance Installed
assured that we, too, feel that safety is the utmostin Solid Fuel Burning FireplacesStandard Z21.60 sets
concern with any fire. However, we also appreciate aforth requirements for appliances installed into an
homeowner's desire to install or restore a bedroomexisting fireplace:The appliance can only be installed in
fireplace for the warmth, charm and romance a firea non-combustible solid fuel burning fireplace that has a
offers. A fireplace can be as safe in a bedroom as in
any other room of your home.What About Vent-Freeworking flue.There must be a permanent free opening
Gas Appliances in Bedrooms?This issue is particularly(usually the damper) of a minimum area determined by
misunderstood. Vent-free appliances in bedrooms mustappliance input rating and chimney height.The chimney
be a wall hung heater and must be under 10,000damper must be fixed in a manner that maintains the
btu's.**A vent-free log set that is under 10,000 btu's isminimum permanent vent-free opening.A fireplace
not allowed because it is not a wall mountedscreen must be inplace during operation.What is a
appliance.**Vented appliances in bedrooms are NOT"Confined Space"?A "confined space" is defined by
limited to the 10,000 btu rule, unless the bedroom isthe National Fuel Gas Code as a space (or room) with
considered a confined space, as defined below.Theless than 50 cubic feet per 1,000 btu input of the
building inspector in your locale has the ultimateappliance.Example:Can a listed decorative gas coal
approval for fireplace installations. It is helpful to askbasket with 25,000 btu input be installed in a 12' x 15'
which code is applicable in your locality to determineroom with 8' ceilings?25 (thousand btu input of the
which code he or she is quoting. For example, a directappliance) x 50 (cubic ft required per 1,000 btu input) =
vent fireplace may be allowed while one with an open1250 cubic feet.Length x width x height of room gives
fire is not.The International Fuel Gas Code, for example,the total cubic foot area. 12' x 15' x 8' = 1440 cubic
states:SECTION 303 (IFGC)APPLIANCEfeet.The room area in this example is 1440 cubic feet
LOCATION303.3 Prohibited locations. Fuel-firedthis appliance needs 1250 cubic feet of area. The
appliances shall not beappliance could be installed in this room based strictly
located in, or obtain combustion air from, any of theon the limitations of a confined space.Note that the
followingbuilding inspector or other "authority having jurisdiction"
rooms or spaces:1. Sleeping rooms.2. Bathrooms.3.in your area should be able to provide you:Which code
Toilet rooms.4. Storage closets.5. Surgicalis used in your area.The specifications required and
rooms.Exceptions:1. Direct-vent appliances that obtainallowed per that code.The interpretation, if needed, of
all combustion air directly fromthat code.Means of implementing that code for your
the outdoors.2. Listed vented gas fired room heaters,particular installation.Inspection of your installation to
listed vented decorativedetermine that it was performed in accordance with
gas appliances and listed decorative gas-firedapplicable codes and according to manufacturer's
appliances forinstallation instructions.Further Advice. For Installations in
installation in vented solid fuel burning fireplaces,Bedrooms or Any Other Room in Your Home:Heating
provided that theappliances, decorative gas appliances and their
room is not a confined space and the building is not ofchimneys/venting systems should only be installed and
unusuallyserviced by a qualified technician.Always follow
tightmanufacturer's installation instructions.Only perform
------------------------The following information isinstallation in accordance with your local codes.Apply
extracted from the Gas Hearth Appliance Trainingfor a building permit, if required or available, and have
Manual published by the Hearth Productsthe installation inspected by the building inspector.Notify
Association:Listed Appliance:Equipment or materialsyour homeowners insurance company that a new
tested to required standards by a testinginstallation has been performed .Make sure and have
organization.....Assures suitability for use in a specifiedthe appliance cleaned and serviced annually to help
manner when equipment installed in accordance withassure proper performance.*This article copyrighted
the manufacturer's installation instructons.Listedby THE FIREPLACE CHANNELKaren Duke is a
VENTED gas appliances will be either:Roomfireplace, chimney and hearth industry expert of over
Heater:Must meet the federal efficiency mandates of25 years in both the retail and service sectors. She is
the Energy Conservation Act and meet efficiencya CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep and has numerous
standards based on an Annual Fuel Utilizationhearth industry certifications. She is the founder and
Efficiency (AFUE) based on btu input.Must have a ventwebmaster of and she is the co-founder and
safety shutoff system, designed to stop gas flow towebmaster of which is one of the largest online
the main burner if the appliace is not connected to afireplace retailers in the world. She makes her home in
venting system or if the venting system isMechanicsville, Virginia. Karen's contact information can
blocked.Decorative Appliance:Is not designed forbe found on either of the above sites.