Direct Vent vs. Vent-Free (Ventless) Gas Fireplaces: Pros, Cons and Where Vent-Free Isn't Allowed
A vent-free gas fireplace costs less, fits a wall half as deep and puts nearly all its heat in the room. It is also banned outright in California, Minnesota and New York City homes, and restricted everywhere else. Here is how direct vent and vent-free compare, using Empire's Boulevard built both ways, and where vent-free isn't allowed. Every product figure below comes from the specifications on our own product pages.