Can Gas Fireplaces Be Installed on Interior Walls?

Fireplaces offer a convenient and attractive alternative, or supplement, to whole home heating. These units can be installed in multiple locations throughout the home and are relatively convenient to move should the need arise. When determining where to install a fireplace, a homeowner must consider venting requirements.

Natural draft fireplaces release the flue gases up a chimney because the gases are hot and rise naturally. This type of fireplace can be installed anywhere a chimney can be installed, which allows the homeowner to consider installation along an interior wall.

Direct vent and power vent fireplaces typically vent out the exterior wall, but there are units that can make significant vertical runs, which again allows for venting through the roof.

The last option is vent-free fireplaces, which use interior air for combustion and exhaust the products of combustion in the same room. These units can be placed just about anywhere, including interior walls, as long as the room is large enough to supply adequate fresh air. However, this type of unit is not always permissible under some municipal and state building codes.