How much space do you need for a vented gas fireplace?

Question

We are remodelling our master bedroom and considering putting in a vented gas fireplace opposite our bed.

However, we are tight on room so we need to know what is the minimal depth that would be needed to add such a unit including space for venting, fireplace itself, insulation, etc.

Of course, details will depend on the unit itself, but I would like to get a ballpark estimate of the minimum space that would be needed so I know whether it is even worth pursuing.

I tried googling some units but it wasn't clear in practice how much total space is required.

Thanks

Tom Lachance · Accepted Answer

Visit some stove shops in your area The manufacturers all have brochures that list the space requirements for their products. I assume you are looking for a zero clearance fireplace? These are installed and a enclosure is built around it. You can also do a "bump out" that has the face of the fireplace about flush with the wall.

Jim Elbrecht · Answer

I'm a big fan of gas fireplaces, but I'd be hesitant to put one in a sleeping area because of CO. It's just too small a space & you could wake up dead with a minimum of equipment malfunction. At the least- buy a CO detector with the fireplace.

Sam's Club had a great setup just inside their doors a couple weeks ago-- Big 4-poster bed, with a HD TV hanging on the wall with a fireplace video going on. You got sound and visuals far better than any gas fireplace I've seen- falling logs, sparks, etc.

That and an electric blanket, and you're still toasty- and you can switch it to a movie if you like.

Jim

blueman · Answer

Are you concerned even with the vented ones or just with the non-vented types?

And I definitely agree with you on the CO detector and not sure I would go to sleep with it on all night either.

That would work for me but probably not for my wife. Heck I would prefer the HDTV (without the fireplace video) to a fireplace.... but have to please the wife...

Jim Elbrecht · Answer

Both- though I'd say non-vented is an absolute no-no in a bedroom. Vented requires caution. People die every year from vented devices whose vents fail for whatever reason. In a confined space there is no warning, you just wake up dead.

-snip-

Yeah- all the fireplace in the world won't keep the bedroom warm if SWMBO is not happy.

Jim

How much space do you need for a vented gas fireplace?

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