Expert: James Ball - 10/8/2008

Question
I am considering purchasing a gas log insert for my existing fireplace.  This unit is vent free so my concern is safety. If I have it in my fireplace and keep the damper open to a small degree would this in essence vent the toxic gases out thru the chimney?  Most of what I have read about their safety seems to discuss it in relation to having no venting available and with a chimney I would assume I would have venting.  Thanks for your help!

Answer
Hi Ruth, I am not a big fan of "vent free" any thing, but where ever you install it you must follow the manufacturers instruction. As far as leaving the damper open it might suck cold air down the chimney Negative pressure)or all your hot air up (regular draft). my guess would be to not open the damper and just run it, I know they have a carbon monoxide sensor but get a detector also from a hardware store/hope depot just in case.
hope this helped
James Ball