We\'re sometimes asked about installing or renovating fireplaces in bedrooms. Here in Richmond, Virginia it is a controversial issue as creating inspectors quite often don\'t like the idea due to safety concerns.
Please be assured that we, too, feel that safety is the utmost concern with any fire. On the other hand, we also appreciate a homeowner\'s desire to install or restore a bedroom fireplace for the warmth, charm and romance a fire offers. A fireplace can be as safe in a bedroom as in any other room of your home.
What About Vent-Free Gas Appliances in Bedrooms?
This problem is especially misunderstood. Vent-no cost appliances in bedrooms need to be a wall hung heater and must be under 10,000 btu\'s.
**A vent-absolutely free log set that is under 10,000 btu\'s is not allowed considering that it is not a wall mounted appliance.
**Vented appliances in bedrooms are NOT limited to the 10,000 btu rule, unless the bedroom is regarded as a confined space, as defined below.
The developing inspector in your locale has the ultimate approval for fireplace installations. It is helpful to ask which code is applicable in your locality to determine which code he or she is quoting. For example, a direct vent fireplace may possibly be allowed even though 1 with an open fire is not.
The International Fuel Gas Code, for example, states:
SECTION 303 (IFGC)
APPLIANCE LOCATION
303.three Prohibited locations. Fuel-fired appliances shall not be
located in, or obtain combustion air from, any of the following
rooms or spaces:
1. Sleeping rooms.
2. Bathrooms.
three. Toilet rooms.
four. Storage closets.
5. Surgical rooms.
Exceptions:
1. Direct-vent appliances that acquire all combustion air directly from
the outdoors.
2. Listed vented gas fired room heaters, listed vented decorative
gas appliances and listed decorative gas-fired appliances for
installation in vented solid fuel burning fireplaces, supplied that the
room is not a confined space and the constructing is not of unusually
tight construction.
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The following specifics is extracted from the Gas Hearth Appliance Training Manual published by the Hearth Goods Association:
Listed Appliance:
Equipment or supplies tested to needed standards by a testing organization.....Assures suitability for use in a specified manner when equipment installed in accordance with the manufacturer\'s installation instructons.
Listed VENTED gas appliances will be either:
Room Heater:
Have to meet the federal efficiency mandates of the Energy Conservation Act and meet efficiency
standards based on an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) based on btu input.
Ought to have a vent safety shutoff system, designed to quit gas flow to the primary burner if the appliace is not connected to a venting system or if the venting system is blocked.
Decorative Appliance:
Is not created for heating its sole or primary purpose is aesthetic enjoyment
Is not required to meet fuel efficiency standards
Can't use a thermostat to control operation of the flames
Decorative Appliance Installed in Solid Fuel Burning Fireplaces
Standard Z21.60 sets forth requirements for appliances installed into an existing fireplace:
The appliance can only be installed in a non-combustible solid fuel burning fireplace that has a
working flue.
There ought to be a permanent free opening (generally the damper) of a minimum area determined by appliance input rating and chimney height.
The chimney damper should be fixed in a manner that maintains the minimum permanent vent-free of charge opening.
A fireplace screen need to be inplace in the course of operation.
What is a \"Confined Space\"?
A \"confined space\" is defined by the National Fuel Gas Code as a space (or room) with much less than 50 cubic feet per 1,000 btu input of the appliance.
Example:
Can a listed decorative gas coal basket with 25,000 btu input be installed in a 12\' x 15\' room with 8\' ceilings?
25 (thousand btu input of the appliance) x 50 (cubic ft necessary per 1,000 btu input) = 1250 cubic feet.
Length x width x height of room gives the total cubic foot area. 12\' x 15\' x 8\' = 1440 cubic feet.
The room region in this example is 1440 cubic feet this appliance wants 1250 cubic feet of region. The appliance could be installed in this room based strictly on the limitations of a confined space.
Note that the creating inspector or other \"authority having jurisdiction\" in your region should certainly be able to supply you:
Which code is used in your location.
The specifications necessary and allowed per that code.
The interpretation, if necessary, of that code.
Means of implementing that code for your particular installation.
Inspection of your installation to determine that it was performed in accordance with applicable codes and according to manufacturer\'s installation directions.
Further Suggestions. For Installations in Bedrooms or Any Other Room in Your House:
Heating appliances, decorative gas appliances and their chimneys/venting systems will need to only be installed and serviced by a qualified technician.
Normally follow manufacturer\'s installation instructions.
Only perform installation in accordance with your local codes.
Apply for a developing permit, if required or on the market, and have the installation inspected by the creating inspector.
Notify your homeowners insurance provider that a new installation has been performed .
Make certain and have the appliance cleaned and serviced annually to support assure proper performance.
*This write-up copyrighted by THE FIREPLACE CHANNEL
