Vent-Free Gas Appliance Sales Policy

Last updated: October 2026

Vent-free (also called ventless or unvented) gas fireplaces, inserts, stoves, log sets, burners and room heaters release combustion by-products into the room instead of up a chimney. Because of that, they are regulated differently from direct-vent and B-vent gas appliances, and some jurisdictions do not allow them at all. This page explains where we can and cannot sell them, and what you need to know before you order.

Where vent-free gas appliances are not permitted

We do not sell vent-free gas appliances for installation in the following locations, and we cannot fulfil orders for them shipping there:

• California — California Health & Safety Code §19881 prohibits the sale of unvented heaters for use in dwellings; unvented decorative gas logs and fireplaces are allowed only under the narrow conditions set out in that section. We treat all vent-free gas appliances as not available for shipment to California.
• Minnesota — the Minnesota Fuel Gas Code (Minn. Rule 1346.5621) prohibits unvented room heaters and unvented decorative appliances in any dwelling or occupancy.
• New York City — the NYC Mechanical Code prohibits unvented gas-fired space heaters, gas logs, gas fireplaces and gas fireplace inserts. Other parts of New York State are not affected.
• Canada — vent-free gas appliances are not certified for sale or installation in Canada.

If an order containing a vent-free gas appliance is placed with a shipping address in one of these locations, our team will contact you before anything ships. We will offer a comparable direct-vent, electric or ethanol alternative, or cancel and refund the order in full.

Massachusetts

Vent-free gas appliances are permitted in Massachusetts, but with specific conditions. Installation must be carried out by a Massachusetts-licensed plumber or gas fitter, a permit and inspection are required, a carbon monoxide detector must be installed in the room, and vent-free appliances may not be installed in bedrooms or bathrooms. The manufacturer’s installation manual contains a dedicated Massachusetts section — please read it before purchasing.

High-altitude locations (above 4,500 ft / 1,372 m)

Vent-free gas appliances are certified under ANSI Z21.11.2 for operation at elevations from sea level to 4,500 feet. Every unit is fitted with an Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) pilot. At higher elevations the thinner air can cause the ODS to shut the appliance down even though the room air is safe, and some models will not stay lit at all.

If your installation is above 4,500 ft — this includes most populated areas of Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, New Mexico and Nevada, and parts of Idaho, Montana and Arizona — a vent-free appliance may not operate reliably. Our team will reach out on any order shipping to these states to confirm your elevation before the order ships. For high-altitude homes we generally recommend a direct-vent gas or electric fireplace instead. Altitude-related nuisance shutdowns are not covered as a product defect.

Installation requirements everywhere

Where vent-free appliances are allowed, national codes (International Residential Code, International Fuel Gas Code, NFPA 54) and the ANSI Z21.11.2 standard still set rules that apply in every state:

• Vent-free appliances are intended for supplemental heat and ambiance, not as a primary heat source.
• The room must meet the minimum volume stated in the manual for the appliance’s BTU rating (or have adequate combustion air from adjoining rooms).
• Maximum 10,000 BTU/h in a bedroom and 6,000 BTU/h in a bathroom; many jurisdictions prohibit them in those rooms entirely.
• Never install a vent-free appliance in a confined space, closet, RV or manufactured home unless the manual explicitly allows it.
• A carbon monoxide detector should be installed in every room with a gas-burning appliance.
• Vent-free appliances release water vapour into the room; in tight or humid homes this can cause condensation. Provide ventilation and limit run time as the manual recommends.
• Cities and counties may add their own restrictions on top of state code. Always check with your local building department (Authority Having Jurisdiction) before purchasing.

Your responsibility

By purchasing a vent-free gas appliance from Hearth Depot you confirm that you have checked that the appliance is permitted at the installation address, that it will be installed by a qualified technician in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and all applicable codes, and that the installation elevation is within the certified range. Hearth Depot cannot verify local code acceptance for every municipality and does not provide installation or permitting services.

Looking for an alternative?

If vent-free is not an option where you live, we carry a full range of direct-vent gas fireplaces and inserts, electric fireplaces and inserts, and ethanol fireplaces, all of which can be installed without a traditional chimney and with no jurisdictional restrictions on sale. Contact us at support@hearthdepot.com and we will help you find the right fit.