During the Summer months a fireplace has little appeal, in fact many people never bother to even look at the thing and often disguise it with screens, flowerpots or possibly a fireplace tealight conversion kit with which they can at least light a few tealights or candles to bring the dark hole in the wall to life. Yet, during the colder time of year there are few who would not love to be able so sit by a roaring fire, all warm and snug. Of course those who do not have a built in fireplace can only dream about the luxury of a cozy fire within their own four walls. That is, until now. Now anybody can own a fully functional fireplace, whether they live in a house, an apartment, a single room or even a cave. A chimney is no longer needed.

Several versions of ventless fireplaces are on the market. All of them are 99% heat efficient since the heat goes into the room and not up the chimney. Which one you choose probably depends on one or more of these considerations: price, looks, and hook-up.

1. Non-vented natural gas fireplaces which have to be connected to an available natural or propane gas line. They come in various sizes. Large versions put out up to 25,000 BTU's of heat for large rooms. Smaller versions produce 5,000 to 10,000 BTU's. Most come with oxygen sensors that shut down the unit if the home oxygen level gets too low.

Because of the dangers of carbon dioxide build up with a ventless natural gas fireplace in the home several states strictly prohibit their installation. Another problem with these fireplaces is excessive moisture condensation, since a byproduct of gas combustion is water vapor. Fungus and mold infestation could result in additional serious health problems.

They come in a variety of styles and Prices start at about $500. Usage cost is based on usage hours and natural gas or propane prices.

2. Electric fireplaces need no outside venting. They simply need to be plugged into a 120 V outlet. They put out about 4,500 BTU's if the heater is turned on. They have a realistic flame effect, created with randomized filtered lighting. The flame effect can be used without the heater. A multifunctional remote control comes with each unit.

Available in a variety of styles to suit your decor or taste. Prices start around $2,100. Fuel cost is based on usage and cost of electricity at the time used.

3. Gel fuel fire places need no installation or hook ups. They can be placed anywhere in your home or cabin and even can be taken with you when you move or spend time at a second home. The gel comes in pint size cans and will burn from 2 to 3 hours, depending on the humidity level of a home. The dryer the air, the longer the fire will burn. BTU output is 9,000. It is a non-toxic gelled alcohol made from organic thickeners and Isopropyl Alcohol, that it is smokeless and odorless. It is safe, clean burning, no fumes, no sparks, no ashes, nor flying embers. 100%environment friendly. Because it is an alcohol product it can be safely stored indoors at room temperature or cooler. Another feature neither the electric nor the gas fireplace offers, is the real crackling sound produced while the gel fuel burns. By adding the smell of burning wood through the use of scented candles, incense or oils a total fireplace experience can be created.

Gel fuel ventless fireplaces are available in a wide variety of styles, composition and colors to suit your decor or taste. Prices start at $300. Fuel cost is based on usage. Each can of gel fuel burns for approximately 3 hours and costs about $3. This is comparable to the cost of those compressed logs available for regular fire places, however, one of these will have to burn out while you can close the lid on the gel fuel container anytime and reuse it at a later date.

While each version has its benefits and drawbacks, the buyer is wise to consider all of those before making the commitment.