Can I Have a Fireplace Without a Chimney?

New modern buildings in Britain don’t always have a chimney. But this doesn’t mean you have to miss out on a traditional, or contemporary, fireplace for your property. In this article, we’ll be exploring the question of do you need a chimney for a fireplace, and what options are available to you.

So, do I need a chimney to have a fireplace?

The short answer is no! As fireplace technology has advanced, there are many makes and models that don’t require a chimney to work – this way, you don’t miss out on the warmth, ambience and style that a fireplace brings to a home, regardless of your property type. 

With help from a fireplace specialist, such as Enviro-Flame, you have plenty of chimneyless fireplace choices, ranging from sleek and chic all the way to rustic charm. Our advisors will also work alongside you to establish exactly how the fireplace will be installed and work for your property. 

So let’s take a look at the options available to you. 

Which fireplaces don’t need a chimney?

Balanced flue fires

Seeking a traditional gas fire? A balanced flue fire could be the perfect choice for you. All you need is an outside wall, as this unique design means the fireplace itself is sealed from the room, with a pipe vent that draws in air and expels waste gases outside without the need for a chimney. This makes for a very efficient system with minimal fuel consumption, and it also does not deplete oxygen supply in your home. With a diverse range of styles on offer, balanced flue fires can be elegant and traditional, or modern and dramatic, depending on your preferences. 

Flueless gas fire

Did you know? There are several flueless gas styles available for property owners with no chimney, including rustic stove options. They operate by using state-of-the-art catalytic converters to transform harmful gasses into harmless ones, and only need to be connected to a gas pipe to operate – so you can enjoy the cosiness of a fire, no matter where you live. With reduced heat loss via the chimney, flueless gas fires are also highly efficient. 

Electric fires

Plug in and get going – it couldn’t be more simple than that. Requiring only an electricity supply and no ventilation system, electric fires are an easy-to-install option for homes without a chimney. They are also incredibly low-maintenance, so forget the need for cleaning out or buying fuel supply, as electric fires essentially run themselves. While they don’t have real flames, they are still energy efficient and create the ambience and appearance of a real, traditional fireplace with ease. Due to their lack of real flame, they are also a safer choice for homes with children and pets around. 

Bio-ethanol fires

Fuelled by plant by-products, bio-ethanol fires are eco-friendly options that emit much lower levels of carbon compared to standard fireplaces. Thanks to their clean-burn design, they also do not emit smoke, ash or odour, making them a minimal-maintenance choice, too, that requires no cleaning and no chimney. Here at Enviro-Flame, we also provide automatic models, which allow for easy adjustment of the flame height and the amount of produced heat. 

Are you seeking a fireplace for your home, but don’t have a chimney? The experts at Enviro-Flame have a wide range of high-quality fireplaces in a variety of fuel options, styles and sizes to suit any home. We’re the go-to fireplace specialists for London and beyond, so get in touch today to chat.