Below are my two fireplaces. Pictures were taken in the middle of my move. One in the dining room, and one in the parlor. (Yes, it does seem the dining room and kitchen area were originally open to each other. The descendants of the builders said they always remembered it this way, and the original flooring shows no sign of wall being removed... strange, I know...)
Here's the bad news... Both chimneys are unlined. Good news: the previous owners had each hooked up with gas logs, which have since been removed. The lines are there and they are still good. The parlor fireplace has been sealed off, and the chimney inspector says he believes they used a vent-free gas insert. The dining room fireplace, however, is not sealed off, thus I have the lovely circa 2014 cardboard box blocking off the fireplace. The chimney inspector suggested I install vent-free gas coal baskets.
I am not familiar with gas inserts at all. Is vent-free safe? It seems to me it might make my house smell of gas...
Also, what inserts to do you recommend? Do you have photos to share?
Thank you!
