Electric fireplace inserts do no need to be vented. As with all electric fireplaces, the flames aren’t real and so the venting of waste air using any form of chimney, flue or direct vent isn’t required. Sufficient space around the unit may still be required for air circulation.
Even though we’re looking to install our electric fireplace insert in a masonry fireplace that has an existing chimney, it doesn’t need to be vented.
We could even install it elsewhere in our home as there are typically no venting requirements.
This is because electric fireplace inserts don’t burn any form of solid fuel or gas, don’t have real flames, and therefore don’t produce any harmful gases or particulates that would otherwise need to be vented straight out of a home.
When installing an electric fireplace insert you may still need to consider space around the back of the unit for sufficient air circulation.
Electric fireplace inserts typically pull air in through the back of the unit and blow it through the front, where the air is heated and warmth to the room is provided.
As we’re looking to install this in our kitchen masonry fireplace, we’ve ensured that there’s sufficient space out the back of the unit inside the firebox for air circulation, but this space and chimney isn’t required for venting purposes.