In period homes, you’ll very rarely find a property that comes without a chimney. But amongst more modern new builds, it’s far more common for a chimney to not be included. Alongside this, many other newer property types – particularly flats – don’t allow for each individual property to have its own chimney. 

So, if your property does not have a chimney, this could throw a spanner in the works when it comes to choosing a fireplace.

To help you find the best type of fireplace to suit your property and budget, we’ve created this simple guide to different types of fireplaces, which specifies whether or not each type needs a chimney. 

Do Electric Fireplaces need a Chimney?

Electric fireplaces are fireplaces that work by connecting to an electricity supply. Rather than burning fuel (as more traditional fireplace types use) they use electricity to create and emit heat, and provide a stunning natural looking effect. 

One of the biggest selling points of electric fireplaces is that they are plug-in and go. They are designed to be easy to use and give a beautiful effect. On the effect only setting the running costs are minimal.

Electric fireplaces don’t require a chimney. In fact, they can be installed without any ventilation source – all they need is a main electricity supply.

So, although the flame that they emit isn’t ‘real’, electric fireplaces are a great option for properties that don’t have a chimney. 

Equally, if you do have a chimney, or a chimney that is out of use, you can still choose an electric fireplace model. 

Do Gas Fireplaces need a Chimney?

Gas fireplaces burn gas to provide the source of their fuel. These models work by being connected to a dedicated gas supply, then either battery power or an electrical supply to power the ignition system, which is used to start the flames, when required. 

Whether or not your fireplace will need a chimney depends on the specific gas fireplace model that you choose. 

Simply put, the majority of gas fireplaces need a chimney. This is because the fireplace needs to be ventilated, and the gas that it produces must be allowed to escape. But, because they don’t produce heavy smoke (which is produced by models that burn wood), you won’t need a class 1 brick chimney. For most standard gas fireplaces, a class 2 prefabricated chimney is usually required.

What about Balanced Flue Gas Fireplaces?

There is now a huge selection of gas fireplace models that don’t require a chimney. These are Balanced Flue models.

Firstly, a balanced flue gas fire can be installed without a chimney. But, they do require some building work to be completed with minimal disruption. Balanced flue gas fires use a glass panel to seal the unit from the room. This means that they don’t need a chimney. 

But, in order to allow the emitted gas to escape, a double exhaust pipe needs to be fitted, which is built through an external wall. This expels the emissions outside. 

You could also choose a hole in the wall balanced flue gas fireplace. These sit inside a wall cavity. They often require some building work, as you will need to create the hole in the wall and install the balanced flue.

Flueless gas fires don’t require either a chimney or a flue. This is because they use a catalytic converter, which converts carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide and water. The flueless fires can cause vapour in the room and also need a permanent air vent to outside.

Balanced flue gas fires are the preferred option for gas products where there is no chimney.

Do Wood Burning Stoves need a Chimney?

For any wood burning stove, a ventilation system is required. This is because the fireplace system emits smoke and fumes, which need to be emitted safely, away from the home. 

Many older systems require the property to have a chimney.

But, you can get specific types of wood burning stoves that use a flue system, and so allow you to install it without a chimney. If you do want to fit a log burner in a property without a chimney, you will need a twin-walled flue system.

Then, once your chimney and flue system are fitted, you will need to arrange a regular cleaning and inspection schedule, to ensure it is performing safely.

Do Multi-fuel Stoves need a Chimney?

For multi-fuel stoves, it’s the same as wood burning stoves – you can fit some models without a chimney. For these fireplaces, you will need to install a twin-walled flue system.

We recommend that you check with your fireplace supplier whether your chosen multi-fuel stove can be fitted using this ventilation system.  

Do Bio-ethanol Fireplaces need a Chimney?

These fireplaces do not require either a chimney or a fuel system. The fires have a tank which does require filling before igniting the fire.

A bio ethanol fireplace burns cleanly, without producing either smoke, soot, or ash. Its only emissions into the room are – heat, water vapour, and a very small amount of carbon dioxide. 

As a result, it is a choice for properties like flats, which can’t be fitted with a flue system or a chimney. 

Do Balanced Flue fireplaces need a Chimney?

Balanced flue fireplaces are by far the best example of fireplaces that don’t require a chimney. If your property does not have a chimney and you require the combination of heat, efficiency and a stunning real flame effect then this is the best option for you.

As their name suggests, balanced flue fires and fireplaces use a flue system to safely direct the emissions outside. This can be done either through an external wall, or up through the property roof with minimal disruption 

There is a huge range of high quality options for balanced flue fires and fireplaces on display at The Fireplace Studio.

At The Fireplace Studio, our friendly team of fireplace professionals are on hand to offer their advice. They can guide you through our fireplace range, and help you to find a stylish, dependable and high-performance fireplace, which doesn’t require a chimney. 

If you have any questions about any of the fireplace types listed above, or if you would like to find out more about any of our specialist services, don’t hesitate to get in touch.