A direct vent gas fireplace pipes its exhaust outdoors and draws combustion air from outdoors, while a vent-free (non-vented) gas fireplace burns room air and releases its combustion products into the room. The Monessen Artisan IFT 2.0 is the vent-free linear gas fireplace in this guide, and the Napoleon Elevation X and Napoleon Vector are the direct vent models. Vent-free appliances are restricted in some places, so check local code before ordering the Monessen Artisan IFT 2.0.
What is the difference between a vented and a non-vented gas fireplace?
A vented gas fireplace sends exhaust outside through a vent pipe, and a non-vented gas fireplace has no vent pipe. The Napoleon Elevation X installation manual calls the Napoleon Elevation X a "direct vent, vented gas fireplace" with 5" exhaust and 8" air intake pipe (Napoleon W415-2000, Sec. 1.4 and 2.0). The Monessen Artisan IFT 2.0 installation manual describes the Monessen Artisan IFT 2.0 as an unvented (vent-free) gas heater that uses room air and needs no outside venting (Monessen 4099-903, pp. 2 and 8).
How does a vent-free gas fireplace work without a chimney?
A vent-free gas fireplace burns gas in the room and relies on a certified burner and an oxygen depletion sensor instead of a chimney. The Monessen 4099-903 manual lists the Monessen Artisan IFT 2.0 as UL listed to ANSI Z21.11.2, the standard for unvented room heaters (p. 5). The Monessen Artisan IFT 2.0 needs a gas line and electrical power but no flue, no chimney and no exterior wall. The Monessen 4099-903 manual states that the Monessen Artisan IFT 2.0 is "not intended for use as a primary heat source" and that the Monessen Artisan IFT 2.0 is supplemental or decorative only (p. 4).
Are vent-free gas fireplaces legal in my state?
Vent-free gas fireplaces are legal to install in many places and restricted in others, so check with the local building department before ordering. The Monessen 4099-903 manual requires the Monessen Artisan IFT 2.0 installation to follow local codes, and where no local code exists, the National Fuel Gas Code ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54 (p. 5). This list is not complete, and local amendments change the answer:
- California: The California Mechanical Code excerpt for Section 915.3.1 states that unvented fuel-burning room heaters may not be installed, used, maintained or permitted to exist in a Group R (residential) occupancy, which bears directly on whether a vent-free fireplace such as the Monessen Artisan IFT 2.0 can go in a California home (California Mechanical Code, Sec. 915.3.1, as published online; confirm against the adopted code with the local building department).
- Massachusetts: The Monessen 4099-903 manual states that Massachusetts requires a licensed plumber or gas fitter to install the Monessen Artisan IFT 2.0 (p. 2), and at least one Massachusetts fire department requires a permit application for an unvented gas fireplace or heater under 527 CMR 1 (City of Westfield permit form FP-006).
- Bedrooms and bathrooms: The Monessen 4099-903 manual says not to install the Monessen Artisan IFT 2.0 in a bedroom or bathroom (pp. 2, 6, 8 and 9).
If the local code bans or restricts vent-free appliances, the Napoleon Elevation X and Napoleon Vector are direct vent alternatives. Ordering a Monessen Artisan IFT 2.0 for a location that bans vent-free appliances leads to a return and a second freight bill, so confirm the rule for the exact address before ordering.
How big does a room need to be for a vent-free gas fireplace?
The Monessen 4099-903 manual defines a confined space as less than 50 cubic feet of room volume per 1,000 BTU/hr of aggregate input (Sec. 2.F, p. 6). Applied to the maximum input of each Monessen Artisan IFT 2.0 size, that rule gives the room volumes below. The volumes are arithmetic from the manual's 50 cubic feet per 1,000 BTU/hr rule and the manual's maximum input ratings, not figures printed in the manual.
| Monessen Artisan IFT 2.0 size | Maximum input, natural gas | Room volume at that input | Maximum input, propane | Room volume at that input |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 42" | 34,000 BTU/hr | 1,700 cu ft | 33,000 BTU/hr | 1,650 cu ft |
| 48" | 39,000 BTU/hr | 1,950 cu ft | 38,000 BTU/hr | 1,900 cu ft |
| 60" | 40,000 BTU/hr | 2,000 cu ft | 39,000 BTU/hr | 1,950 cu ft |
| 72" | 40,000 BTU/hr | 2,000 cu ft | 39,000 BTU/hr | 1,950 cu ft |
The Monessen 4099-903 manual also says unusually tight construction needs added combustion air for the Monessen Artisan IFT 2.0 (Sec. 2.F, p. 6). Input ratings come from Sec. 1.B, p. 5 of the Monessen 4099-903 manual.
What does the Monessen Artisan IFT 2.0 vent-free fireplace require?
The Monessen Artisan IFT 2.0 comes in 42", 48", 60" and 72" widths in natural gas and propane, and the Monessen 4099-903 manual lists these requirements:
- Weight: 195, 220, 250 and 280 lb for the 42", 48", 60" and 72" Monessen Artisan IFT 2.0 (p. 12).
- Gas supply: Natural gas inlet pressure of 5.0" to 10.0" w.c. with 3.5" w.c. manifold pressure, and propane inlet pressure of 11.0" to 13.0" w.c. with 10" w.c. manifold pressure (Sec. 1.B, p. 5). The Monessen 4099-903 manual requires an external regulator to bring propane supply to 13" w.c. or less (Sec. 5.C, p. 24).
- Gas line: The Monessen Artisan IFT 2.0 connects to a 1/2" NPT manual shutoff valve (Sec. 5.D, pp. 24-26). Sections 2.E and 5.D of the Monessen 4099-903 manual describe the gas line entry point differently, so have the gas fitter confirm the entry against the unit. The Monessen 4099-903 manual does not publish a maximum pipe length.
- Power: Unswitched 110-120 VAC at 60 Hz to the Monessen Artisan IFT 2.0 junction box, with 4 AA batteries (not included) as outage backup, and GFCI protection in the locations the Monessen 4099-903 manual lists (Sec. 6, pp. 26-28).
- Clearances: At least 6" from the side wall, at least 36" from the ceiling to the Monessen Artisan IFT 2.0 opening, and 36" clear of flammables in front, with the back allowed against a combustible wall (Sec. 3.B, pp. 16-17, and Sec. 2.F, p. 6).
- Altitude: The Monessen 4099-903 manual reduces Monessen Artisan IFT 2.0 input by 4% for each 1,000 ft above 2,000 ft (Sec. 1.C, p. 5).
- Framing: The framing opening dimensions for each Monessen Artisan IFT 2.0 width are printed in Figure 3.4 on p. 13 of the Monessen 4099-903 manual, so frame from that figure.
The Monessen Artisan IFT 2.0 maximum input is 34,000 BTU/hr (42"), 39,000 BTU/hr (48"), and 40,000 BTU/hr (60" and 72") on natural gas, and 33,000 BTU/hr (42"), 38,000 BTU/hr (48"), and 39,000 BTU/hr (60" and 72") on propane (Sec. 1.B, p. 5). The Monessen Artisan IFT 2.0 minimum input ranges from 23,500 to 28,000 BTU/hr on natural gas and from 26,000 to 30,500 BTU/hr on propane. For help choosing a width, read the Monessen Artisan IFT 2.0 size guide.
What venting does a Napoleon Elevation X direct vent fireplace need?
The Napoleon Elevation X (EX36 and EX42) needs a 5" exhaust and 8" air intake direct vent system, per the Napoleon W415-2000 installation manual (Sec. 2.0, p. 13). The Napoleon Elevation X allows a maximum of 40 ft of vertical vent, 20 ft of horizontal vent, and 40 ft combined vertical plus horizontal (Sec. 2.1, p. 14). Napoleon W415-2000 sets vent clearances to combustibles of 3" on top and 2" on the sides and bottom for horizontal runs, and 1" all around for vertical runs (Sec. 3.2-3.3, pp. 21-22). The Napoleon Elevation X air terminal sits at least 12" above grade, and the terminal sits at least 16" above the roof for vertical terminations (Sec. 2.2, p. 16, and Sec. 4.3.3, p. 28).
The Napoleon Elevation X is hard-wired, and the rating label lists 115 V, 60 Hz, less than 12 amperes (Sec. 1.4, p. 9, and Sec. 5.1, p. 28). Maximum input for the Napoleon Elevation X is 37,000 BTU/hr (EX36) and 45,000 BTU/hr (EX42) on natural gas, and 34,000 BTU/hr (EX36) and 39,000 BTU/hr (EX42) on propane (Sec. 1.1, p. 5). The Napoleon Elevation X gas inlet is 4.5" to 7" w.c. on natural gas and 11" to 13" w.c. on propane, and Napoleon rates the Napoleon Elevation X for 0 to 4,500 ft, with a 4% input reduction per 1,000 ft above that.
What venting does a Napoleon Vector direct vent fireplace need?
The Napoleon Vector (LV38, LV50, LV62 and LV74) needs a 5" exhaust and 8" air intake direct vent system, per the Napoleon W415-2034 installation manual (Sec. 3.0, p. 14). On natural gas, the Napoleon Vector allows 40 ft of vertical vent, 20 ft of horizontal vent, and 40 ft combined (Sec. 3.0, p. 15). Propane horizontal limits for the Napoleon Vector are shorter and differ by size (Sec. 3.5-3.7, pp. 23-25), so follow the propane charts in Napoleon W415-2034.
Napoleon W415-2034 sets Napoleon Vector vent clearances of 3" on top and 2" on the sides and bottom for horizontal runs outside the enclosure, and 1" all around for vertical runs (Sec. 4.1.1, pp. 28-29). The Napoleon Vector is hard-wired and is rated 115 V, 0.82 A, 60 Hz (rating plate, p. 11). Maximum input on natural gas is 30,000 BTU/hr (LV38), 36,000 BTU/hr (LV50), 42,000 BTU/hr (LV62) and 48,000 BTU/hr (LV74), and on propane 26,500, 31,500, 35,000 and 41,500 BTU/hr (Sec. 1.1, p. 6). To compare the two Napoleon lines, read Napoleon Elevation X vs. Vector.
Should I buy a vent-free or a direct vent gas fireplace?
Buy a direct vent gas fireplace when the room has an exterior wall or a roof path for the vent, when local code restricts vent-free appliances, or when the room is a bedroom or bathroom. Choose a vent-free gas fireplace such as the Monessen Artisan IFT 2.0 only after local code allows vent-free appliances at the address and the room volume meets the 50 cubic feet per 1,000 BTU/hr rule in the Monessen 4099-903 manual. The Monessen 4099-903 manual limits the Monessen Artisan IFT 2.0 to supplemental or decorative use (p. 4). American Hearth Supply supplies equipment only and does not install fireplaces. For more, read Are Vent-Free Gas Fireplaces Safe?, the Direct-Vent Gas Fireplace Buying Guide and Vent-Free Gas Fireplace for a Basement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a no vent propane fireplace exist?
Yes, the Monessen Artisan IFT 2.0 is available in propane (AVFL42PIF, AVFL48PIF, AVFL60PIF and AVFL72PIF), and the Monessen 4099-903 manual calls for an external regulator that holds propane supply at 13" w.c. or less (Sec. 5.C, p. 24). Propane maximum input for the Monessen Artisan IFT 2.0 is 33,000 to 39,000 BTU/hr depending on size (Sec. 1.B, p. 5).
Is there a freestanding ventless gas fireplace with a blower?
The Monessen Artisan IFT 2.0 is a linear fireplace with a framing section in the Monessen 4099-903 manual (Sec. 3.A), not a freestanding model. The Monessen 4099-903 manual refers to a fan on the Monessen Artisan IFT 2.0 with a three-minute delay timer before the fan turns on, and the manual does not publish a blower specification, so this guide does not state one.
Can a ventless gas fireplace go in a bedroom?
No, the Monessen 4099-903 manual says not to install the Monessen Artisan IFT 2.0 in a bedroom or bathroom (pp. 2, 6, 8 and 9).
Can a ventless natural gas fireplace be the main heat for a home?
No, the Monessen 4099-903 manual states that the Monessen Artisan IFT 2.0 is "not intended for use as a primary heat source" (p. 4).
Does a ventless natural gas fireplace use different gas pressure than propane?
Yes, the Monessen Artisan IFT 2.0 uses 5.0" to 10.0" w.c. inlet pressure on natural gas and 11.0" to 13.0" w.c. on propane, with manifold pressure of 3.5" w.c. and 10" w.c. (Monessen 4099-903, Sec. 1.B, p. 5). Order the fuel type that matches the gas supply at the address.
Do direct vent gas fireplaces need electricity?
Yes, the Napoleon Elevation X and the Napoleon Vector are both hard-wired (Napoleon W415-2000, Sec. 5.1, p. 28, and Napoleon W415-2034, rating plate, p. 11).
Manuals and Sources
- Monessen AVFL Series installation manual 4099-903 Rev. D (Monessen Artisan IFT 2.0, 42" to 72")
- Napoleon Elevation Series installation manual W415-2000 (09.29.25)
- Napoleon Vector Series installation manual W415-2034 Rev. D-0 (01.29.26)
- California Mechanical Code Section 915.3.1, as published online
- City of Westfield, Massachusetts unvented gas fireplace permit form FP-006
Get an Answer for Your Address
Send the room dimensions, ceiling height and zip code, and American Hearth Supply will point to the matching manual section for the Monessen Artisan IFT 2.0, the Napoleon Elevation X or the Napoleon Vector. Call or text (814) 440-4817. See the Napoleon direct vent gas fireplaces and all gas fireplaces.
