Dual mode of operation fireplaces for operation in vented or unvented mode using catalytic converter in unvented mode

摘要

A dual operation gas fireplace (30) comprises a fireplace having a combustion chamber box (11) and heat exchanger means (13A, 13B) for directing convection heated air into a room to be heated. A burner means (17) is mounted in the floor (12) of combustion chamber box (11). A combustion air plenum (15) is underneath burner means (17) and is for supplying outside air to burner means (17). Heat exchanger means (13A, 13B) is mounted on top of combustion chamber box (11). Exhaust opening means (22) in the top of combustion chamber box (11) is for conducting hot burned exhaust gasses from combustion chamber box (11) into heat exchanger means (13A, 13B) for passage to an area outside of the room to be heated. Diversionary blower means (36) are coupled to heat exchanger (13A, 13B) and is for diverting the hot burned exhaust gasses from combustion chamber box (11) through a catalytic converter (26) directly into the room to be heated for operation in a ventless mode of operation.