Ace: In case you think that *I* am doing the work... that is wrong. I'm hiring a HVAC guy that does gas and he's done all the installation.
He installed the metal firebox "fireplace" for the ventless propane logs. We've just not yet built around it to make the outside pretty but, the "fireplace" itself is currently operational and working. Reason I put ($$) above is it is during this process that the wife has changed her mind and every time she changes her mind it gets more expensive!
PaGuy: we would have "ventless logs" in there. They are ceramic or something that won't burn and the flames surround the logs for a view and some heat. Actually, most (all) the heat dumps into the room and it's used to warm things up.
So let me reword this....
Let's pretend that anyone reading this thread has a professionally installed and properly working WOOD burning fireplace. Let us also presume that you have propane plumbed to the fireplace (let's not worry/quibble as to why)
Now, take your chimney and SEAL IT UP. You now have NO chimney!
As of this moment, your "wood burning" fireplace is useless..... but here's an idea...
Get some propane burning "logs" for a ventless fireplace, slide the ensemble into your fire area, plumb the propane to the input and turn it on.
What we've now done is swapped a "wood burning" fireplace for the standard metal box "fireplace" (that doesn't burn wood but instead, HOLDS the propane burners with the fake logs next to them)
There was no chimney built for the new "fireplace" since it won't be wood burning....it will house a VENTLESS system.
I personally don't see any issues. I also don't want to have someone go out of their way "willy nilly" since I live 15 miles out of town. I don't want to drag them out here unless I'm 99% sure it will work and we're going to do it.
Here's a picture of it. Essentially, it would be the following: (tried to upload picture and it didn't work, will try later)
1. Remove the propane burner from the inside of this fire box (that has no vent)
2. Build a stone , brick, whatever the material might be... "fireplace" in this location (that has no vent)
3. Insert the propane burner into the new enclosure (that has no vent)
The building of the "fireplace" would be done by someone who builds fireplaces (not me)
The installing of the propane "logs" into the new fireplace would be done by someone who plays with gas (not me)
My logic is, it's the propane burner that makes this "ventless" and not the "box". So I THINK I should be able to replace the "box" (build a "fireplace") and move it over.
This metal box is in my view, pretty cheesy feeling.
(it would be so much easier if the wife simply allowed a traditional wood burning (with chimney) fireplace but, I digress)