Fireplace Options

I have had a client who is interested in a Planika Alcohol Fireplace.
I'm pretty sure I don't like them but I have a well known aversion to open fires in my house (especially candles).
They seem pretty interested to I put together the following comparison to a DIRECT VENT gas fireplace.

Planika PROS:

• - easy install
• - does not require chimney (though ventilation of the room is required). Manual indicates that for a room of less than 350 ft2 you will need to have a vent fan operating or open a window.
• - burns fuel from renewable source (ethanol is of dubious environmental pedigree). Don’t fool yourself into thinking you are burning plants.

Planika CONS:

• - fuel is 8 $/litre
• - Needs to be re-fueled manually with flammable, liquid fuel (think fondue pot). Spilled fuel will remove latex paint and most hardwood floor finishes. I did a quick scan for a MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) for Fanola and it comes up as de-natured alcohol an excellent industrial product but all around dangerous. Eg, store in non heated room, explosion proof electrical, wear personal protective gear, hose down spills and retain water runoff etc.
• - Heat output is limited. Manuals state 1 L of ethanol per 2 to 5 hours means output is 1300 to 3200 Watts (4400 to 11000 Btu/h)
• - Needs to be lit manually
• - All the fuel needs to be burned. Don’t leave fuel in the burner as it may create flammable gasses and smell.
• - Cannot refuel the burner when it has run out. Must wait 10 minutes.
• - Seems to fall into a grey area of regulation. Probably classed like a candle and therefore has no specific build code, gas code etc restrictions. I would consider it a GREY market product.

On the other hand the Direct Vent Gas units I favour have the following:

D-V Gas PROS:

• - direct vent unit is separated from the indoor air. Combustion air is drawn from outside through a special vent and exhaust is directed outside
• - many units have “milivolt” controls and can be operated without electric power. They provide back-up heating in case of a blackout situation. The unit I had emailed a link to produces about 18,000 Btu/h (5300 W). Other, single sided units are more efficient.
• - remote control or wall switch actuation or thermostatic control. If you want a fire you turn it on when you are done you turn it off.
• - Units are “light” weight and can be installed at any level. Cabinets could be located below the unit I think but I’d have to confirm with manufacturers’ government approved details
• - Fuel is cheap and already available in your house.

D-V Gas CONS:

• - burns natural gas and creates green house gas (CO₂ from fossil source). Albeit at pretty good efficiencies. Direct vent units are on the order of 60-75% thermally efficient when operated without a fan. Higher with a fan. Compared to the best forced air furnace (like yours) at 95% AFUE. I would be pretty confident in saying that there is less green house gas emission per BTU of energy into your house from a gas fireplace than from Fanola fuel.
• - Can be hot. If the unit is too large for the space. Many units have thermostatic controls or Modulating controls so a smaller fire can be created.
• - Regulated as a gas burning appliance. Not sure this is con but must be installed by a licensed installer and there are rules about clearances to combustibles etc. will require a CO detector on the same floor.

The really environmental choice is a wood or wood-pellet burning fireplace/stove.