Vented or Vent-Free?

NY_Yankees_Fan · Feb 5, 2005

Murph,

Install question for you. I have a 21,000 BTU vented gas fire place on the 2nd floor. It is feed by an exposed 1/2" gas pipe in the garage. Do you think the 1/2 " pipe would supply both heaters at the same time? The 1/2 " pipe is feed by 3/4 " pipe, about 15 feet away. OR should I run back to the 3/4 " pipe with a new 1/2" pipe to the new heater?

I will add CO detector to the bedroom above the garage and in the garage. It would be no problem to leave the garage door up a bit to let in air.

Thanks

thcri · Feb 5, 2005

What is the gas pressure of your system? The length of your run also determines line size. Is it low or 2psi. If 2 psi there should be no problem.

murph

slydog · Feb 5, 2005

First off, I have never been in a house with a ventless (unvented) heater, where I could not smell a hint of burning gass in the air. My grandmother used one for years without problems in her little frame house in Mississippi, and now my mom and stepdad have one in their den. They put out a lot of heat, but I can smell them and I am a smoker. Also maybe it is my imagination but I always feel a slight stinging or a drying sensation in my eyes whenever I am around one. My opinion, I would not have one unvented in my house if for no other reason than the odor alone. Wheter this relates to CO or not I'm not sure, but I don't like it.

Secondly:
I have a vented Lopi gas log stove in my den. We love it. It has forced air that stays on untill the box cools down, and we run it only on low. It will eventually run you out of the den if left on continuously even on low. (our siamese loves it and could lay in front of it till she's roasted!) We still keep a CO sensor/alarm plugged in right beside it just in case. I know they say you loose a lot of BTU's up the flue, but the peace of mind and odor issues make it worth the cost to me.

slydog · Feb 5, 2005

( Do you think the 1/2 " pipe would supply both heaters at the same time? )

You can get your flow rate from your utility. You may be able to contact the manufacturer via toll free number and they could possibly answer your questions. However there is so much worry about liability these days, they both may tell you to call a licensed plumber. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

rswyan · Feb 5, 2005

( I was $99 out the door , Charmglow, 5 year warranty. )

Sounds like a good deal, considering the warranty, no shipping charges and the fact it's a local supplier. I think I'll drop by the orange place and have a look. Thanks.

sherpa · Feb 6, 2005

I have 2 of the ventless propane heaters I bought from Home Depot about 11 years ago. Mine are called ComfortGlow. They work great! They make an after market universal thermostat fan for them as well. I have one in my den downstairs and another in a small guest cabin. They will keep you toasty and warm and use very little fuel.
Sherpa

bontai_Joe · Feb 6, 2005

( Vent free will put out massive amounts of water vapor that will condense on colder walls and cause terrible moisture problems. )

I've been reading about a fella in another forum that installed a ventless unit in his workshop and is having tremendous problems with the water vapor and humidity. Now has mold, tools rusting, etc. I'd definitely go with a vented unit.

NY_Yankees_Fan · Feb 6, 2005

RSW,

I went to 5 stores before I found a NG unit, most were propane.

NY_Yankees_Fan · Feb 6, 2005

This is the heater I got at HD, same one as on on e-bay for $80.

web page

Junkman · Feb 7, 2005

After your post, I went to HD looking for one and there were none to be found. At this point, I will do without since hearing all the bad things about a vent less unit. I know that in MA, the vent less heaters are outlawed. I also know that many states don't allow you to do natural gas piping yourself... it must be done by a licensed plumber .... and for good reason.