Vent-Free Gas Heater UPDATE - GOT ONE

**stewchi** · 12-19-2005, 01:51 PM

Any device that burns fuel will emit carbon monoxide, which can be dangerous in an area with no ventilation. Technology has come a long way to make cleaner more efficient burners, but if you are going to install one make sure you buy a carbon monoxide detector and plug it in nearby.
I was going to do something similar and decided to go with a 220V electrical one instead. I installed in the ceiling because all my basement walls were concrete and covered with shelving. It did a nice job to keep the place warm.
I think the biggest concern with DIY is the gas line. Just make sure you test for leaks when you are done using soapy water or other reliable testing process

**monte** · 12-20-2005, 01:16 AM

I would stay away from the vent free just to be safe. Look for one that will vent to the outside.

**os1kne** · 12-20-2005, 05:02 AM

I have a ventless gas heater in my basement, the previous owner had it professionally installed. It does a very good job, makes the basement nice and comfy. I do have 2 CO detectors and have had no problems. If you have experience working with gas, it shouldn't be too difficult to install if you plan properly - but if you haven't had much experience working with gas lines - go with a professional, I don't think that it's worth messing with trying to DIY. (When you makes a small mistake doing water plumbing, it is pretty obvious and doesn't usually cause too big a problem before you can fix it - a similar problem with a gas line may not be so obvious and can have fatal consequences.)

Good luck.

**91FE** · 12-21-2005, 10:59 AM

Thanks for your help guys. I've done lots of research (including farming the question out to a mechanical engineer friend of mine). I've decided to go with the ventless gas unit. I only need 10,000 btu's. Most vented units are 30,000-40,000... and 4 times the price. The jury is still out regarding who will be doing the plumbing.

**lkazista** · 12-21-2005, 12:27 PM

My uncle is a firefighter in Newark, New Jersey. He recommends upgrading ALL of your carbon monixde detectors to a style that gives you an actual readout, rather than one that just sounds an alarm. Here is the reason, most detectors will only go off if the reading reaches 100 or more, so it could lurk at 99 forever and you would never know.

Zero should always be your goal. I have them in my house, and I check them to see what the "peak" reading has been. When burning a fire in my fireplace I have gotten the number as high as 38, but other than that I always have a zero.

In addition to that My laudry room is equipped with a detector that also detcets explosive gases (got it at HD). That is what I would recommend in the room with the gas burner.

Lee

**scorrpio** · 12-21-2005, 02:24 PM

You should check your local laws. In many places, any project that involves tapping into a gas line requiers the entire works: the permit, a licensed installer, and an inspection. Yes, you can quietly do it youself. However, bear in mind:
1. You might have MAJOR problems should you decide to sell the house. In fact, should you decide on a DIY, it might be wise to remove that heater and all traces of its existence before putting house on market.

2. If, God forbid, you have a fire, or a CO-related accident in your house, the insurance company will be doing investigation, and an unclaimed DIY gas heater is a rock-solid reason for them to refuse any claim. In fact, you should contact your insurance company, as their policy might differ from local laws.

**rman** · 12-31-2005, 07:31 AM

I can share good news about the ventless gas heaters. I have two 20,000 btu propane units in my house one in the livingroom and one on the uninsulated porch. They work Great and if the power goes off they still heat. These units have a ODS sensor (oxygen depeletion sensor) if the level of Oxy goes below 28% they shut off. Yes there is added moisture but in the winter time this replaces the need for a room humidifier. My propane supply service guy said that he has them in his house running alll the time and his company is selling them a lot. Yes I do have a carbon monoxide detector just in case but they always say -O- soo good. The service guy and the manufacturere says that an annual thourough cleaning of the burner is essential for proper operation. Those in the woods with spiders should do this more often. Keep Warm and waiting for the lake to thaw!!

**91FE** · 12-31-2005, 01:38 PM

I had to drop off my property tax check yesterday

... so I decided to stop in on the local building inspector (same office). I questioned if our township has any problems with these heaters and if he had any opinions. They're allowed and several people have them. He didn't have anything positive or negative to say. He just said I'd have to file some documentation from the manufacturer stating that my particular installation would be a proper application of their heater. I added that I'd install a carbon monoxide detector and also confirm the installation with our home-owner's insurance co.

I've done lots of research and talked to lots of people. I think I'm going to go ahead and do it.

**91FE** · 01-30-2006, 08:31 AM

Well... I bought and installed a gas heater last weekend. My adventures is plumbing gas lines went well. No leaks... didn't level the neighborhood

With it, I installed a carbon monoxide detector. Digital read-out always reads zero. Our finished basement is like a whole new room. I was in Lowe's yesterday and saw they had marked their heaters down 50%. Went home and returned with my receipt. They gladly gave me the 50% off...plus my original 10%. Got $180 back - making the heater $120. I thought it was great at $300, now I couldn't be happier.

This is the one we got:

**Woodwerker** · 01-30-2006, 03:28 PM

Great job with the price match.
Be carefull with the gas bill.
We moved into our current home in April.
We have a 90,000 BTU fireplace in the living room.
Our last house had a 30,000 BTU and the gas bill was low.
This one is higher, much higher.
Our gas bill was $350 last month.
Needless to say the fireplace has not see the light of day in the last 30 days.
Joe

**91FE** · 02-01-2006, 05:37 AM

90,000 btu's... good god man! The heater I installed is only 9,000-18,000. I don't think our vented gas fireplace upstairs can be much more than that either. Thanks for the tip though.

**kano32** · 02-21-2006, 05:13 AM

I have a two story house and the first level is unfinished. I thought about installing a vent-free propane heater in case of a power failure and cold temp outside. It's good to hear you like it. Any updates on it's operation or anything else you'd want to comment on?

**91FE** · 02-21-2006, 09:57 AM

I have absolutely nothing but good things to say about the heater I installed. Forget it was 60% off... knowing what I know now, I would have gladly paid 200% of the retail price. It's made our finished basement usable in the winter. It heats up quickly, the carbon monoxide detector still hasn't read anything but zero and I haven't noticed any added humidity like others warned about. I'm still waiting for the gas bill from an entire month of running it and I know it's going to be big...but I'm prepared. Plan 'B' was to install a flat screen TV over the living room fireplace and abandon the basement for the winter. While I'd love to have a flat screen... I think we're better off with Plan 'A'

**gtokarski** · 02-22-2006, 12:22 AM

which model did you get? I went to lowes looking for a natural gas heater and they said they were all special order. perhaps they dont stock them in my part of the US?

Vent-Free Gas Heater UPDATE - GOT ONE