Originally Posted By: wdecker This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Inspected a new construction house, yesterday. Had a fireplace in the living room (east wall) and a fireplace in the basement (west wall) but no Chimney. Both had gas log lighters. No apparent vents on the two exterior walls.
What's up? Is there sich a thing as a gas log lighter fireplace that is unitized?
Originally Posted By: jbushart This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Ran into the same set-up last week, Will. These “ventless” gas fireplaces (actually, they vent into the room) put off mucho moisture and draw thier oxygen straight from the room. They work like a giant humidifier. I had loose tape and nail pops all over the place.
Originally Posted By: jbushart This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
There are specific gas logs made for “ventless” fireplaces. If you were to use the wrong logs, you would be putting CO in the air. Best to have a reliable CO detector nearby.
Originally Posted By: dandersen This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Bill, That is what I read, but not what I thought you meant!
You are talking about a pipe with holes coming out of the valve.
Turn on the valve and throw in the match and a cord of hot burning hickory and call your insurance company in the morning?!?!
Originally Posted By: wdecker This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
line the one on the bottom, but not a T. A straight perferated fixture right off a horizontal pipe attached to a keyed valve in the wall. No thermocouple, not chimney connection, everyone callinfg it a ‘log lighter’.
Originally Posted By: Caoimh?n P. Connell This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Mr. Decker:
I see them quite a bit, and in my reports, I recommend they be retired in place.
There are several problems with these units, such as the CO and CO2 production mentioned by some of your colleagues. However, not mentioned in the above posts is that the CO production increases with increasing altitude. Since I have encountered these heaters at 10,000 feet and above, the CO issue becomes even more potentially dangerous. Not least of all because the units I have seen are not rated to be used at these altitudes.
Also not mentioned is the potential for ultra-fine particles (UFPs). These units put out massive quantities of UFPs into the occupied space. The UFPs can greatly exacerbate respiratory problems. Further, more studies are indicating, as I have maintained for many years, the UFPs are a largely unrecognized indoor air contaminant.
In my IAQ work ? I always recommend the units be removed or permanently altered such that they cannot be made operational.
(The opinions expressed here are exclusively my personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect my professional opinion, opinion of my employer, agency, peers, or professional affiliates. The above post is for information only and does not reflect professional advice and is not intended to supercede the professional advice of others.)
