Unvented gas space heaters

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#1

Originally Posted By: psmothers
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Heater ]

–
Foxe Smothers


"Its not a matter of will we rebuilt it is matter of how soon..."

"A hero is no braver than an ordinary man, but he is brave five minutes longer."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
#2

Originally Posted By: dvalley
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Are you sure that’s gas?


Looks more like electric.

Also looks dangerous as the grilles are not completely covering the hot areas.

--
David Valley
MAB Member

Massachusetts Certified Home Inspections
http://www.masscertified.com

"Some cause happiness wherever they go; others, whenever they go."

#3

Originally Posted By: psmothers
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


#2 ]

–
Foxe Smothers


"Its not a matter of will we rebuilt it is matter of how soon..."

"A hero is no braver than an ordinary man, but he is brave five minutes longer."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
#4

Originally Posted By: jpope
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Yes. For outdoor use only!!

Are you sure they weren't vented up the wall interior?

--
Jeff Pope
JPI Home Inspection Service
"At JPI, we'll help you look better"
(661) 212-0738

#5

Originally Posted By: psmothers
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Heater ]


[ Image: Cover removed ]


[ Image: Tag ]


Oh yeah, did I mention they do not have a pilot light? You turn on the gas and then light them with a match.

--
Foxe Smothers

"Its not a matter of will we rebuilt it is matter of how soon..."

"A hero is no braver than an ordinary man, but he is brave five minutes longer."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

#6

Originally Posted By: pdacey
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jpope wrote:
Unvented gas??

Yes. For outdoor use only!!

Are you sure they weren't vented up the wall interior?


I see them here in older homes all the time. No venting. They burn just like a gas stove.

The problem I usually find is that most people do not use them. So when I remove the cover there is about an inch of dust and dirt in the burner compartment. I typically just recommend routine service and cleaning by licensed HVAC tech.

--
Slainte!

Patrick Dacey
swi@satx.rr.com
TREC # 6636
www.southwestinspections.com
#7

Originally Posted By: jpeck
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pdacey wrote:
I see them here in older homes all the time. No venting. They burn just like a gas stove.


And people die from using gas stoves for space heating.

--
Jerry Peck
South Florida
#8

Originally Posted By: phinsperger
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There are also ventless wood pellet stoves for inside the house but I think they are not suposed to be run for more than a few hours a day. Wonder how many people follow that.

–
.



Paul Hinsperger
Hinsperger Inspection Services
Chairman - NACHI Awards Committee
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here !
#9

Originally Posted By: jpope
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A product of combustion of natural gas is carbon monoxide. No two ways about it, there needs to be some sort of ventilation.


Open a window I guess ![icon_confused.gif](upload://qv5zppiN69qCk2Y6JzaFYhrff8S.gif)

--
Jeff Pope
JPI Home Inspection Service
"At JPI, we'll help you look better"
(661) 212-0738

#10

Originally Posted By: dvalley
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, which alone cause approximately 170 deaths each year. Approximately 40 of these deaths are associated with unvented gas space heaters; that is, heaters which do not need to be vented to the outside of the house.


I'm happy to see that those are not in my area because my recommendation would be to "Remove" due to statistics.

--
David Valley
MAB Member

Massachusetts Certified Home Inspections
http://www.masscertified.com

"Some cause happiness wherever they go; others, whenever they go."

#11

Originally Posted By: pdacey
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I wanted to elaborate on my previous post. I had to run out while I was typing it.


These heaters are always in the bathrooms (at least here they are). Their initial purpose was for people to use for short periods of time while in the bathroom taking a bath/shower. Whenever I come across them I'll run them for minimum of 15-20 minutes and I take CO readings in the room. I have yet to find one that will even register any CO in the room. The more immediate hazard with these is that the flame is pretty much out in the open. Anyone (especially a child) can walk up and put their hand right into the flame.

I always let the client know about the possibility of being burned and the potential for CO poisoning. They all say that they are planning on get rid of of them anyway. Don't know how many really do.

--
Slainte!

Patrick Dacey
swi@satx.rr.com
TREC # 6636
www.southwestinspections.com

#12

Originally Posted By: rcallis
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There are a lot of vent/free heaters on the market these days Empire, Vanguard, Comfortglow, Rinnai and many more. These unvented heaters have been allowed and disallowed both in the codes for years. As of now they are not allowed in bathrooms or bedrooms. But they have been in the past. A few years ago they weren’t allowed in mobile homes, now they are.


Any unvented heater or unvented gas log installed now MUST have an ODS (Oxygen Depletion Sensor) on it. An ODS will only allow the appliance to use approx 2% of the available 20% of oxygen in the air.

Many localities still do not allow unvented appliances but most gas codes say they're O.K.

To answer the original question, a gas appliance without a 100% safety (pilot light, thermocouple, gas valve) would be grandfathered only to the original owner in my area. BUT, if the gas is ever turned off or a new owner moves in, then the appliance could and should be Red Tagged and taken out of use.

Sorry for the run on, but I've been in the propane business for 25 yrs and I couldn't help myself.

Reggie

#13

Originally Posted By: pdacey
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Reggie,


No need to apologize. That is some good information. Thanks!

--
Slainte!

Patrick Dacey
swi@satx.rr.com
TREC # 6636
www.southwestinspections.com

#14

Originally Posted By: jpeck
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


To answer the original question …


These WARNING labels are a good disclaimer.


[ Image: warning label ]

[ Image: OPEN WINDOW ]

[ Image: OTHERWISE YOU DIE ]

--
Jerry Peck
South Florida