speak to me of ventless gas fireplaces

[NMDemDist2]

I am moving to a climate that a small gas heater would be helpful in the winter. I have major size constraints in my mobile home but am thinking a ventless gas fireplace may be perfect for my needs

anyone with experience with such units? I need to heat around 700 SF

thanks in advance!

[Ezlivin]

1. We've had one for three years - it's great

We took our our old log-burning fireplace and upgraded to a ventless gas fireplace. The energy efficiency of it is astounding; it can heat most of our 2,300 ft² house easily.

To make sure our air is still "clean", we've added a CO detector that sits only a few feet away. It's never gone off.

[Turbineguy]

2. I had several over some years

30 years ago. Don't take a nap with the thing on and turn it off before going to bed. Install a CO detector in the space.

[benburch]

3. I'd be very cautious.

1. All of the radon in the gas stays in your home.

2. All of the water created by the combustion stays in your home.

3. Incomplete combustion, for example if it were not in proper running order, would produce carbon monoxide.

I'd be very cautious. And I would absolutely have a carbon monoxide alarm and a fire/smoke alarm.

[cosmik debris]

4. Danger of open flame

If you have kids, think twice!

[NMDemDist2]

8. no kids so that's no problem n/t

[oneighty]

5. I found air quality

in the room to be degraded. Humidity goes 'Way high'. I would not use one ever again in a confined area such as a trailer. I think you might be inviting trouble.

And yes a battery back up carbon monoxide detector is essential.

180

[NMDemDist2]

7. since I will be in the dry dry SW with no winter precipitation to speak of

the humidity is actually a bonus!

[oneighty]

9. There

was also for me (non smoker) a very disagreeable odor. If you have any sort of lung disease/asthma be careful.

I believe all ventless gas heaters have a 'Low Oxygen' shut off system. If you buy one make sure it has that safety feature.

180

[Kali]

10. yeah, I was going to say that myself!

I would like to complain about mud and mildew for just a little while, PLEASE??? It's been 10 years of dust, I need a break.

[MissWaverly]

6. my sister got co poisoning from a gas fireplace that

was not properly vented, where do the fumes go with ventless kind. I have one of those porcelein radiator heater from DeLonghi, that recycles the oil it uses inside it, it's not
pretty but it works but you have to get the one that has an on-off switch not the programmable
24 hour timer types.

[Kali]

11. Those aren't 100% safe either, although I have a couple of them and

I do like them. Be careful running them on high, with both switches on. One winter night my youngest son almost got burnt up when he was a baby - the cord melted and dropped to the floor and betwwen the smoke from the cord and the plate sized melt of carpet the small room his crib was in filled about half way with nasty black smoke. We were very lucky.

[MissWaverly]

13. thanks for the tip

[Kali]

12. They seem to be pretty safe.

We have a really old style one in a bathroom. But the new ones are way more efficient. The recommendation got a CO detector is good. But if you are doing a new instal and you are nervous why not just get a vented one? (I would still use the detector, though)

Trailers do burn fast, so be careful.

[ProgressivePatriot]

14. Ventless is a misnomer.

You will need some sort of fresh air intake and an exhaust somewhere. Flame consumes oxygen and needs to be replaced and, incomplete burned gas can lead to CO poisoning. Have a professional HVAC person install or, at least, guide you through the installation. My point is, never, ever assume there is no need for supply and exhaust vents. Also, check your local building codes for the proper placement of the unit.....could save you a fire someday.

We Union (specifically, us tinners) are the most knowledgable, by the way. Use us for your questions.

[NMDemDist2]

15. works for me, I love a Union Guy (or gal)

and venting really isn't a big deal if it comes to that.

thanks for the info!