Kitchen Gas Appliances - Vent-free room heaters or gas fireplaces

Hopefully I got the right forum for this question. We are trying to save on heating costs (we heat a 3000 sq. ft. moderately insulated house w/ a 97% eff. gas furnace) by installing a vent-free gas heater (wall type or gas log) in our downstairs family room where we all typically spend the last three hours of the day. I am looking at something like a Glo-warm GRWN10 (http://www.fmconline.net/comfortglow/heaters/gwr10.html). Can anyone vouch for the savings by doing something like this. We would probably run the room heater during the evening occoupation time and lower the thermostat on the furnace during this period. Also, we have a fireplace we don't use and might consider using a gas fireplace instead (open flame type). Are these considered decent heating units? I imagine they are not quite as efficient.

Thanks,
Mark Biederbeck

Hello: Mark

Regardless of which type of unvented heater, heating device or appliance, I personally do not suggest nor recommend the usage of. Including any unvented fireplace. Period.

In my opinion, any unvented gas heating device or appliance is much to dangerous over the long term. May work correctly for some time but sooner or later it may begin to produce excessive amount of carbon monoxides.

That's when the hidden danger can and often does kill. And there is no CO detector I would trust a life to. Period. Guess I just have been too close to all the issues and have done way too many CO tests, etc to be impartial.

I would highly suggest you consider a vented wall mounted heater over any unvented heating device.

A vented fireplace with gas logs is not likely to have the ability to heat the room well. Nor are they energy efficient. They are mainly designed to add a look & feeling of warmth.

Read the fine prints, do not believe all the sales hype and check with your local health and safety department.

I guess your not in the correct forum topic after all....:(
Especially if you did not want to know what I had to say, don't like what I had to say or your not happy with what I said.

The fact of the matter is, the truth is always told here regardless. It's the only advice I can honestly offer you and I have nothing to gain from it. Your health, safety and trust in me are of prime importance.

Regards & Good Luck. Web Site Host & Gas Appliances Topic Moderator. Tom_Bart. TCB4U2B2B.....Company Enterprises.
Energy Conservation Consulting Services & Gas Appliance Problem Diagnostics and Technician Services.

On another note, the heater you've picked out only heats what's in front of it. You want one of the 'blue flame' heater, that heats the air (and uses the optional blower to move it around).

This would be a better option (keeping in mind what's been said about vent free heaters).

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=6970&langId=-1&catalogId=4006970&PHOTOS=on&TEST=Y&productId=503602

Thanks for the opinions. The literature for these devices (being a mechanical engr, I am naturally skeptical of sales hype) seems to be pretty clear as far as risks. Has there been cases of the oxygen sensors failing? I'm assuming the design is made fail safe but I'm not familiar with the sensing technology. They claim they're haven't been any deaths related to these and I certainly haven't hear of any. I'm personally a little more concerned about the moisture being added to the room although it's not a super-tight construction.

Again, I'm not disputing your opinions, just asking for a bit of back-up. I was pretty skeptical about the effectiveness of the gas-log fireplace but thought I'd ask just because it would be a more aesthetically pleasing option.

Thanks,
Mark

I did want to add that I do have a good option for a vented type and it will be a better wall location, it will just be a much bigger job to get the gas run over there. Can you recommend a particular brand?

Thanks again,
Mark

Hello: Mark

Moisture will always be a problem using any unvent heating appliance. Moisture is a byproduct of any burning process.

Regardless of how much normal drafts there is in that room or the entire house, the moisture will take it's toll. The evidence will become apparent soon after usage begins and show up on the walls, in the fabrics, etc.

As far as oxygen sensors are concerned, they may work properly for years. The questions are, when and if they fail, how will you know and are you willing to trust them? Are you willing put your health and life at risk relying on them? The choice is yours. Case closed.

Since I have no real life personal experience using one, only seen the effects of unvented heaters from one side of the fence so to speak, I could not say which brand is better and which brand is not.

I would only be able to say that, like all other competitive manufacturers brands of the same products, each attempts to make a better product and claims their's is superior to the competitors.

The consumer must be product knowldgeable and aware. For additional information, read the consumers digest reports and choose the brands from those reports and tests results.

Regards & Good Luck, Forum Host & Multiple Topic Moderator.
TCB4U2B2B Company Enterprises. Energy Conservation Consultant & Gas Appliance Diagnostics Technician.

Alway's consider the warranties and future service needs for any major appliances your considering purchasing. Price isn't always the best guide for long term appliance investments.

Thanks Tom, I'll probably end up going vented. I appreciate the fast response!

Mark

Have friends that have the non vented in the master bedroom. It fogs the windows up quickly even with a window cracked. They have not used it for that reason. I would go with the vented to avoid the moisture and the indoor polution. Just my opinion.:)