Gas and Oil Home Heating Furnaces - Vent-Free Gas Heater

I do not wish to tap into the existing forced hot air system for fear of taxing the system. I am thinking of heating the finished portion of my basement with a wall mounted vent-free gas heater. I do not know much about the product. Does anyone have experience or know the advantages and disadvantages of this type of heating system. Thanks.

In my opinion, these things should be outlawed. You can likely tap into the existing system without overlaoding it. If you really feel the existing system could not handle the additional load, I suggest something like an electric fireplace or electric baseboard.

I agree with Grady on this.


Ventless heater are bad news...


Seen too many death in the news from these where the exhuast from those suck out the oxegen.

You can also do direct-vent.. or electric as Grady mention.

I agree that these units are potentially dangerous, not to mention they are banned in all of Canada and to date are prohibited in five states.

US Dept. of Energy (http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/your_home/space_heating_cooling/index.cfm/mytopic=12600) info on space heaters.

Due yourself a favor and listen to all who have posted above me. I have seen results of improperly adjusted heater not vented to outside. Boy did those bodies stink

Due yourself a favor and listen to all who have posted above me. I have seen results of improperly adjusted heater not vented to outside. Boy did those bodies stink
I'm just curious....not advocating for the use of vent free heaters, but what about my cooking range?

This year for Thanksgiving my wife will be cooking a turkey, stuffing and bread in the oven (an all day affair) Plus, the four burners will be burning non-stop for other foods. Do I need to be concerned about killing my family and guests next montht? After all, my range is not vented and its BTU rating when running the range and all four burners is much higher than a small vent-free heater or vent-free gas log set that only cycle’s periodically!

Again, just curious why un-vented cooking ranges and ovens are considered safe but not vent free heaters?
Thanks,
Phil

True, a gas range may put out as much BTU if all burners are running at once just that one day.. also the oven burners are not running all times.. More likely, the doors are opening and closing all day, windows maybe open to help keep the kitchen comfortable..

Where a space heater is runing during times where you don't have the high traffic of company..

If you were to check the details of any approvals for a ventless heater you will find that they are for occupied rooms only.
Meaning, they are not designed as a permanent heat source.
Your cooking range is most definately only used when occupied and today's codes require an exhaust fan above a cooking unit.

Ever hear of deaths of people who use gas stoves to supplement the heat of a poorly maintained apartment.

Thanks for all your advice, I am thoroughly convinced not to install a vent free gas heater!