Fireplaces, Heating Stoves, Flues and Chimneys - Vent free for our basement??

Thanks to everyone that answered my previous question about a DV stove in our finished basement (approx 450 sq ft). The installation on the DV stove we bought is a lot more than we thought it would be ($2000 more than what we paid for the stove...yikes!). So we are exploring Vent free options. We haven’t looked at any specific models yet (only need a small one) but the installer told us that they produce a strong odor. Does anybody have any experience with vent free stoves? Plusses and minuses?

We have an open stairwell connecting our basement to the main floor so I was thinking that the odors may move upstairs instead of remaining persistant in our basement (living/TV room).

Thanks
Chris

Chris,

If you mean vent-less heater you likely would not have a strong odor but you will still be venting the products of combustion into your home.
These devices are a potential hazard if something goes wrong with the burner and the safety fails to shut it off.
It will also emit a considerable amount of moisture which would be problematic in a cold climate.

There is a big attraction to these units because of the lack of a chimney but I do not think it is worth the risk.
Vent-less heaters are not permitted in many jurisdictions so I would check with yours to see if they are even allowed.

I use a un-vented gas heater. It is over 50years old and in those 50+ years even without safety devices I have never had a problem but then I have never lived in a modern house with well sealed doors and windows. I know the dangers and would never attempt to seal my house the way you see advised all the time. If your basement has lots of air leaks and a couple of small drafts you may be ok but if you have a modern well sealed house I agree with the previous posts.

The better solution might be to tighten up the insulation to the point where very little heat is needed, then electric becomes an option. As an energy auditor, I caution people not to install or use vent free combustion heaters, especially in basements.

Sorry no help
Bud