Fireplaces, Heating Stoves, Flues and Chimneys - smell from vent-free logs
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62and
10-23-09, 04:48 PM
I have a vent-free freestanding pedestal stove. The stove system came with their own logs and I had it installed by a professional installer. This system runs on propane that also heats the rest of our house from a central heating unit. There is a smell coming from the pilot light but not like bad eggs. It's quite overwhelming although the room is open to the rest of the house and I always leave a window open 24/7 that is right next to it. I now have the pilot turned off because I get such terrible headaches from it. Does anyone know what I can do to resolve this problem since this is the main source of heat for this sun room? I would like to see if a chimney could be installed in hopes that the pilot light smell would find its way up the chimney. Is this possible to do with a vent-free stove system?
logdoc_rob
10-23-09, 06:29 PM
I have a few questions. How old is it, has it ever been professionaly serviced, Are the logs made of concrete or ceramic fibers? Have you recently painted, or do you burn candles?
GregH
10-23-09, 06:35 PM
If the heater is installed exactly according to instructions and you have a nice clean blue flame from the pilot I have no idea where the smell is coming from.
Having said this I would suggest that a vent free stove is not a wise or safe choice for heating, especially as a sole source of heat.
In fact, operating this type of heater unattended may be contrary to the instructions.
Many jurisdictions do not allow them to be installed but I have to assume they are permitted in your area...............your installer did take out a permit didn't he?
There could be something wrong with your unit but the fact you can smell the products of combustion points out a serious downfall.
Even though they burn fairly clean when operating properly you are still breathing combustion byproducts and exposing your home to high levels of moisture.
My suggestion would be to have it removed and replaced with a vented model and you would not be able to convert what you have, they are designed differently.
You may have a window of opportunity to return it because of your problem.
Having said this I would suggest that a vent free stove is not a wise or safe choice for heating, especially as a sole source of heat.
In fact, operating this type of heater unattended may be contrary to the instructions.
Many jurisdictions do not allow them to be installed but I have to assume they are permitted in your area...............your installer did take out a permit didn't he?
There could be something wrong with your unit but the fact you can smell the products of combustion points out a serious downfall.
Even though they burn fairly clean when operating properly you are still breathing combustion byproducts and exposing your home to high levels of moisture.
My suggestion would be to have it removed and replaced with a vented model and you would not be able to convert what you have, they are designed differently.
You may have a window of opportunity to return it because of your problem.