Hello,
I like the idea of a non-vented gas stove (propane in my case) because I don’t have to worry about the flue pipe …, however, i have heard that they output too much moisture and other fumes in the house.
How much moisture is output by a medium-large sized unit?
Are there other ways to handle the moisture (e.g. in a bathroom you use a vent for that room)?
As far as fumes go, I’ve also heard that the fumes on modern units are safe. Is this true?
Thanks,
Roger <><
In older homes like these, the main remodeling goal is often a more welcoming, more social, and more functional kitchen.
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Replies
do U absolutely not have the option of venting?
last one I put in .... my customer had the same concerns ...
my fireplace guy came in ...
then said ... nonvented are 99.99% safe ....
U wanna be that .01% ?
we never did figure out why he wanted nonvented to begin with ...
this case was natural gas ... but the desired location ...
was near perfect for running a new flue out the side of the walk out basement.
he went vented ... better safe than sorry.
even vented units can kill ... anything burning inside a home can kill ...
why up the odds?
Jeff
Buck Construction
Artistry in Carpentry
Pgh, PA
I just read Andy's reply ...
then reread the title ...
the reread the post ....
then read ... stove.
I had "fire place" in mind the whole time.
Original Poster .. are we talking fireplace .... or stove .. like a kitchen stove?
my fault. was looking at FP brochures the other day .. must have FP's on the brain.
... Keep moving ... nothing here to see ... move along please .....
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry in Carpentry
Pgh, PA
Since he was talking about a flue I also think that he was talking about space heating and not cooking.
I reread B Walkers post ...
I'm guessing he's thinking heat too ...
then Andy mentioned a stove ....
and I read stove in the title ...
I'm lost.
anyways ... my "answer" is directed at a nonvented fireplace.
for what it's worth ... a vented cooking stove is better then nonvented too ...
different reasons ....
Jeff
Buck Construction
Artistry in Carpentry
Pgh, PA
Hello Jeff,
The original question is for a gas stove (or fireplace) to be used for heating.
Thanks all for your help so far.
Roger <><
"for a gas stove (or fireplace) "
well ... that clears it up!
?
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry in Carpentry
Pgh, PA
Note that (i) they are not intended for use as a primary heat source (shouldn't be used more than 4 hours a day) and they may not be used in or to heat bedrooms.
You have to open a window or door during operation. Makes sense, right? Have to let in cold air to heat a space?
Most of the time, they operate just fine.
I tested one house with CO levels at the heater which pegged my CO meter at 2700 parts per million (can kill in minutes at that level) and levels exceeding 100 parts per million in some rooms of the house.
And that was a model with an "oxygen depletion sensor."
I recommend against using your living space as a chimney.
Moisture, CO possibilities, other nasty chemicals.
Is it worth the little bit you save going for "ventless?"
If you do, get a good CO detector - minimum -$40-$50 dollars with a digital readout.
Better: get the detector and bag the ventless heater idea.
>>How much moisture is output by a medium-large sized unit?
Depends on size and time of operation - can be gallons per day. And the condensate from combustion gases is acidic and corrosive.
FWIW, I've been certified as a Carbon Monoxide Analyst by the National Comfort Institute, the Building Performance Institute, and Bacharach. I have some knowledge about the subject.
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Sojourners: Christians for Justice and Peace
Hey Robert
I'm using the vent hood on the Viking 6 burner natural gas stove that came with the house.( the cost of it is $1500)..problem is....theres absolutly no way to vent it out so I bent up some filters that go with ductless vents to see if I can turn mine into ventless.
Think thats an option?
When the time comes I'm going to see if I can make part of the vent vented outside but there are so many pipes and wires in the way...exactly where the vent might go.
Even though its a 6" (interior wall) theres next to no room for piping.
Its backed up to an interior hallway. I may try to add a chase outside of the 6" wall and run it down into the basement and out but that cuts out a lot of hallway room and probably will make the hallway look really off base.
Just don't wanna die...lol (oh yeh so funny)
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A few years ago sears equipped a lot of their appliance service folks with good, professional CO meters and trained them all in CO analysis. They offered to check all of the gas stoves they sold for COThey gave up the program pretty quickly because it turned out some of their stoves couldn't be adjusted to meet the minimum standards for gas stoves (and those standards - for an unvented appliance, mind you- are higher than what is allowed in a vented furnace!)I have no idea how much CO a Viking might put out - email me your address and I'll lend you one of the really good low level meters I just received to resell.I don't vent my gas stove, but I have it tweaked so it's CO production is next to nothing
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Sojourners: Christians for Justice and Peace
I believe that they are not legal in at least 5 states. Think there might be a reason?
Don't do it. I just got a very nice electric "stove" for heating. They have really come a long way with fake flames.
Don't do it.
But if you are going to do it anyway, thnik carefully about how tight your house is. If you are in an 80 year old balloon framed story/half with no insulation, rotted paper over cracked board sheathing and then failing cedar bevel siding you might be ok as long as you are also in a windy area. Check to see if there's enough wind coming through your average elec recep to blow out a match. If there is, it's probably safe to use an unvented gas heater. If you place is modern and fairlly tight, don't do it at all. And that includes cooking ranges.
Would you tune up your car with the engine running in a closed garage?
Be extra careful not to use propane in a basement.
I'm thankful for the loyal opposition! It's hard to learn much from those who simply agree with you.
THese units may interest you since they are ductless but vent out thru a wall.
http://www.rinnaina.com/
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