After many years, the “Cold Room” is mostly finished and is about to become the master bedroom. Why is it the Cold Room? It’s the only room in the house without a radiator. The rest of my large New englander has a hotwater radiator in every room. To plumb a new radiator in would probably reqiure another zone, an expense I would rather avoid. As I discussed this dilemma with a friend of mine, he suggested I take the Rinnai heater (ventless, natural gas) that he was given during a remodel that the customer did not want and he realized he would never use. Great , Thanks, said me the Yankee boy.
Questions: I have a 1′” pipe for the natural gas boiler that comes from the meter. There are branches for the stove and clothes dryer (3/4 pipe) that come off this 1″ pipe. Can I continue the pipe from the dryer to the Rnnai heater to supply the gas, or do I have to branch off the 1”? (Continuing off the dryer would be much easier to pipe in)
2: Anybody know anything about these heaters.?
Thanks
Replies
My professional opinion. NEVER use an unvented heater in a bedroom!!! It's just barely acceptable in rooms where you are active an will probably notice any ill effects.
This heater has some kind of circuity, carbon monoxide detector installed, that is supposed to nullify those bad effects. I certainly understand your point though.
I will check out the code check thanks. I basically wanted to know if the dryer and the heater are both on would they be starved for gas.
This heater has some kind of circuity, carbon monoxide detector installed, that is supposed to nullify those bad effects. I certainly understand your point though.
Perhaps you're thinking of the "oxygen depletion sensor." AKA thermocouple. I wouldn't trust my dog's life to one of those things - its a scam to make you think the thing is safe.
Read the manufacturer's instructions and warnings: I'll betcha it says "Do not install in bedrooms or bathrooms. Open a window [!!!] when operating. Do not use as a primary heat source."
Or words to that effect.
DO NOT USE A "VENTLESS" HEATER IN YOUR BEDROOM! Yes, I'm shouting!
It all depends on distances and BTU's of the various uses. Taunton's "Code Check: Plumbing" explains how to figure it out.
-- J.S.
Your freind doesn't sound like a plummer. Piping another radiator really not that big of a deal, finding one sometimes is, installing one isn't.
Maybe a small, 20 or 30A, wall mounted electric heater would solve your problem. I usually install them near the door but not behind it when it is open. Follow the manufacturers recommendations and warnings. This location, in the flow of traffic, IMHO helps to prevent people from placing things too close to the unit. Installed and operated properly these units are relatively safe and can save money in the long run. Instead of running the main heating you can turn on the smaller one to take the edge off a chilly morning or late evening.