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Vented and Unvented Combustion Space Heaters
Although vented and unvented heaters of similar size cost about the same, unvented
heaters are easier and much less expensive to install than heaters requiring venting to
the outside.
Vented combustion heaters are designed to be vented directly to the outside through
a wall or the ceiling. Fueled by a continual supply of fresh air from the outside, a
vented heater burns more efficiently with fewer pollutants than an unvented heater.
Unvented combustion heaters use the room air for combustion. Unless you keep a
window opened slightly, an unvented heater will burn essentially the same air over
and over constantly reducing the level of oxygen in the room.
To protect yourself from oxygen depletion, unvented heaters should be equipped with
a carbon dioxide detector. These devices sound an alarm when the oxygen level in the
room drops below 18%. A carbon dioxide detector should not be confused with a
carbon monoxide detector.
All combustion space heaters should be professionally inspected every year just like
any other furnace. Venting pipes should also be inspected. Vents that are blocked,
separated or corroded can result in the accumulation of potentially fatal levels of
carbon monoxide.
Carbon dioxide can also be produced if the heater is not properly set up and adjusted
for the type of gas used and the altitude at which it is installed.
Depending on the model, unvented combustion heaters should not be used at
altitudes greater than 3,500 feet and never more than 5,000 feet.
Vented combustion heaters will function efficiently at higher altitudes as long as the
orifice is adapted to accommodate thinner air. A yellow flame indicates a lack of oxygen.
Many localities in the United States and Canada now ban the use of specific unvented
combustion space heaters. Before you purchase any unvented or vented combustion
space heater, confirm its legality with your local building department.
heaters are easier and much less expensive to install than heaters requiring venting to
the outside.
Vented combustion heaters are designed to be vented directly to the outside through
a wall or the ceiling. Fueled by a continual supply of fresh air from the outside, a
vented heater burns more efficiently with fewer pollutants than an unvented heater.
Unvented combustion heaters use the room air for combustion. Unless you keep a
window opened slightly, an unvented heater will burn essentially the same air over
and over constantly reducing the level of oxygen in the room.
To protect yourself from oxygen depletion, unvented heaters should be equipped with
a carbon dioxide detector. These devices sound an alarm when the oxygen level in the
room drops below 18%. A carbon dioxide detector should not be confused with a
carbon monoxide detector.
All combustion space heaters should be professionally inspected every year just like
any other furnace. Venting pipes should also be inspected. Vents that are blocked,
separated or corroded can result in the accumulation of potentially fatal levels of
carbon monoxide.
Carbon dioxide can also be produced if the heater is not properly set up and adjusted
for the type of gas used and the altitude at which it is installed.
Depending on the model, unvented combustion heaters should not be used at
altitudes greater than 3,500 feet and never more than 5,000 feet.
Vented combustion heaters will function efficiently at higher altitudes as long as the
orifice is adapted to accommodate thinner air. A yellow flame indicates a lack of oxygen.
Many localities in the United States and Canada now ban the use of specific unvented
combustion space heaters. Before you purchase any unvented or vented combustion
space heater, confirm its legality with your local building department.
Alternative-Heating-Info.com
The vented (direct vent) and
unvented (vent free) combustion
heaters discussed on this page
are permanent indoor fixtures
fueled by natural gas or an
outdoor propane tank.
Unvented combustion space
heaters have a maximum output
of 40,000 BTUs; enough to heat
1,200 square feet.
Vented combustion space
heaters are available with
heating capacities up to 65,000
BTUs; suitable to comfortably
heat 2 or 3 rooms.
unvented (vent free) combustion
heaters discussed on this page
are permanent indoor fixtures
fueled by natural gas or an
outdoor propane tank.
Unvented combustion space
heaters have a maximum output
of 40,000 BTUs; enough to heat
1,200 square feet.
Vented combustion space
heaters are available with
heating capacities up to 65,000
BTUs; suitable to comfortably
heat 2 or 3 rooms.