Ventless Propane Heaters
Propane technology is quickly becoming the newest alternative to heating needs on the consumer market. Available in a variety of both indoor and outdoor designs, a propane heater is an affordable, easy to use, and efficient to operate. One of the main decisions to choose from when shopping for a propane heater is whether to buy a vented model or a ventless one. There are several benefits to ventless propane heaters, as well as other issues that need to be noted before purchasing one.
Why Do Propane Heaters Need To Be Vented?
The choice between vented propane heaters and ventless one is easiest to explain when describing the components of a propane fireplace heater. Designed to look and feel just like a traditional wood burning fireplace, a propane fireplace uses burning gas to produce the heat and flames. The propane is run into the fireplace form an outside line into a set of ceramic chimney logs, closely resembling real firewood in appearance. Typically, when the propane is burned, the fire will produce a certain amount of carbon monoxide, a harmful gas that can be potentially dangerous, or even fatal, to pets and humans alike. The gas is odorless and colorless, increasing its potential danger. This is why most propane fireplaces have a chimney or other type of vent, similar to a traditional fireplace. This allows the carbon monoxide being produced by the propane fire to vent outside, while still allowing the heat being produced to circulate through the room.
How Do Ventless Propane Heaters Work?
Unlike a standard propane heater which can produce carbon monoxide fumes when in operation, a ventless propane heater burns at a much hotter temperature than a standard vented model. This significant increase in temperature not only allows the heater to be more effective and efficient with regards to heating the room, the extra high temperatures also work to burn off any harmful carbon monoxide fumes before they are able to enter the living area. Since the carbon monoxide is being burned off and, essentially, eliminated from the air, there is no need for the unit to be vented.
Are Ventless Propane Heaters Safe?
Studies have shown that a ventless system can, in fact, burn off the carbon monoxide fumes being produced in a sufficient quantity to prevent any negative side effects. Most ventless heaters also have a built in safety feature that will automatically shut them off in a case where the oxygen in the room begins to drop below a certain safe breathing level. This allows homeowners to take the appropriate measures to air out the room and have the unit checked for any potential repairs or maintenance that may be needed. Manufacturers do recommend, however, that ventless propane heaters be used primarily as a secondary heating source, as opposed to a primary one.
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