I have an unvented gas heater in my bedroom. I keep the window open about three inches. Is it safe to use? The heater seems to be in good shape and work well. What would be the signs of it emitting co? I have a new CO detector in the room and it has not gone off? Anyone have ggod/bad expieriences with these? Please respond We are new at this just bought house. Thank You.
2007-10-31 09:36:35 · 8 answers · asked by kokopelli4luck 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
If the heater is designed to not be vented then it's probably safe. especially since you keep the window open. You can not detect CO that's why they make the detectors. It will go off if a dangerous level accumulates.
2007-10-31 09:45:22 · answer #1 · answered by tamarack58 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your question is vague (i.e., what kind of heater is it (more on that, below)? does it have a fan or blower? is it an open or "sealed" flame? how many BTU's (British Thermal Units; a standard measure of heat) does it have? how big is the room? how old is the home? if it's new, and, presumably, equipped with modern heating and air conditioning, why in the world do you need a, presumably, separate heater??? etc, etc, etc), so, for everyone's sake, I'll try to answer it as broadly as possible:
If the "gas heater" you're referring to is actually an old-style radiator, then you are fine (i.e., the gas is nowhere near you; only steam heat is transferred through the pipes).
If the gas heat is coming out of the wall, then you probably have central or forced air, both of which are relatively safe.
If the gas heater is a portable device (kerosene? propane? natural gas?), then you should leave a window or door open to be on the safe side (even the most efficient burners emit some carbon monoxide (CO)).
CO detectors work best at about knee level: CO rises, so, if it reaches knee-level (i.e., from the ground-up), then you can, most likely, safely crawl out of the room, should the CO detector go off (i.e., there *should* be enough oxygen at ground level). If you place the detector higher than that, than the CO might envelope the room before it reaches the detector, especially if there is a "downdraft" or "cold spot" in your room, which would "push" the CO down and away from the detector, which would reduce the efficacy of the detector, and, thus, reduce your chances of escaping, as well.
Needless to say, the CO detector should be kept a distance away from the heater, or it'll trigger just by turning the heater on! (I'm being facetious, but I think you get the idea)
And, hopefully, you will keep the gas heater away from any drapes, linens, blankets, bed covers, and anything else that might ignite or otherwise catch fire!
Make sure to change the batteries (if so equipped) of the CO detector at least twice a year (if you live in the continental USA, change them when the clocks change (i.e., from Daylight Saving Time to Standard Time and then back)).
Good luck, and be cool . . . ooh, sorry: be warm!!! ;)
2007-10-31 17:00:04 · answer #2 · answered by skaizun 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Being a plumbing inspector in the North East I did some research into these units. First of all there not to be the main sourch of heat for the room that its in, that's the law in most states. There safe to use, no different then using a gas oven and stove. The oxgen depletion sensor will turn the pilot off if there is a lack oxgen near the unit. Be honest with you I'm not sure I would use one !!
2007-10-31 20:04:27 · answer #3 · answered by don p 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
we have heated with the vent free heaters( natural gas) for 25 years with no problems..we do not have any windows open..it is an old home. Do not put anything combustible close to the heater and watch out for children that is about it. I raised two children and have a lot of grandchildren and never have had anyone get burned.
2007-11-01 03:30:27 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Assuming it IS a ventless heater, then yes, it is safe to use. They create A LOT of moisture, so you must leave a window open or door open to let it out. Otherwise do not use a heater that should be vented and isn't.
2007-10-31 16:45:10 · answer #5 · answered by Miss Kim 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Most of them have a built in oxygen depletion sensor. As long as you have that and a co. detector you should be fine.
2007-10-31 16:57:36 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
assuming it is a ventless gas heater, i would still not use it. I do not understand why someone would take a chance with that technology.
if is not ventless, absolutely do not use it.
2007-10-31 16:40:08 · answer #7 · answered by WhydoIdothis 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
i have never heard of such,beware
2007-10-31 18:39:44 · answer #8 · answered by tom the plumber 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋