Excalibur gas fireplace |
Many
of our customers have asked us to take out their vent-free products
due to a horrible smell, water running down the windows and walls,
stains on walls, soot on walls, baseboards, and ceilings, mold and
mildew issues, headaches, and being ill while in the house and using
the logs.
When
burning gas several by-products of combustion are produced: Carbon
Monoxide, Carbon Dioxide, Nitrogen Dioxide, Formaldehyde, and Water.
Manufacturer
instructions say to use non-venting gas logs four or less hours per
day and to operate the logs with a window open. Since these are
listed as heating appliances and most customers purchase the logs as
a heating source, this seems impractical in the middle of winter.
The American Gas Association Research Division (AGARD)
recommendations for proper usage of a vent-free appliance include
that the appliance is not to be used as a sole source of heat or in
confined spaces or bedrooms. What happens when there is a power
outage? Homeowners are tempted to use the logs continuously.
During
the combustion process moisture is created. When a 40,000 BTU
vent-free appliance is used to heat it can produce over six gallons
of water a day. If the homeowner notices condensation on windows and
walls the vent-free appliance may be the cause. We call these
appliances “Room Vented” for this reason. The condensation will
be absorbed by the drywall, wood flooring & furniture, and may
cause structural damage to the home. The excessive moisture may cause
mold and mildew which creates problems for people with allergies,
asthma, and other respiratory problems, or create new health
problems.
The
situation is worsened in tightly constructed homes without adequate
make-up air to provide air for the appliances, and for people to
breathe. Visit www.plusaireusa.com
for more information on make-up air.
Carbon
Monoxide is a very real issue. CO is always produced during
combustion, and with room-vented heaters it is vented into the room
at so called “acceptable' levels. Even at low levels, CO can be
dangerous to children, pregnant women and their unborn babies, small
children, the elderly, animals, birds, and people with upper
respiratory conditions. See Dr. David Penny's website at
www.coheadquarters.com
for more information on CO.
Regency direct vent fireplace |
Instead
we suggest using a direct-vent gas log insert or fireplace. These
types of appliances are vented through the wall or up an existing
chimney. They are sealed systems which use outside air for
combustion, thereby increasing the efficiency of the appliance and
eliminating the need for opening windows while the appliance is in
use. No by-products of combustion are vented into the room, so
toxic gasses and water are vented directly to the outdoors.
Direct-vent is a much better choice.
Vent-Free
VS Direct-Vent
|
Vent-Free
|
Direct-Vent
|
Must
operate with window open
|
Yes
|
No
|
Has
its own combustion air supply
|
No
|
Yes
|
Is
a High-efficiency appliance
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Toxic
gasses vented into the room
|
Yes
|
No
|
Moisture/water
vented into the room
|
Yes
|
No
|
Can
produce bad smells
|
Yes
|
No
|
Should
have an annual service check-up and cleaning
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Can
be used in a masonry chimney
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Can
be used in a manufactured fireplace
|
No
|
Yes
|
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