Question as to safety of unvented propane fireplace

[gecko]

My neighbor is running a simulated-fireplace that is made using imitation logs fired by propane. The unit is UNVENTED. This thing is in a room addition, and all windows are of course closed (it is winter after all). Anyway, I don't see any venting provided for air intake. I am concerned that she shouldn't use the thing since (1) with no air venting all the room's oxygen could be used up and (2) the exhaust won't make for good breathing either.

What do you out there think of this? Should I push the issue and tell her not to use it? She is a recent widow and is alone and really is quite helpless. Cripes - she even threw her car keys out in the garbage yesterday!

Thanks

Gecko

[Edwin Pawlowski]

Depends. There are unvented propane heaters that over 99,94% efficient and no exterior vent is needed. They also have low oxygen monitors so if the O2 is depleted, the unit shuts off. If that is the case, just go back to minding your own business

[nicksanspam]

It likely has an O2 depletion sensor, but generates about 11% of the output as water vapor, eg 1.1 pounds per hour at 10K Btu/h. A dehumidifier or an $80 window AC with a $30 humidistat that runs it indoors when the RH rises to 40 or 50% can efficiently fix that and prevent condensation on windows.

Nick

[gecko]

Will do.

But last year her now dead husband had to re-paint the walls above the fireplace as well as the ceiling because they turned yellow, or so she says.

Thanks

Gecko

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[HeyBub]

The wall got hot.

[Tom Horne]

A through the wall vented heater would cost about five hundred dollars. If the fire place is of recent manufacture it has an oxygen depletion sensor built in. As a minimum the space should have a working Carbon Monoxide detector.

-- Tom Horne

"This alternating current stuff is just a fad. It is much too dangerous for general use." Thomas Alva Edison

[Edwin Pawlowski]

Vented or not, a heater of that sort will have air convecting over it. The air will carry a lot of dust, especially if there are smokers or candle burners, and discolor the walls. Of course, if the husband dies of carbon monoxide poisoning, you have a valid concern.

[buffalobill]

in buffalo ny: the unvented units may specify [mine does but it's natural gas] in their manuals to crack open a window to provide replacement air for combustion. while examining model number of the liquid propane [compressed into a liquid natural gas] appliance and her vulnerable recent widowed status, we will be counting on your marital and ethical standards and hold you to maximum combustion efficiency standards as well with valentine's day a perfect opportunity to give her a new carbon monoxide sensor, if you are single, installed in her bedroom. if you are not single, your better half can plug in a co detector for her! more importantly, she will also thank you for telling her she is not usually liable to repay unsecured charge cards in her spouse's primary name even though she used the cards or the money. and that the term life insurance is hers to keep without being taxed. and the co-owned vehicles and home are in her name but their payments do continue. you must verify locally with a wise older attorney. everyone needs to make death their business sooner or later, so please brush up on your personal obligations to recordkeeping and laws when you step up to help a grief victim.

[jJim McLaughlin]

Buy her a CO monitor. alarm.

[Gini]

=== Well then, off with her head! :-) We've heated with an unvented propane fireplace for 10 years and I don't believe we've had one fatality. They have OD sensors built in and recommend the use of CO detectors. Does she have one?