Vent Free Heaters

[seamsolder1]

My overhead gas forced air heater died last year and I'm looking to replace it with a vent free gas fired heater. Repair or replacement of the forced air is more $$ than I can spend. The units I'm looking at are dual fuel ProComm 30,000 BTU wall mounted heaters. There are two models, a radiant and a blue flame. A blower is available as are feet to make them free standing. Mine will be firmly attached to a wall. I found a good web site with some information - www.ventfree.org My dilemma which will serve me best, radiant or blue flame? My garage attached to my house, 450 sq ft and minimum builder insulation. I use my garage as a workspace occasionally for some car issues and woodworking or as my wife says make small pieces of wood out of big pieces. Do any members have experience with vent free heaters they can share to push me off the fence? The heater that died was in the garage when we bought the house 15 years ago and it spoiled me.

 

[Cruzingoose]

Depends on what type of heat you need. Both will heat the air the same. The advantage of the glowing heater is the instant warmth when standing in front of it. Disadvantage is don't park anything within 10 feet of it for any length of time.

On your old heater, remove the burner assembly and wire brush and check for clogged jets and worn out thermocouple.

 

[gregtwojeeps]

+1 with Cruz above...

I love my little heater in my one car. I just run the pilot and it keeps my garage 50 deg. F. when it is 19 deg. outside. My garage ceiling has 10 in. of cellulose insulation though, none in walls, insulated 9 ' wide garage door and new 3' x 6'8" insulated part glass man door. Insulation status and how warm you want to keep it will determine gas cost. I just fire mine up above pilot if it gets below 50 deg. while I wash/detail/work on my car. good luck. jmo

 

[Jackfre]

Infra-red is better. It burns at a higher temp down in the meniscus of the plaque, giving more complete combustion. If I was you I would try to find an Empire. The Chinese VF heaters have been seeing very high failure according to a friend who has a wholesale company.

The best VF out there would be the Rinnai 824 but they are spendie. You get infrared, modulating gas valve (8000-24000 btu) and blower, built in programmable stat and cool to the touch cabinet. Also very quiet.

 

[seamsolder1]

Thanks I really appreciate the input and advice. Craig

 

[curiousB]

Don't do it! I had a vent free and hated it. Too much moisture rusting tools, CO emissions and I just didn't feel well around it. Switched to vented and couldn't be happier.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Jobes]

Any installers for a Hot Dawg garage heater around NW IL?

Model HDS45

 

[Ironhorse74]

I am in the hearth biz. Vent free is either a misnomer or an out and out lie. It is not vent free. It vents into the space around it. It uses oxygen sensors as a saftey. The biggest issue from my point of view is the moisture it puts into the atmosphere of your building. It can emit up to 6 gallons of water an hour. I wouldn't own one or work on one.

Just my .02

 

[seamsolder1]

Cruzingoose ..... owe ya BEER, took your advice. Did a little cleanup and FLAME ON. Now back to my control arms in lovely Novembuary. Thanks again.

 

[seamsolder1]

Thanks to all.... appreciate all your input and I'm sure other will as well.