Throughout the years, controversy has been brewing on the topic of ventless gas heaters. On one side, ventless gas heater manufacturer’s claim these heaters are highly energy-efficient and safe. On the other side, scientists claim ventless gas heaters can produce toxic emissions that make occupants sick. Somewhere in the middle, architects debate as to whether ventless gas heaters degrade building structures. It’s definitely a hot topic — no pun intended!
Ventless gas heaters have been widely used in Europe for years. Those approved by Underwriters Laboratories comply with building codes in 42 out of 50 U.S. states. The problem is that ventless gas appliances emit water vapor and toxic gas emissions into the space where it is installed. These toxic gases can build up to a level that could become dangerous to the occupants.
The controversy began in 1983 when Greg Traynor, a former indoor air quality researcher at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and six other Department of Energy researchers reported that “ventless gas heaters pose a potential threat to the health of occupants in houses where such appliances are used.”
Mike Calderrera of the Gas Appliance Manufacturers Associations (GAMA) states that ventless gas heaters have built-in safety measures to guard against toxic emissions. According to Calderrera, “Every heater since 1980 has been required to have an oxygen depletion sensor (ODS). This has certainly improved safety.”
Ken Maitland, Director of Engineering for Fireplace Manufacturers Incorporated (FMI) states; “I believe as an engineer that they are safe, if designed correctly and the ODS is installed.”
Apparently that is a big “IF”. Just ask Sandy Weisner of Medford, Oregon. Back in 1996, she installed an FMI ventless gas heater and soon after developed symptoms of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Sandy took the extra protection of installing a CO alarm in her home. Each time she used her ventless gas fireplace, the alarm sounded.
Sandy’s symptoms were so pronounced that she visited her doctor. Blood tests revealed that she had levels of carbon monoxide in her blood 30 times higher than normal concentrations. She has been on a mission to warn the public about the dangers of ventless gas heaters and spends many hours lobbying to have ventless gas heaters banned.
If you are considering installing a ventless gas heater, spend time conducting research via the Internet. To get started, type in “Ventless Gas Heaters” or “Dangers of Ventless Gas Heaters” at your favorite search engine.
Only you can make the best the decision for you or your family. Take time to learn all of the facts before making your final decision. While there have been no reported fatalities caused by ventless gas heaters; there have been an abundance of reports of illness and carbon monoxide poisonings.
