Vent-free propane heaters are indoor heating heaters that do not use vented air from outdoors of the house. They require house oxygen for combustion to take place. The vent-free propane heaters have some advantages and limitations when compared to the unvented propane gas heaters. For instance, vent-free propane gas is adequate for indoor use since it does not require outdoor oxygen but oxygen from the room.
Propane is considered the cleanest combustion gas that releases lower carbon (iv) oxide to the room. The lower emission poses lower harmful effects to both the users and the environment. Vent-free propane heaters lack a chimney vent for ventilation, but instead, they require room vent oxygen.
How safe are the vent free propane heaters
Vent-free propane heaters combust clean, and therefore, they do not produce any flame while combusting. Burning without producing flame regulates the amount of carbon monoxide emitted to the environment, and therefore, air pollution is controlled.
Compared to other heaters, such as kerosene, they are considered the safest since the other heaters produce many flames when burning, resulting in emitting a large amount of carbon monoxide to the environment. The carbon monoxide released into the environment affects the user’s health.
Secondly, the vent-free propane heaters have sensors that detect oxygen availability in the indoor room. The sensors are known as oxygen depletion sensors. Once the sensors detect limited oxygen levels in your room, they automatically go off, leaving some oxygen for human breathing. The sensors help prevent more carbon monoxide in the room, thus reducing carbon monoxide emission.
Despite the vent-free propane heaters burning clean, they release carbon monoxide to the environment. The carbon monoxide released into the environment affects an individual, leading to signs such as dizziness.
The vent-free propane heaters also combust using all combustion substances that are available in the indoor house. Further, this results in making room for dangerous gases to be produced or enter the house. For instance, carbon monoxide and nitrogen (iv) oxide enter the house and negatively affect the user’s health condition.
Moreover, the vent-free propane heaters leave room for entry of water vapor into the house. The water vapor cools down and condenses on every room surface. The condensation affects the surfaces; for instance, the water vapor can rot the wooden equipment in the house.
Also, the water vapor peels off the paints on the walls allowing mold to grow on them. Finally, vent-free propane gas increases moisture problems in the house, especially when your house is usually wet.
How the vent-free propane heaters perform their functions
Vent-free propane gas is implemented to function correctly without using a chimney for ventilation. The propane heaters usually provide more heat in the room, and the energy they release is adequate to the environment resulting in environment warmness.
The vent-free propane heaters use oxygen within the room to burn rather than oxygen from the outdoors. Moreover, oxygen in the room results in more heat produced, warming your room, especially in cold seasons.
Fixing vent-free propane problems
- Vent-free propane failing to lit
If the vent-free propane fails to be lit, it may be due to insufficient propane in the propane heater to combust. The problem can result in the vent-free propane shutting down unexpectedly. Therefore, usually check the propane level in the vent free propane heater before lighting it.
Ensure that your vent-free propane heater is usually cleaned well according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Dirt in the heater can mix with propane and make it fail to lit. Also, when heating propane mixed with dirt can result in the emission of substances that affect the user’s health.
- Check the propane thermocouple
Inspect your vent-free propane thermocouple to see if it is in good condition. Thermocouple failure prevents the release of heat once combusting, resulting in the propane, not lighting. Ensure that the thermocouple is close to the flame. If the thermocouple is worn out, ensure that you have replaced it, and then try lighting the vent-free propane heater.
When replacing the thermocouple, first open the thermocouple by disconnecting the wire from the gas valve. Pull out the old thermocouple from the propane heater. Gently reinstall the new thermocouple and ensure that it perfectly fits in the thermocouple spot. Close the propane heater and attempt to relight it to see if its function.
- Failure of the oxygen depletion sensors
The oxygen depletion sensors might start multifunctioning or fail to function. Since the vent-free propane uses oxygen for combustion, ailing of the sensors causes the propane to be unable to detect oxygen that will light the propane. Ensure that you check the condition of the sensors to ensure that it works perfectly.
- Check the gas cylinder of the heater
The gas supplied to the flame may be empty, causing the vent-free propane heater to shut down. Try refilling the gas cylinder. After refilling, turn the gas on to see if it lights. Inspect the gas cylinder and even the burner for any blockages and try cleaning it while following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Failure of the pilot tubes
If you see some flickering orange or yellow flame, it is a sign that the pilot tube has been damaged and needs to be repaired or replaced. Before replacing the pilot tube, check if any dirt has accumulated and clean it while following the manufacturer’s instructions. If the problem persists, try buying a new pilot tube and install it correctly.
- Failure of the heater spark machine
Inspect your vent-free propane heater for any defaults related to your spark machine. Try comparing the spark machine to the manufacturer’s and check for any defaults. Attempt fixing the problem and try again lighting your propane heater. If it fails to light, replace the heater spark machine or even the entire propane.
Conclusion
Vent-free propane heaters are safe for use. It is essential to understand how to avoid polluting the environment, subsequently affecting the users’ health. You can use the information above to troubleshoot your vent-free propane heater in case of any problems. Frequently inspect your vent free propane heater to identify any damages and fix them immediately.
