| Author |
Message |
Jack Perry (Jpwinks)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, November 09, 2004 - 9:02 pm: | |
I have been doing some research regarding vent-free propane heaters, and after looking into it they seem to fall into two basic categories, radiant and blue-flame, with both categories claiming to be over 99% efficient.
I am soliciting your opinions (like you wouldn’t give one without asking), I am curious if any of you have used either type in your coach, homestead, or at your garage. This has really got me thinking…seemed like a relatively simple choice at first…now I can’t seem to make a decision…each type does have its positive points.
Here is the sales pitch from a manufacturer’s site:
"Choose between the Blue-Flame model that has a soothing blue flame while efficiently heating your room, or an Infrared model that radiates heat directly onto people and objects. Either will heat your room equally well. The infrared heaters direct the heat out from the unit, plus infrared rays are absorbed by skin. If you want to sit near the heater and "feel the heat", choose the infrared. If you just want the room to be warmed, or you prefer the soothing flame, choose the blue flame"
jpwinks
1983 MCI m-9 |
TWODOGS (Twodogs)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, November 09, 2004 - 9:34 pm: | |
I got one in my Eagle...works great,got it at LOWES lumber last year...got a GOOD thermostat on it ...no fumes...35,000 does a great job...bought the 'feet' & screwed them to the floor...blue flame...just be sure you get at least a 35,000....lots of 9 &10 thousand...don't waste your time on them...think mine was about 300.00.....either way...blue flame or radiant... |
John that newguy
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, November 09, 2004 - 9:49 pm: | |
Both use precious oxygen. If you've insulated and sealed your rig
in the manner most have, it's probably damned near air-tight?
If you get woooooooozie after an hour of sitting in front of that
infrared heater.... of if wifie turns a bit bluer than that beautiful
"blue flame" heater.... you might want to open a door..
The standard propane furnaces work great and blow nice
hot air throughout the rig... A nice hot water tank pumping
hot water through radiators would work neat also. So would
electric heaters.. All much safer. |
Lin
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, November 09, 2004 - 9:50 pm: | |
I used some ventless gas logs in a house once. Provided good heat. They do however put a lot of moisture into the air. My glass walls would fog over. Also, some would claim that the fumes are not harmless. The catalytic ones reduce that issue but they have much less capacity and cost a good deal more. |
John that newguy
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, November 09, 2004 - 9:54 pm: | |
Google: catalytic heater hazards
Be aware of the consequences of using these devices. |
L. R. Taft (Larryk2lt)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, November 09, 2004 - 10:16 pm: | |
Seems to me the propane heaters produce 1.2 pounds of water vapor for each pound of propane burned. Or 1.2 gallons of water vapor for each gallon burned.
And lots of CO2 and a bit of CO which can really cause trouble.
Then there is the weird odor of the mercaptans gas that is added to the propane to give it an odor.
And there is the coating on the inside surfaces from the combustion products. Kinda like a scum coating.
Good stuff, it's 99% efficient with the unvented heaters and deadly too.
Go with the standard vented furnaces, either the wall style for dry camping or the blower type for power pole.
Larry (still Itasca 454) |
Don/TX
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, November 09, 2004 - 10:21 pm: | |
I heated my bus for a few winters with one. They are exceptionally efficient, takes very little fuel to heat. Mine had an oxygen depletion sensor on it, I think most do. I could wake on a cold morning and that 15000 btu had the bus toasty in minutes. The very real drawback is the moisture they put out. Everything sweats. |
neomax
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, November 09, 2004 - 10:58 pm: | |
I have used a radiant type for yrs---no problems, however I provided a small fresh air intake under it (2"pipe) and I ALWAYS have a roof vent slightly open when using it. Mine has oxygen depletion sensor. My biggest complaint is the fumes of combustion when using it in very damp weather or when it is raining. I also have the circulation fan on mine and a 6-18k model will toast u out of the bus on high heat. I also never use it when sleeping or when no one is in the bus. I also have a 40k btu forced air for those occasions and elec strips in both roof units. |
Busone
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, November 09, 2004 - 11:17 pm: | |
I used one in my bedroom in Colorado a few years ago. It worked too well, I was always hot. I did however get sick of the moisture it put out. Since I was living at over 6000' the oxygen sensor would cut it out all the time. I used a 3" fresh air vent with a fan in it to give it some combustion air. I also had a CO monitor in the room. I never had a problem with the CO. I would not use one in a bus though because I hate the mositure. I am comfortable when the humidity is 20%. |
Lin
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, November 09, 2004 - 11:32 pm: | |
We have not camped in any very cold places in this bus. We do have a catalytic heater and would try it out, but would be very careful about proper ventilation. If we were to start to camp where heat was an issue, I think I would look into Dickinson Marine heaters. They have them both as propane or diesel fired. |
FAST FRED
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, November 10, 2004 - 5:49 am: | |
The problem ,
(besides O2 depletion and waking up Dead or a Democrat)
is the combustion by products , WATER.
For every pound of propane burned at least 2 of WATER are dumped into your coach.
It will condense on the windows (no problem) and inside the walls in , or behind the insulation, BIG PROBLEM.
What is destroyed there could be of concern , even if its only the insulation loading up with water , and becoming a heat path.
On an Eagle the frame would dissapear at a faster than normal pace, as would much of the under window steel on MCI .(usually rust place).
Some states (CA and others) forbid these unvented units in occupied spaces.
All said WE have one , BUT it is ONLY for use to keep from winterizing when un occupied by people or pets.
There were vented CAT heaters that solved most of these problems.
FAST FRED |
Lin
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, November 10, 2004 - 11:55 am: | |
I have one of those vented Platinum Cats, but never installed it. Still it is for use in relatively moderate climates. FF, I thought the unvented heaters make people Republican. Do I have that wrong? |
Gillig-Dan
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, November 10, 2004 - 12:47 pm: | |
I have vent-free logs in my home for suplemental heat. I am very happy with it. The added moisture in the dry winter months is a good thing for me. I get a lot of air leaking up through the basement so combustion air is not a problem. The gas logs are in the family room / kitchen area, which is the main awake time living area, and allow the rest of the house to be cooler.
As a quick heat-up for a bus, vent-free propane would be great. But, like my house, my choice would be for a dual system. Just my own opinion.
Gillig-Dan |
Jeff (Jeff)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, November 10, 2004 - 9:32 pm: | |
I too have been looking at the house type ventless heaters. Here at home, mine is Natural Gas. In the bus, of course, propane. In the house, I have COx and smoke detectors. Will have the same in the bus when road worthy. In my campers, I've owned in the past. I was told to leave a window cracked or the roof vent cracked. That was to allow some fresh air and cut down on the sweating you all are talking about. It always worked to the RV type heating furnace. I do not think using one of these heaters will make you a flip flopping gay marriage, baby killing person. They also will not promote one in believing in the Lord Jesus Christ and the USA is worth fighting for either. |