Natural gas heater questions....

[truckemup97]

10,000 BTU natural gas heater, unvented. Efficiency not given in the information I have, but vent free heaters are usually 90%+. Yes, I know about CO and water vapor problems with unvented heaters.

Question: How large an area can I expect this to heat, realistically? Attic is well insulated, walls somewhat. No windows in that room, but a patio door with double pane glass and insulation. Room can be closed off from others, and is 18x14x8. I know it will likely heat that room, but will it heat the adjoining 11x19x8 room? Anything else? Outside temperature is a variable, I know, but hard to predict accurately. I would think 32F would be average, with possible nights at 15F. This would be emergency heat for situations with no electricity, so there is no heat from any other source.

Any help out there? Thanks!!

 

[Airpark]

IMO it should do the job for you for both rooms.

However: we have a natural gas fireplace log that we NEVER used. It would heat the entire house, (2,000 Sq FT) but the unvented and unburned gas odor are too much for us.

On the other hand we have two small, probably in the 10,000 btu range, thermostatically controlled, gas heaters in the house in Montana, both vented, and one heats the basement and the other the upstairs very well.

I would try to vent it if possible as I think you would be better satisfied with it vented.

 

[truckemup97]

Originally posted by Airpark:

I would try to vent it if possible as I think you would be better satisfied with it vented.

Bill, venting would be possible, as it would be set up in an unused fireplace. However, venting greatly reduces efficiency, and as this would be "emergency heat" and rarely used, I doubt it would be a problem unvented.

 

[Airpark]

Good enough, we used our unvented fireplace log to heat the entire house unti we got tired of the smell.

For emergency use...I think you are in good shape.

My two vented gas heaters do a bang up job at the place in Montana.

Good Luck,

 

[gasmanmd]

10,000 btu heaters are designed to heat up to an average-size bedroom. NFPA 54 (code in most jurisdictions) allows only up to 10,000 btu's vent-free in a bedroom.

 

[mtgianni]

Check the installation instructions. Most will tell you to install a permanant opening 100 square inches directly communication with the outside. Yes, a 10" by 10" hole in the wall 24x7x365. Failure to do so will void all warranties and insurance claims.

 

[Spotteddog]

Truck,
Vent it, if at all possible!
Also pay close attention to the unit(s) need for "make up air". The dilemma always being faced, is that if your insulated and "air tight" enough for good heat retention performance, your also tight enough to starve combustion. Please be careful my friend...