Heater problem... Not auomotive

[BIGSHCLUNK]

A bit off topic - Any HVAC guys here?? We have a charmglo wall mounted "chimneyless" heater (propane) in our sales area.. I bought this thing new on a closeout awhile back. Never had a manual for it. Anyway this thing puts off enuff monoxide to wipe out the entire board here! Any ideas?
Thanks
BIGS

 

[Deleted member 214]

I'm not an HVAC person, but have dealt with non-vented heaters. You mention CO. That is an odorless gas. Are you saying your CO detectors keep going off, or are you smelling a bad odor that irritates your nose when you get really close? If it is the smell, I have had that issue with a non-vented gas fire place. I got a can of 3M Dust Remover, an electronics and computer cleaner, and sprayed the crap out of the pilot light area. Any dust or cobwebs in or on that area can screw up the air/fuel mixture and cause it to burn poorly. Think a badly adjusted carb. I've also had fireplace techs say to get all dust out of the burn area. Good luck!

 

[BIGSHCLUNK]

I'm not an HVAC person, but have dealt with non-vented heaters. You mention CO. That is an odorless gas. Are you saying your CO detectors keep going off, or are you smelling a bad odor that irritates your nose when you get really close? If it is the smell, I have had that issue with a non-vented gas fire place. I got a can of 3M Dust Remover, an electronics and computer cleaner, and sprayed the crap out of the pilot light area. Any dust or cobwebs in or on that area can screw up the air/fuel mixture and cause it to burn poorly. Think a badly adjusted carb. I've also had fireplace techs say to get all dust out of the burn area. Good luck!

Its kind of a exhuast smell, that will give you a headacke really quick. This darn thing was made for indoor use too! We've cleanened it , blown it out with air. reminds me of the old torpedo heaters.

 

[BIGSHCLUNK]

Visual aids are always good, here;s what the POS looks like....

 

[MarPar]

give this website a shot...they have a few charmglow questions. it may be a good start to point you in the right direction.

http://www.fixya.com/tags/charmglow_heater

 

[wannadrag]

I just cant comprehend how the ventless type heaters can be safe.Garage maybe where its not air tight.

 

[Deleted member 214]

I just cant comprehend how the ventless type heaters can be safe.Garage maybe where its not air tight.

Think of how much flame a gas oven in your kitchen puts out, and it's not vented.

 

[BIGSHCLUNK]

MarPar , I'll check it out, Thanks!

wannadrag - this thing isnt safe... hence this thread. But its ssupposed to be. Northern tool has got pages of this stuff. Got to be an answer someplace.

 

[iraqivet01]

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-ventless-gas-fireplaces.htm

I had one, and I would never recommend them to anyone. I had mold growing like crazy behind my future. I had to move them and wash the walls down with bleach water about once a month.

 

[70redbee]

Those things are not safe. Get rid of it and get you an electric heater of the same size. They cause a lot of condensation and will cause mold to grow. There is a lot of information out there on the problems with them. I agree to call the manuf. for the best information.

 

[BIGSHCLUNK]

Those things are not safe. Get rid of it and get you an electric heater of the same size. They cause a lot of condensation and will cause mold to grow. There is a lot of information out there on the problems with them. I agree to call the manuf. for the best information.

You know I have looked at electrics, but to match the BTU's I'd need at least a v220 setup. At least from the ones I've seen. Those 1500W ones dont throw off more than a bic lighter BTU wise. But still draw 12-14 amps

I remember the days of the torpedo heater in the garage. I'm sure its contributed to my insanity!
BTW looked around on the fixya site, but really didnt find an answer.

 

[scotts74birds]

My house came with a ventless fireplace in the upstairs. I HATE it! Manual says to have the windows open to provide fresh air while using it!?????? WHAT!!!!????? Never got a smell with mine, but it would soot the walls up. Junk.