Vent Free Gas Heater Problems

An oxygen depletion sensor ods on unvented gas heaters and fireplaces shuts off the gas flow if the oxygen level drops below 18 an indicator that not enough fresh air is getting into the house but the ods does not detect carbon monoxide or other hazardous emissions.

Vent free gas heater problems.

If the oxygen drops to an unhealthy low the oxygen detector will shut off the fireplace. Because a ventless fireplace does not have a fresh air intake vent the fire burns the oxygen in the room. Shut off the unit including the pilot. There s basically 4 reasons a vent free gas fireplace will produce soot like you described.

Blow air through the ports slots and holes in the burner. Direct vent heaters draw exhaust air outside and blockages in the air vents. They must be inspected cleaned annually by a professional gas technician. The unit hasn t been serviced annually since you purchased it.

If you notice excessive condensation on windows and other cold surfaces or in wall cavities that is a good indicator that you don t have enough fresh air to offset the water vapor being emitted into your space. Inspect burner pilot and primary air inlet holes on injector holder for dust and dirt. If yours is a ventless heater that burns oxygen from the room try opening the window slightly to increase air flow. Vent fee gas logs are not maintenance free.

Check the injector holder located at the end of the burner tube.