propane heater fumes- unvented

[mrmillelacs]

I recently attempted to install a glo-warm unvented propane heater in my permanent fish house. After hooking up all the fittings and lighting it, the heater immediately started pumping noxious eyewatering fumes, so that within just a few minutes we had to shut off the heater and get out of the house. I have rented many fishhouses with this type of heater before, so i cant figure it out. I had a fresh air supply, the window and door were open. Would a leak at one of the fittings do this? Although i didn't smell gas, i forgot my spray bottle of soapy solution to test the fittings. Or are these heaters just dangerous junk?? Thanks for any input

[hunt4food]

If the heater was brand new out of the box, that could explain it. It may have been just burning off some of the oils and coatings used during it's manufacture. If the heater has been used before, you have another problem. I would definitely give it the "soap test" either way. It's always good to install a CO detector in there too. Don't rely on it, but use it as another source of safety. If the heater was brand new out of the box, soap test it and then run it on high for 30 minutes or so to "burn it off". It's similar to a new gas grille I suppose. They always suggest pre heating on high before cooking on it.

[Guest]

Could also be new paint. Remember, CO has no smell but a CO detector is always good to have.

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[Aqua Eye]

Mrmillelacs-
Since you already stated that the heater only started to smell after it was lit, I would say that gas is not the problem. Mine also smelled at first but it went away rather quickly once we started using it on high. Could the smell possibly be from the flux and soldering process? Are you sure you didn't forget something inside the heater that could be burning? How do the flames look when the heater is going, are they burning cleanly? I really like my heater which is the same brand you purchased. Maybe this is helpful- I hope so. TROY

[jt24]

Your not trying to run a Natural gas heater off of LP?? Not sure if they will stay on or not but have seen a Natural gas heater run really hot on LP.

[minneman]

someone correct me if wrong but I believe the oraface for natural gas is larger than for LP, could it be you bought the wrong gas type?

we use a 30000 btu unit(LP) and it did smell a while at first from paint or oil etc. but you smell nothing now. 3rd season. we also leave a window cracked.

[mrmillelacs]

Update, i bought an orbis direct vent heater. Thanks for all your input. Anybody want a glow warm unvented, cheap? lol

[jt24]

What did you pay for the direct vent heater?

[osakisresort]

Mr Millelacs:
Did you ever figure out what was wrong with your heater? Why did you go buy a new one?

[Guest]

Be careful - - a couple of deer hunters were found dead in their blind a few weeks ago here in Michigan. The news said that they died of CO poisoning from their heater (and don't think you're safe if you don't smell anything unusual!!!).

[mrmillelacs]

actually im not sure anything was wrong with the heater, i was thinking i would use it anyway after so many people told me that the smell might be normal for a new heater, i just happened to see the ad in fleet farms brochure advertising the orbis direct vent heater for 299 bucks so i bought it. thanks again for everyones input

[Guest]

You will have less condensation with the direct vent anyway.

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[MNice]

D-man, good point. When gas is burned it has a lot of moisture in the by product. Vented is the only way to go IMHO.

[fishtrap2]

When I fish out of a house with a vented heater, I boil a pan of water 'cause if gets so dry. How many of you "vented heater guys" have used a ventless heater?
-FT2