Gas heater for 500 sq ft space

http://cdn.brownstoner.com/50bcdd55dda8e-.jpg

I had earlier asked a question about independently heating an open 500 sq ft space. It’s a 1st floor space in a 3 story building, has some large storefront windows and can vent to the outside from the back. I’m looking at a gas-fired heater unit that vents to the outside: an Empire closed-front gas room heater. It looks simple and more convenient than tying my hot water rad system to the space and adding heat to the rent. I’d probably need to add a blower to it. Any experience with these sorts of heaters? Must these be vented to the roof level? Again, thanks for any advice!

humboldt

in Heating 12 years and 6 months ago

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slvillager | 12 years and 6 months ago

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get a split unit. a/c in summer and great heat in winter.

daveinbedstuy | 12 years and 6 months ago

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Rinnai makes some interesting heaters.  Check them.

zampano | 12 years and 6 months ago

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I remember these things when I used to live outside of Albany thirty years ago. These are great for starting fires if you aren’t careful. Everyone would loose at least one item of wet clothing to the critters. Some people would loose their apartments. On the other hand, there weren’t many options at the time for keeping a lot of the older housing stock occupied when you could buy a house for 5K. I put a hw baseboard system in one of those houses and it cost $1500 just to get out of the supply house which made these things look good.

Master Plvmber | 12 years and 6 months ago

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I don’t like to guess at things like this, but I’d say that thing just cannot be legal in New York City. I’d like to know for sure though.

eman134 | 12 years and 6 months ago

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just remember that in order to comply to code, you will need to vent using z-vent or equivalent, which runs about $20/ft for 3 inch vent…do not try to get away with  galvanized flue pipe unless you want to be sued

daveinbedstuy | 12 years and 6 months ago

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There are other sorts of heaters/AC units that just vent out the side wall.  Is that an option with this space?

eme1million | 12 years and 6 months ago

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I used one while I was renovating a space a bit larger than yours.  It did an excellent job. The nice thing is they don’t have a blower and are very quiet.  The one I had could not be controlled by a room thermostat, and it would get extremely hot to the touch. Perhaps newer models have solved those issues. Venting will be the issue.  It used to be that you could just common vent these things up the chimney along with everything else, which is what I did at that time.  But, I don’t think that is allowed anymore, but I’m not sure why.

humboldt | 12 years and 6 months ago

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Actually, just checked the installation manual, and it does indeed need to be vented to the roof (which, of course, is doable. Any opinions on these types of heaters much appreciated.