Hearthlist Digest #227 - Saturday, November 14, 1998
 
Consumer Reports Article on Vent Free
  by "Craig Issod" <[email protected]>
 

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Subject: Consumer Reports Article on Vent Free
From: Craig Issod <[email protected]>
Date: Sat, 14 Nov 1998 18:06:32 -0500
 
The current issue of Consumer reports has an article titled "Burning
Controversy" which is subtitled "Unvented Gas Fireplaces can go almost
anywhere, but are they safe?"
 
This is not the usual extensive Consumer Reports test..they simply bought
two models and ran them in their lab to determine the emissions. No long
term testing or destructive testing was done.
 
They determined that both appliances, after 5 hours,  exceeded the GRI
standards for NO2 (Nitrogen Dioxide) output. Furthermore, they seem to
agree with the Independent research done in MY which recommended that the
GRI guidelines should be cut in half. Based on their findings, they
conclude "our tests confirm that these heaters contribute significantly to
indoor air pollution. If you are planning to buy a gas fireplace, a vented
model should be your first choice".
 
They also give recommendations if you do buy a vent free, such as keeping a
window open TOP AND BOTTOM when you are using the appliance.
 
All in all, not a very complete test, however it represents one of the
first independent opinions on these controversial products.
 
Comments?
 
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Craig Issod             HearthNet at http://www.hearth.com
[email protected]    Everything your Hearth Desires
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Buddha says "avoid error"
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