Installing Direct-Vent Space Heaters

Until recently, all direct-vent space heaters were simple gas-fired units used to provide heat for additions, workshops, or seasonal homes. In the past few years, however, there have been dramatic technical improvements in direct-vent heaters, which now include kerosene-fueled models (see Figure 1, next page). These heaters have a relatively low initial cost, are fuel efficient, and perform well. Since they don’t require a basement or utility room, direct-vent heaters are often chosen as the primary heating source for apartments and small homes. Not Your Father’s Oldsmobile The older generation of direct-vent space heaters has gas-fired atmospheric burners with standing pilot lights. Most of them have no fan to distribute the heat, and require no electricity. Two U.S. manufacturers of this style