What else besides ventless propane?
![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/026a9d7e8f18b18fec1bb451f56bb8c0?s=52&d=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.greenbuildingadvisor.com%2Fapp%2Favatars%2F200x200%2Fn.png&r=g)
Have they gotten worse over the years? I’ve had mine since 2006 and have had no problems until maybe last year. Now I feel like I need to replace them but don’t have much money.
GBA Detail Library
A collection of one thousand construction details organized by climate and house part
![](https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/app/themes/greenbuildingadvisor/dist/img/modules/detail-library/thumb1.png)
![](https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/app/themes/greenbuildingadvisor/dist/img/modules/detail-library/thumb2.png)
Replies
Vented propane heaters are a better option. Unvented ones at best dump lots of moisture into your house and increase CO2 levels. Just because they are legal (in some places) doesn't mean they are a good idea.
Nancy,
Unvented propane heaters are a bad idea. Here are some links to GBA articles on the topic:
Avoid Unvented Gas Heaters
A Ventless Gas Fireplace Doesn’t Belong in Your Home
Unvented Gas Appliance Industry Fails to Impress ASHRAE
There are many ways to heat a house, ranging from vented propane space heaters to ductless minisplits (a type of air-to-air heat pump). You wrote that you don't have much money, so I'm sure that you want an inexpensive solution.
However, a good solution might not be inexpensive. No one can design a heating system for you house unless you provide a plan of your house, a description of the insulation levels, a description of your windows, details about how old your house is, and information about your climate or location.