experience with ventless gas heaters in WW

[in my dreams]

Still on my quest for heat. The fireplace insert is really messy! And I don't like being a slave to the flame. I've found some really neat and cheap ventless gas heaters online (for the cost of one cord of hardwood  ), but the caveat is that above 4500 ft, the unit "may experience nuisance pilot outage and flame shutdown due to lower atmospheric pressure."

Does anyone have one up here? Would that be a frequent problem, or only when a big storm approaches, dropping pressure? Are they even allowed by code?

In my heart of hearts, I want a forced-air furnace, but there is no existing ductwork, etc. ($$$$$$) Big ole wall heaters are not attractive, and direct vent just doesn't have the right place.

[Cheinne]

Before I installed central heat I looked into these....



"Several states within the United States, as well as other countries, have completely outlawed ventless gas fireplaces because of health concerns. Canada, Massachusetts, and California don't allow people to install these types of heaters because of their potential to build up carbon monoxide, deplete oxygen, and lead to unconsciousness or even suffocation. Check with your local building code before purchasing one of these appliances."

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-ventless-gas-fireplaces.htm

[in my dreams]

Thanks!
Rules that option out. . .

[YardBird]

I don't have any experience with ventless heaters but.....

Have you considered a pellet stove insert?  It burns clean and is very efficient.  We have one at the cabin and one in our home.  The one at home is on a thermostat.   Pellets are sold in 40# bags, (so no dirty wood to haul) and we stick with one certain brand, it costs a bit more but burns hotter and cleaner. 

Just another thought.

[Chesslike]

At the log cabin we used to own we installed a natural gas insert in the fireplace. It was able to heat the entire cabin and was controlled by a combination thermostat and remote control. It might be more than you want to spend, but it is an option that looks good and is clean and efficient.