by 
The Curious Bag
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<h4 class="dechead">On One Hand: Ventless Heaters Can Be Dangerous
Because ventless heaters have no flues, they vent combustion gases directly into a building's air supply. One of these gases can be carbon monoxide, which is highly toxic and can cause flu-like symptoms, chest pain, confusion and death. Building scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy and other regulatory agencies make no bones about the fact that ventless heaters can pose a potential health threat to users (Ref 1).
On the Other: They Can Be Safe
Ventless heating systems are legal in 49 states, as long as they include an Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) that shuts them off when the ambient oxygen drops below safe levels. The ODS has been required since 1980. The Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) says modern ventless heaters have an outstanding safety record, especially if they're professionally installed and regularly serviced.
Bottom Line
Ventless heaters can be safe as long as they're professionally installed and maintained, were manufactured after 1980 and aren't used in rooms with poor circulation. Otherwise, they can pose a health threat from carbon monoxide poisoning.
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