what to do with this kind of heating unit

Question

We are planning a complete cosmetic rehab on a duplex with this for heating (see pic below).

What the name is it? What would be the reasonable options to deal with it? (It looks unsightly and outdated.)

Any thoughts would appreciated!

Mike Duran · Answer

@Shirley X. Thats a gas parlor heater, and I have lots of units in Worcester that have them. I love those heaters because they have been there for like 50 years, never have any major issues and just work. They might not be beautiful but they are very low maintenance and cost effective. If you get rid of them Id be interested in taking the old ones off your hands, but my opinion is keep them forever, especially if its for a rental. Also you can use high temperature spray paint from home depot on them and it comes out nice, there are many colors to choose from, but I wouldn't even bother with that, just clean it up is what I suggest.

Jimmy Seaborg · Answer

@Shirley X. yes these units will meet code, especially since it is an existing condition. I know someone who just purchased a triple decker in Worcester and the 2nd and 3rd floors both have them. They even still make them: https://www.ecomfort.com/Williams-2001622A/p71170.html?utm_term=7117071170&var1=ecomfortusa&var2=adwordsfroogle&var3=26912&keyword=GOOGLEPLA-26912&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIp8D-3a3r1wIVD7bACh0zBAkCEAQYAyABEgIa0vD_BwE

Jimmy Seaborg · Answer

that looks like a natural gas parlor heater. Very common in multi family units especially on the second and third floors of triple deckers because back in the day it was more expensive to introduce forced air or forced hot water to the upper floors. So they used these parlor heaters instead. Is there any other heat source in this unit? It is very unlikely that you will be able to remove this without installing forced air or forced hot water, which is obviously way out of budget for a cosmetic only project. A mini split heat pump is a good suggestion but they have a tough time on the coldest nights and your tenants would complain. Sorry but I can't think of any creative solutions right now. Paint is out of the question too because I believe you would need stove paint and that only comes in black

Shirley X. · Answer

@Erin K. Thank you Erin for sharing your thoughts and experience. Does the one in your SFR have any sort of vent? (I was confused because it was called vented gas heater, and your house didn't have any vents).

Did yours have a long pipe on the back as was in the picture? Is that the gas line, or the vent that goes out?

Shirley X. · Answer

@Sam Shueh Valid points. Need to look for that when visiting.

Shirley X. · Answer

Thank you @Jimmy Seaborg for sharing your knowledge. Yes, I do remember that I saw a similar stuff in an open house of other multi's upper level. The listing sheet says this property has forced air, though I currently don't have the information whether that is for first level only.

I am now in the process of renovation planning and estimating cost, using which to see how much to offer.

Does natural gas parlor heater not meet code (say in MA) nowadays? I assume no updated/improved models being made for this type of heater, am I correct?

Victor N. · Answer

We are running ductwork for the entire house.  One bid is to put the furnace in the attic.  Another puts the furnace in a utility closet to be built.  This house is on a crawl space, no basement.  As I think about it, I am not sure the existing units are vented in the house I am doing which would obviously be an issue.

Shirley X. · Answer

@Victor Nelson Thank you for sharing Victor. Was the new ductwork put in for just this area?  Or this was retrofit ductwork for the entire house, which sounds really extensive (expensive), (but of course would add a lot of value to property).

Where did you put the new furnace? Attic or basement?

Erin K. · Answer

Looks like a vented gas (or propane) heater. We put one in a small brick SFR we own.  Does a nice job heating, but takes up quite a bit of space.  Our house didn't have an accessible basement or any vents to make a traditional furnace work, so we didn't have many good options.  So far, we are happy with it.

what to do with this kind of heating unit

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