Five years ago my father replaced his wood stove with a propane heater (he also installed an window mounted air conditioner at the same time). This is the primary source of heat in his twenty year old house in eastern Oregon. Recently he has noticed a greasy film covering the windows and mirrors in the house. This film is very hard to get off, he says that conventional glass cleaners just smudge the stuff around. He had the local propane company out to service the unit and they indicated that they have never seen this problem from propane. The heating unit did need a good cleaning though. Since nothing has changed in the house except the heater he is convinced that it is the source of this greasy film. Have any of you seen this type of problem from a propane heating system or an air conditioner? Any other ideas as to the source of the slime?
Thanks in advance
Dan Thomas
Replies
For starters, one problem is getting service every 5 years. Every 2 years, max, every year is better.
I haven't heard of that sort of thing as a effect of propane (or nat gas) heating, though
Pops was reminded of cleaning schedules. I think I will use Fathers day as an annual reminder. Would a cracked fire box cause carbon monoxide/dioxide to precipitate on the surfaces? I am thinking of how out-gassing of polymers used in the automotive industry builds up on the inside of windshields.
Thanks
Dan Thomas
>>Would a cracked fire box cause carbon monoxide/dioxide to precipitate on the surfaces? CO is a gas. There are other combustion by-products, of course (CO2 is the main one) but I've never heard of such an effect in the many combustion classses I have taken.In cases of badly cracked heat exchangers and major burner problems, there can be soot released into the air which can be depositied on surfaces (same as the candles someone mentioned) but soot is black.
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Sojourners: Christians for Justice and Peace
With the service period of 5 years you can build up soot in the combustion chamber, you would be surprised what funk will come out of a gas appliance thats not getting enough air. If you had the propane people check this unit out you should be o.k. for now. Carbon monoxide is a posion gas; if you were getting that someone would be dead by now!! I recomend you get a carbon monoxide detector. Cleaning the glass, I don't have a clue. LUCK.
>>Carbon monoxide is a posion gas; if you were getting that someone would be dead by now!! Not necessarily: at high levels, of course, CO can kill. At lower levels it can also cause very serious long terms problems: heart disease and neurological problems among them."Just because you aren't dead doesn't mean you don't have a CO problem!">>I recomend you get a carbon monoxide detector. Absolutely - at a minimum, get the type with a digital read out ($40-50 - they are much more sensitive than the cheap ones - $20+/-) and get a battery powered one to facilitate proper placement.Put them (one on each living level) at about eye height or slightly above where they will be seen each day.If there is only one occupied bedroom - put it in that bedroom. Some people say, otherwise in the hall to protect all bedrooms.My opinion is that if the house uses forced air heat, put it in the bedroom of the most vulnerable person in the house, otherwise in the hall.If there are especially vulnerable people in the house (a pregnant woman, an infant, elderly, someone with a heart condition or anemia or immune system problems etc) get a low level monitor for about $125-180.)I sell the low level monitor featured at the http://www.nationalcomfortinstitute.com site
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Sojourners: Christians for Justice and Peace
Bob, just read an item about detectors,(I forget where,must be getting old,LOL) and it suggested placing the detector at head height. In a bedroom, that means bed height. Makes sense to me.
We have to stick to the the original post, he is the one that brought up carbon monoxide, its poison gas no matter what concentration you have. You don't have to die, but you are still are being poisoned. I try not to make a categorical statement when I'm responding to the forum. The original post was funk on the windows. The propane appliance was serviced once in 5 years."LIVE LONG AND PROSPER"
I'm not trying to start a debate, but this is an area about which I feel deeply and have a fair amount of knowledge.>>>>Carbon monoxide is a posion gas; if you were getting that someone would be dead by now!!That is not only a categorical statement, but it is a common misunderstanding I hear frequently.My point is simply that "just because you aren't dead doesn't mean you don't have a CO problem."CO poisoning is often misdiagnosed and if people think it necessarily involves death, they will continue to miss other episodes of dangerous poisoning which can have serious long term health effects.Bob Walker
"Certified Carbon Monoxide & Combustion Analyst
NIC # CO413405"BTW, re: "We have to stick to the the original post, "No, we don't. Threads often veer off in new directions: "thread drift" has been around for as long as on-line discussion have taken place, and I suspect they always will.
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Sojourners: Christians for Justice and Peace
Edited 6/19/2005 3:16 pm ET by Bob Walker
Thanks to all for the info. I have a co sensor in my wood heated office, I'll remind pops that this is a very good idea and send him a bottle of good glass cleaner.
Dan
You are right. I don't normally make categorical statements, this time I slipped up. I was concentrating on the post and not paying enough attention to what what I was saying. I too know a fair amount about carbon monoxide, I personally experienced co poisoning on more that one occasion, I should know better. Thanks for correcting me. LUCK BE WITH YOU
What about changes in cooking patterns? Or burning candles or oil lamps or anything of the sort?
BTW, have it try stright white vinegar and see if that will cut the film.
I wish they had taken a southern cooking class or somethin like that, but the menu at dads' has remained unchanged for eons <g>. Any other thoughts ?
Thanks again
Dan Thomas
The greasy film on the windows and mirrors could potentially be due to the propane heater, though it's uncommon. Combustion appliances like propane heaters can sometimes produce airborne particles that settle on surfaces. However, it's often due to improper venting or a malfunction. The air conditioner could also be the culprit if it's re-circulating dust and grime in the air. Alternatively, the film could be due to something entirely different like cooking fumes, tobacco smoke, or indoor pollution. It would be wise to consult with a HVAC professional to investigate both the heater and air conditioner, and potentially conduct indoor air quality testing.