Vent-free gas appliances help reduce home heating costs

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In today's economic climate, many homeowners are choosing vent-free gas appliances to cut their energy costs, which can efficiently provide supplemental heat to areas of the home that are used most often. These appliances include vent-free gas space heaters, fireplaces, logs, inserts, and stoves and are available in a wide array of choices to meet a homeowner's space and decor needs.

"Vent-free gas appliances are an efficient and easy way for a homeowner to add supplemental heat and ambience to a room without driving up their energy costs," says Sue Walker, Chairman of the Vent-Free Gas Products Alliance. "Considering fuel costs are rising, consumers are looking for opportunities to use less. Since vent-free gas appliances convert virtually all of the fuel they use into heat, they are very efficient. In addition, because most of these appliances require no electricity, they also are beneficial during a power outage.

Vent-free gas products also have a stellar safety record. Every vent-free gas product sold in the U.S. is equipped with an Oxygen Detection Safety-Pilot (ODS), which automatically shuts off the gas supply if the oxygen level in the room approaches a minimum set by American National Standards Institute.

"We encourage our customers to make sure their heating appliances are installed correctly, maintained properly, and serviced regularly," says Jack Klimp, CEO of the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute, which represents members of the Vent-Free Gas Products Alliance. "This helps ensure the equipment is in safe working order and working as efficiently as possible."

The Vent-Free Gas Products Alliance, a coalition of members of the Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute, offers a FREE Consumer Guide to Vent-Free Gas Products. The brochure provides information to help consumers choose the right appliance type and size for their home, as well as guidance on how to maximize efficiency and energy cost savings. The free brochure can be downloaded from www.ventfree.org, requested by e-mailing to ventfree2@verizon.net, or by writing to the Vent-Free Gas Products Alliance, 8225 Madrillon Estates Drive, Vienna, VA 22182.