My Garage/Shop Heater Install

[ddbackhoe]

Main tank is a long ways away and hard surfaces. It was doable but quite a bit more expensive.

Oh, thanks

 

[ddbackhoe]

Interesting thread. I'm really shocked at how much profit the HVAC companies wanted to make off of your install.

Locally, the supply houses dont want to sell you the equipment, parts or supplies unless you have a HVAC license. propane companies dont want to sell tanks, only lease. Insurance for propane/gas work is outrageous in my area. We were installing “propane tank farms” for some new housing projects until our insurance carrier wanted to quadruple our premiums.

 

[Big Barn]

Locally, the supply houses dont want to sell you the equipment, parts or supplies unless you have a HVAC license. propane companies dont want to sell tanks, only lease. Insurance for propane/gas work is outrageous in my area. We were installing “propane tank farms” for some new housing projects until our insurance carrier wanted to quadruple our premiums.

Yes. NOT sticky up for HVAC contractors but they do have huge liability and licensing costs. And supply houses have to protect their main customer base/income.

 

[ovrszd]

Mark, great thread with excellent support pictures and narrative. Will most certainly help someone searching for a "how to" in the future!!! You are going to love having an all weather shop!!!

 

[zoedog2012]

Mark, what is the gray box between the heater and the wall?

 

[dragoneggs]

Mark, what is the gray box between the heater and the wall?

Good question... I will call it a separator or maybe a combiner box. Being that this is a sealed cumbustion unit, it draws combustion air from the outside as well as exhausts to the outside. So, rather than have two penetrations through the exterior wall, a single 6in intake pipe connects to the box, and 4in pipe runs inside of it connecting directly to the exhaust port of the heater. The combustion air is routed inside the box to the heater via another 4in pipe. Hope that makes sense.

 

[dragoneggs]

Interesting thread. I'm really shocked at how much profit the HVAC companies wanted to make off of your install.

Yeah shocker to me too! I usually figure labor/material 50/50 as a rough guess pretty much regardless of hired project, obviously this can vary some depending on situation but when I saw two quotes at $5K labor to $2K+ materials I couldn't justify it. I wanted it done by a professional for 1) my day job has been very demanding this past year so my time is precious, and 2) for most folks that is exactly the right thing to do. Unfortunately, I know enough to be dangerous... bad word... adventurous. . I love DIY and generally will do it myself if I can. Quality might suffer some but I figure I am not here in this world for others to do stuff for me. There are a few exceptions but I won't go into those in case my wife is listening. :laughing:

 

[dragoneggs]

Yes. NOT sticky up for HVAC contractors but they do have huge liability and licensing costs. And supply houses have to protect their main customer base/income.

This is very true. My install means my risk.

Mark, great thread with excellent support pictures and narrative. Will most certainly help someone searching for a "how to" in the future!!! You are going to love having an all weather shop!!!

Thank you. I post this so others hopefully can learn albeit from unlicensed professional. I love doing and learning. Although I try to learn then do I find that is not the order is usually happens! Oops... Dang it!!!

 

[dragoneggs]

I did finish everything last night with the gas line install stubbed out. Now just waiting for the tank to be delivered (Tuesday). Then I can do the leak and pressure tests and water column measurement/adjustment. Oh and some sealant at the two penetrations.

 

[Tractor Seabee]

Checking the gas pressure is not that hard. The new electronic gauges make it a lot easier, especially in tight spots. Adjustment will be needed as you had to do the conversion from Nat to LP. Otherwise 90 out of 100 times the factory setting is OK for us close to sea level.

Ron