It is essential to understand the steps to take in the event of having to install a heater. This will help you avoid any surprises.
The valves should be closed for gas and water. Take care to dispose of the heater correctly. It is important to buy an updated temperature and pressure relief valve that's the same rating as the old one.
Thermostat
A new thermostat that is programmable can save you energy costs through the seasons, by changing to suit your preferences. You can save money if you're able to remotely control your heating from any Internet connected device. Be sure to adhere to the instructions from the manufacturer, when changing an old thermostat or installing a more advanced one. There is a way to accomplish this job yourself, but in the event that you're not confident conducting wires through the walls of your house or have doubts regarding the wiring in your home, it's best to consult a professional.
Before you install your thermostat turn off the power to the furnace as well as air conditioner at the electric switch or circuit breaker box. Turn off the thermostat's breaker, too. There may be a need to remove certain wires of the older thermostat. It's recommended to mark the wiring with masking tape in case of future reference. Match the wires to the terminals of the new base for your thermostat following the layout provided in your owner's guide. Install any batteries needed before screwing the base onto the wall. Many thermostats come with the trim plates which cover any screw holes or any marks left by the new heater old thermostat.
It's primary function is to determine the indoor temperature, and then send the data to your HVAC system. The thermostat is made of a metal strip which alters its form as the temperature within the space changes. It then sends signals to trigger the heating or cooling system. Place your thermostat in a place where temperatures are most constant, away from any appliances that are used in your home as well as sunlight and other devices that might cause false readings.
It's important to set the thermostat at least six inches above the ground so that it will be able to measure precisely what air is surrounding the heater. Also, avoid setting it in close proximity to vents, doors or windows, as this may affect the readout and force the heater to work harder than necessary. You'll also want to place the thermostat at a height enough to allow it to be easily reached by everyone within your household.
Ventilation
The venting mechanism is created to allow combustion fumes out of chimneys. If they are not vented properly, these gases may cause carbon monoxide poisoning within your residence or the building. This is the reason that heaters must be fitted with venting systems at appropriate height, length and diameter. Vents that aren't long enough and/or too narrow or blocked could be hazardous.
The installation guideline of the manufacturer can provide the exact specifications for the model you have selected. The pipe must have a minimum 12 inch vertical rise, and a maximum of 300 feet run. The pipe's diameters need to be uniform throughout. In order to prevent the accumulation of condensation on the outside, the pipe's surface should also be smooth.
Manufacturers offer handy diagrams of the piping system to aid the installers and customers in adhering to their guidelines. It is generally recommended avoiding horizontal piping runs and avoid venting in attics or crawl areas. They recommend using steel piping where possible, and using an internal thermocouple to ensure there is a gas valve shuts off prior to a leak occurring.
Additionally, they emphasize the importance of ensuring that any appliance fitted with a power vent like a clothes dryer is not meant to share a vent with water heaters. They also warn against common venting with other gas appliances.
The ideal venting system is supposed to be straight between the gas meter and the heater, but this is often not feasible in homes with existing plumbing. In this case, a new gas line is required and the gas meter should be relocated to a place that is not directly over or beneath the heater.
It's best to cover the vent in a PVC metal liner. This can ensure security. It can prevent corrosion and rusting, which can lead to blockages and reduce the flow of gas. It's also important to install the pipe in line with local codes and the manufacturer's installation instructions. For example, in some areas, it's illegal to use single-wall vent piping and in others, it's forbidden to run through attics or any other restricted spaces.
Combustion
The combustion process is an exothermic redox process that occurs at high temperatures, involving oxidizers and fuels. This chemical reaction produces heat and light as energy. This term can be described as any kind of reaction where a substance gives up electrons in the process of oxidizing. Combustion one of mankind's oldest technology, was first mentioned in the writings of Antoine de Lavoisier for the first time in 1778. However ancient philosophers may be aware of its fundamental principles way before.
A fuel source is required for combustion, along with oxygen for carrying out the reaction, and to create an ignition. Some types of fuel can ignite without an oxidizer (e.g. hydrogen gas) but the overwhelming majority require the presence of a liquid or solid oxidizer to begin and maintain the combustion process. Air is typically the main catalyst for oxygen-based combustion reactions. However, other gases like chlorine and fluorine, as well as nitrous dioxide could also be used as an oxidizer.
Three primary types of combustion include: complete combustion incompletion combustion, and spontaneous combustion. The term "complete combustion" refers to the reaction is able to draw an infinite supply of oxygen and all chemicals are able to mix with it creating only water and carbon dioxide as byproducts. The reaction is not possible without sufficient oxygen. Carbon monoxide is created in this kind of reaction which could be fatal.
The laws of thermodynamics do not apply to incomplete explosive combustion reaction. They can proceed in the most unpredictable manner. This kind of burning can be seen in the natural world for example, fires in forests or volcano. It can happen inside an automobile engine, or in any other industrial furnace.
It is essential to maintain the amount of oxygen required for combustion reactions at a healthy level. This will prevent harmful CO2 emissions such as carbon monoxide. HVAC technicians as well as other technicians analyze the level of oxygen within combustion chambers, using analysis tools for combustion.
Controls
The control panels of the heater are placed on the gadget to examine and control the temperature. Control panels contain the internal wiring, switches, fuses and heat-sensing mechanisms like RTDs as well as thermocouples. Additional components like timers or contactor stages are included in the panel, dependent the type of heater utilized. Control panels come in diverse power levels and added features like the ability to control your remote with an automatic system, which allows you to view the system anyplace.
The controller is required to assure that the heater operates correctly, and to prevent excessive energy consumption from creating wire-wound heating elements or foils to melt. The controller lowers the energy consumption of the heater once it gets close to the desired temperature. This allows the heater to get there at a slower rate and use less energy.
The controller can be a simple on/off switching device or a proportional/integral/derivative (PID) control system with advanced digital algorithms. This gives you more stability in functioning by stopping the "dropping" caused by the controller that controls on-off switch oscillates between up and down when it gets closer to the set point. The sensor can be used for adjusting the operation for the device. The setting of the sensor is the key factor to be considered to make its decision, in addition to the temperature feedback.
The problem with the controller for the heater can result in your vehicle overheating and burn out the engine or radiator. A qualified mechanic will able to diagnose the problem and repair the valve promptly costing you less money, while ensuring your vehicle's safety.
Heating elements in the engine block draw a considerable amount of power. Heating controls allow you to decrease this use by only operating them when needed, and never continuously. It can save you energy and fuel costs and also reduce air emissions.
Although it can seem complicated to set up a thermostat control however, the process is actually very simple. Before beginning, be sure you're equipped with the appropriate tools and the right knowledge. It is recommended to consult your garage's owner's manual to find specific instructions for installation.