Configurations of a Natural Gas Garage Heater

Natural gas garage heaters blow air straight into the room. Their adjustable louvers permit for perpendicular adjustment of the flow. Almost all the manufacturers provide horizontal louvers that help the air to flow side-to-side. These furnaces have several different categories based on the design of the heat exchanger and the venting type:

Types of Venting

Gravity vented garage furnace:

Gravity vented garage furnaces are heaters that vent naturally and do not need a fan. These furnaces make use of the air inside the garage for ignition. The warm derivatives of combustion come out of the furnace with the help of a gas pipe. They are the least expensive.

Power vented furnace:

Very similar to the gravity vented furnace, these devices have an additional flue-vent booster fan. As soon as the heat is produced, the fan starts to make sure that the derivatives of combustion are properly vented out. These furnaces are the most popular among consumers. The booster fan gives more elasticity with flue pipe.

In fact, most of the major manufacturers of heating, devices are eliminating the production of gravity vented furnaces and are substituting them with power vented heaters. These heaters also allow horizontal venting.

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Separated combustion furnaces for the garages:

These forms of heaters are becoming popular by the day. While the conventional power and gravity furnaces make use of space air for ignition, separated combustion furnaces are sealed. These heaters have a couple of flue vent pipes. While one pipe is used to draw in the air from the atmosphere, the other throws the by-products outside. This sealed combustion design removes the possibility of the burning of air inside the garage.

Such heaters work well in places where fine dust particles can catch fire due to an open flame. Moreover, separated combustion furnaces are normally more competent, as they do not make use of the air in one’s space for ignition.

Heat exchanger designs:

Traditional natural gas furnaces for the garage:

These furnaces are narrow and tall. However, since most find them inconvenient, manufacturers are turning towards the newer exchanger designs.

Tubular heat exchanges:

These exchanges are flexible and defy cracking. They allow the furnace to be shorter and wider, which is of great assistance in garages that lack overhead clearance.

How are natural gas garage heaters installed?

Following is the method by which one can install these furnaces

• Hang the furnace by making use of the angle iron or threaded rods. Several heaters contain angle iron which helps them mount straight to the ceiling. However, do remember that when you are mounting a heater you need to follow specifications as to how close the furnace can be mounted to a ceiling or object.

• Install the gas piping.

• Install the vent pipe.

• Wire a wall thermostat (with a low voltage) to the terminal strip of the furnace. 

• Wire the elevated voltage power needed to start the furnace.

Natural gas garage heaters are capable of running any time. They do not require a person to worry about the fuel supply. However, it is best to get in touch with an HVAC expert if you need help with the installation or maintenance of the equipment. 

HVAC Units – Various components to know

Before looking into the list of HVAC units, you must first understand what HVAC really is. HVAC units perform three main functions- ventilation, heating, and air conditioning. These functions are put together for forming a single system and are made in such a way that they go with contemporary construction requirements for a house or office.

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They are attributed specifically for the dehumidification and cooling of specific systems. Of all the HVAC systems, the most popular is the central HVAC as they are quiet and convenient.

HVAC units have evolved in time and they have come a long way in modernization. One of the most common issues linked with conventional systems was the cost. But, due to the formulation of cost-effective solutions more homes and establishments are enjoying such machines. Here is a list of products under HVAC systems.

HVAC blowers and fans

HVAC blowers and fans are utilized in the movement of air. They are extremely important in air handling systems because they help in bringing in fresh air inside different constructions. They can be mounted above a ceiling or an outer wall. In certain cases, they may even be utilized as a component of duct fun. Some very common products that lie within this category are plenum fans, ventilation fans, roof fans, inline fans, duct blowers, vane axial fans and centrifugal blowers.

Heat Exchanger

A heat exchanger is essentially the furnace housing and helps to warm up cool air as well as absorb heat. When the thermostat turns on the furnace, the combustion leads to production of heat. Furnaces of all kinds possess heat exchangers. This significant component comes with strong temperature-resistant stainless steel, to prevent damage. Some of the models also have special ducts for letting cool air come into the heat exchanger quickly.

Blower Motor

Once the air inside the heat exchanger goes up to a preset temperature, a fan is powered by an electric blower motor forcing the warm air inside the ductwork of a house, with the help of air registers, and inside every room within the house. Before the blower motor halts, combustion ends making warm air travel to the rooms.

Motors with variable speeds can run at various speeds to control the airflow precisely in the house. It helps in monitoring the HVAC and helps in compensating for numerous problems. As blower motors with variable speeds reach full speed very gradually, they can reduce humidity effectively during summer months. Houses often get to the right temperature before the speed units attain full speed. Hence, they help save energy.

Thermostat

Thermostats come with temperature sensors that help to decide when the air conditioner and heater will turn off and on. It has a direct connection with the system with special wires. One of the best areas to place a thermostat is close to the middle of the house, further from drafts. Few of the air conditioning and heating systems come with more than a single thermostat, and every thermostat helps in controlling a different zone.

HVAC is an important part of our lives and helps in keeping the air quality comfortable. However, you must also contact an HVAC expert in case of a fault or when you decide to buy a new system.

All about Natural Gas Garage Heaters

A natural gas garage heater is a relatively small unit that can be mounted onto a wall or kept freestanding. This form of the device makes use of natural gas for generating heat, instead of exploiting expensive sources such as electricity. The basic mechanism involves the burning of natural gas, circulated by a pump, to produce the heating effect. The vents, built on the furnace, permit the warm air to break out and envelop the garage with an air of heat, normally covering a decent radius. These devices have the capability to increase the temperature by several degrees.

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The basic operating principle behind this furnace is as below:

Whenever there is a requirement to generate heat, the gas from the fuel pipe flows all the way through a valve, within the heater. A pilot flame sets fire to the fuel and a flare is produced within the heat exchanger. As soon as the exchanger achieves a set temperature, a fan automatically starts and blows the air through the exchanger. This results in a warmer air being discharged.

Natural Gas Garage Heater Vs the Others

Natural gas garage heater has several other adversaries, differing in the overall mechanism. Two such competitors are electric furnaces and hot water garage furnaces. While electric furnaces are least expensive to install, their overall maintenance is a little high, especially due to electricity being their power source. Similarly, a hot water furnace requires the installation of a home boiler system, and if the boiler is not working properly, the heater fails to produce heat.

Hence, keeping the aforementioned operating drawbacks in mind, natural gas garage heater seems to be the best choice to heat garages.

Fundamentally, there are four things that need to be considered when choosing a furnace:

• Square footage of the garage

• Maintenance cost

• Efficiency ratings

• Warranty 

Benefits of Natural Gas Garage Heaters

1. Efficient:

Efficiency is undoubtedly the best benefit of such furnaces. They have the ability to snuff out immense heat; hence, the money spent by the consumer will go a long way to heat his/her house.

2. Low clearance requisites:

All of the low-profile natural gas garages heaters have extremely low clearance requirements. Saving time and effort.

3. Fast and powerful:

These furnaces are extremely powerful, fast, and self-contained. They don’t depend on a home boiler to provide heat.

4. Durability:

All unit casings are nursed for rust resistance and painted with a high solids coat.

5. Adjustable louvers:

Almost all furnaces come with adjustable louvers that assist in directing the warm air, where it is required the most.

6. Variety:

The natural gas garage heater comes in a plethora of styles and sizes to cater to the varying customer needs and requirements. If chosen suitably, one will not have to be concerned about over or under-sizing. 

Do not forget to consult a capable HVAC professional to ensure that the furnace selected for the garage is the best option for you. Consulting an experienced and genuine dealer is very important.

HVAC Repair - Installation and Maintenance Information

Air conditioning controls the air circulation, filtration, temperature and humidity levels of the environment. It is connected to the dehumidification and cooling process of air. AC systems help in keeping the entire house cool during summers, while also helping decrease levels of indoor humidity. The HVAC can also be installed with ductwork to carry the air to different rooms.

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A lot of people do not know the facts of HVAC equipment. They believe that air conditioners are utilized for lowering the temperature at homes by blowing in cool air. However, the method involves removing warm air through the house and distributing it back as colder air. This cycle is regarded as a standard cycle which keeps running till the time the thermostat is able to reach the set temperature. Elements or components involved while cooling the air are a fan, a compressor, condenser coil, refrigerant, and evaporator coil. The air conditioning unit excerpts heat from the house air and transfers the heat outside, ensuring that the cooled indoor air is re-circulated for keeping the temperature at the right equilibrium.

However, there is a possibility for the AC to fail suddenly due to temperature fluctuations or heavy load. The most obvious indicators that decide whether to repair or replace the unit are:

        1. Operating cost of the unit

        2. Age of the HVAC

In fact, a standard furnace is known to have an expected life of approximately fifteen years and can even run for a longer period through proper services and maintenance. In case the furnace has crossed its life expectancy, then it is time to consider replacing it. For making the right decision, inspect your furnace thoroughly at proper intervals by hiring an HVAC technician and getting an estimate for a replacement and a repair. You must also ensure that the calculation includes possible energy savings, duct inspection, furnace inspection, and expected long term and short-term costs for replacement, repair, and new installation.

Some of the services offered by HVAC technicians include:

1. HVAC Repair and Service

2. Maintenance Programs

3. Installation of new A/C Units

4. Furnace service and repair

5. Air Handler Service and Maintenance

6. Heat pump repair

7. Thermostats

8. Ductwork Installation

9. Ductwork

If you wish to have high quality indoor air then it is important that you call an expert that can help resolve your problems related to HVAC for efficient living. Also, make sure the HVAC professional you hire has the right experience and expertise to offer you the right service. There are several companies that claim to offer repair services at cheap rates. 

However, they may only make things worse as most of them hire unskilled staff and generally have no insurance. That means any form of accident will land you into trouble. Hence, it is important to choose wisely. Ideally, you should go for a certified company. Certified companies own licenses. They have professionals that have the training to perform AC repairs. It is impossible to expect quality from a company which is non-licensed.

Do You Have Roof Insulation Problems?

Summers can get very hot and the extreme temperatures demand turning on the air conditioner for keeping the space comfortable and cozy. However, in certain houses, after several HVAC services and inspections, the heat does not yield, leaving the homeowners to wonder if their attic or roof insulation has something to do with excessive heating inside.

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In case you have doubts regarding the roofing insulation of your home, this blog will help you in clearing the air.

Color of the surface

There is absolutely no doubt that roofs can have an impact on the indoor temperature. Remember, darker the hue, the greater quantity of heat it will be able to absorb. Dark tiles, asphalt shingles, metal, and other such materials attract a lot of light and suck in greater heat levels. During the winters, the heat level absorption will not decrease, which can be a good thing. However, during summers, the surface of the roof can reach almost 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

Too much heat can travel to the upper areas or attic and ultimately transfer inside the living area, consequentially affecting the climate inside and also increasing your energy bills. Roofing materials that are lighter are less absorptive and more reflective. They tend to retain lesser heat and light, by delivering balanced indoor temperatures during hot days. Areas that experience regular or heavier snowfall normally have dark roofs, while regions that are hot normally have roofs with a lighter color.

Material of the surface

The kind of material used for roofing has a big influence on the amount of light or heat absorbed. For example, asphalt shingles are known to reflect approximately 30% of light which comes in touch with the roof, on the other hand, metal panels can be more reflective and suck in less heat. There are numerous kinds of roofing materials that provide their own distinct light reflective and heat absorption properties.

Options that can help with energy efficiency

You must always choose the correct material for the house. Choosing the right material for space may also help you make your house more energy efficient. A great way of doing this is by inquiring about a technology known as ‘cool roof technology’. This is particularly designed for reflecting and absorbing less heat in comparison to normal roofing systems.

Apart from this, you can also opt for the attic and roof ventilation and insulation. The best way to start is by getting in touch with a trusted company for a complete and detailed inspection. They will offer you the right recommendations and information necessary for meeting your house improvement goals.

With all this information, you can know if your roof requires insulation or if the problem is with your HVAC. If you’re having a hard time detecting the issue, call a HVAC expert. They will know the right places to analyze and what to look for to diagnose the issue. The best way to find out about good HVAC expert is by searching the internet or asking friends and family.

Energy and HVAC Optimization

If you want to provide the right ventilating, heating, and air-conditioning, your electricity bill will go up 20-40%. A proper HVACsystem is important for maintaining a healthy and comfortable interior environment. However, several homeowners look for strategies for reducing their energy cost without the need to sacrifice on the house environment. Here is how to reduce energy bills while enhancing your HVAC system performance.

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Load Reduction

Load reduction is one of the primary steps for achieving HVAC and energy system optimization. This step usually comprises of a long-range plan that itemizes actions needed to be taken for best return on investment. Decreasing the load on your building helps the HVAC system function more efficiently. 

Here are a few load reduction techniques:

1. Add extra insulation and tighten the shell of the building. Extra insulation in a building could be a little difficult in certain cases, so it is best to aim towards the exterior shell, particularly doors and windows.
2. Installation of windows that are energy-efficient. This can work very well for buildings with single pane windows. Double pane windows that have a thermal break are known to be one of the best ROI.
3. Lighting system upgrade. For maintaining proper levels of lighting, an average building has 2-3 watts of lighting density per square foot. This is one of the biggest reasons for load on an HVAC system. Accent lighting are extremely energy inefficient and must not be used if one wishes to decrease HVAC and energy costs. Lighting systems that are energy-efficient release less heat inside conditioned space when compared to older incandescent technology.
4. Choose efficient electronic devices and equipment that have power saver option. This will assist in decreasing sensible heat gain within a space. Things to consider are, kitchen equipment, refrigerators and computers.

HVAC Systems

Another step for achieving HVAC system and energy optimization is understanding your system well. Your system is important for your interior environment. At the same time, it also is a big reason for your bill. In case you have a unit, which is older than 13 years, it is best that you decide for an upgrade. Systems that are well maintained have an expectancy of approximately 15 years but they seem to disappoint at the wrong times. Make sure you keep a replacement plan handy for the day the unit fails.

Few tips: HVAC System:

Look for a certified consultant who you can trust. In case you are a house owner, look for a good mechanic or company for evaluating and maintaining the system.

Calculate the HVAC load. You can make use of ACCA's calculation method.

Choose equipment which is sized for your load. Do not buy something that is oversize. Also, you will have to pay more to buy big equipment and also to operate it. Get the equipment and load selection right from the very beginning.

With all these tips you can rest assured that you can make your HVAC and your home energy efficient. However, make sure you choose the services of a reputed HVAC expert for advice.

Choosing the Right Home Ventilation System

It is very important to ensure that the air you are breathing is healthy and safe. There are numerous elements including, gases and vapor that play a part in contaminating the air, making it very unhealthy to breathe.

Therefore, make sure you have a proper system for home ventilation that brings fresh air inside and expels air which is polluted. If the house has insulation, proper ventilation will guarantee that the air pollutants harmful for your health and the ones that damage your house do not remain trapped within.

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Why is it important to ventilate?

When there is warm air in the house and when it touches the cold surface, the air compresses into liquid. Further, the condensation happens over the walls and ceilings, which leads to the development of mold. There is also a chance of the house getting damaged because of spoilt insulation and wood rot.

During hot, humid weather, the AC inside the house has to work harder, which in turn increases the energy bills. Moreover, the combinations of gases coming from stoves, fireplaces, and cleaning agents are also very harmful to the resident’s health.

Home ventilation: the many types:

Experts use a variety of methods for ventilation. One of the best ways of keeping the house aired is by using natural ventilation. This means there should be free air movement within the house from windows, doors, and cracks. Apart from this, there is also ventilation through vents and fans for bringing in fresh air and getting rid of bad air.

Mechanical ventilation is of two types - whole house and spot ventilation.

1. Spot Ventilation:

Spot ventilation helps in controlling the air flow by using exhaust fans placed in certain areas within the home. The fans are used for getting rid of contaminants and moisture from the nearby areas. These exhaust fans can be found in kitchens and bathrooms. For houses that make use of natural ventilation should also use spot ventilation to increase the efficiency of air movement within the space.

2. Whole House Ventilation

This form of ventilation offers freshness to the entire house. There are various kinds of ventilations that cater to the entire house.

Exhaust ventilation is the system that decreases air pressure by getting the stale air out. Fresh and clean air then gets inside the house through vents and cracks. There is a single fan within the system which is connected with ducts from various rooms and this helps in getting rid of all the stagnant air from an exhaust.

Supply ventilation system utilizes a fan which creates pressure in the house. This makes the air outside to get inside the building from holes and vents.

Ventilation of any kind is important for houses to keep the air quality healthy and to get rid of unwanted smells. However, make sure the system you choose is according to the structure and size of the house. You must consult with an HVAC expert before making a decision.