A natural gas garage heater is an energy-saving electrical appliance that’s usually to be found in residential settings. Natural gas garage heaters are robust and can last for a long time; however, they can deteriorate due to prolonged usage and neglectful handling. It’s possible to do some of the necessary maintenance tasks yourself without seeking professional help and to do that, you’ll need a few basic tools and knowledge to execute these troubleshooting tasks.
Venting the natural gas garage heater
Venting is important because the gas-based heaters use natural gas as fuel. When combustion occurs, natural gas often leaves a small quantity of residue in the form of gas and vapour. Over time, these particles alter and become debris and affect the supply systems and plumbing installations of the natural gas garage heater. Venting the system ensures that harmful residues of this nature are removed. If they’re not, these toxic fumes can chemically corrode the surrounding surfaces such as walls and floor.
The process of venting involves locating a spot along the floor of the garage where a pipe can be linked to the outside. One end of the pipe is connected to the venting hole of the gas heater. Here you’ll need to slide the other end of the venting pipe through the wall. This can be a laborious task as you’ll need to drill a hole through the wall. The connecting pipe must be secured with mortar and caulk. However, these venting pipes shouldn’t need replacing for many years to come. Just ensure that you purchase a galvanised venting pipe together with specialist screws that have had anti-corrosive treatment.
Natural gas garage heater control systems – troubleshooting
The majority of gas garage heaters come with adjustable controllers. This is a temperature regulating device used repeatedly to control the temperature range of the heater. It’s possible though for the knob to become loose. To tighten the adjustable controller, you’ll only need a simple tool such as a screwdriver or spanner. However, if the controller displays signs of substantial wear or surface damage, you’ll need to get a replacement. This too is straightforward as controller knobs are manufactured in standardised sizes and are sold by most natural gas heater system sellers.
Troubleshooting: gas garage heater surface coating
Almost all natural gas garage heater surfaces are painted or have some kind of treatment to protect them against moisture and seepage issues such as corrosion. For this reason, it’s important to make sure that this treatment is repaired before it gets worn out completely. If you’re unable to identify exactly the kind of coating originally used, you can simply paint the surface of the unit with metallic paint. Simply enquire at a paint supply store about paints that are most suitable for resisting heated surfaces.
Troubleshooting: overloading of natural gas garage heater
In some instances, your garage heater may suffer from overload, resulting in increased utility bills. This, however, is only applicable to natural gas garage heaters in cold areas. In cold climates, water loses its heat rapidly. To combat this, wrap a thermal blanket around the tank to increase the insulation and maintain an even temperature. This will help to augment the overall life of the natural gas garage heater by decreasing unnecessary burden on the appliance.
Natural gas garage sedimentation
Even if your home has a supply of clean, treated water, it’s necessary to do a yearly de-sedimentation. This is important because trace amounts of minerals in the water get deposited within the inner surface of the tank. Sedimentation can choke the plumbing connections of the heater system. All you need to do is open it and wash it with a high-pressure garden hose.
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