If you're installing a gas wall heater, be sure the gas line that connects to the old unit is still in operation. If not, put in a new gas pipe with an ee, sediment trap and manual gas shut-off valve located in the same area as the old one.
If your attic is lined with vermiculite insulation beware, it might contain asbestos. Speak with a specialist.
Ventilation
Ventilation is deliberately introducing 'clean air' (normally, outdoor air) and the decomposition of unhealthy indoor air. It is accomplished through either mechanical or natural means. Ventilation is essential to ensure indoor air quality by providing oxygen to metabolism, decreasing metabolic pollutants, such as smell and carbon dioxide and to assist in controlling contamination from combustion appliances. It is also essential in increasing comfort for the occupants and to reduce energy consumption by the reduction of temperature.
If you're installing a gas water heater, you must ensure that both the water and gas lines are disconnected completely before starting work. This can prevent any injuries or explosions which could happen while working with the lines. If you're building an electrical model make sure to shut off power supply as well.
Gather all the essential tools and materials. Also, you'll need a pipe wrench, pliers as well as a hacksaw. It is important to ensure you have the right equipment for your specific water heater, which includes a voltage tester or any other safety equipment for electrical power.
Install a relief temperature and pressure valve in the event of need. Ensure that it's rated the same as your new water heater. Before screwing the valve into position, tightly wrap the threads Teflon (three time) and connect the copper discharge pipe. It should run downwards from the circular opening in the tank roughly 3-4 inches (7.6-10.2 cm) from the ground.
Thermostat
The thermostat is an essential element in heating installation. The thermostat detects temperature changes in the area and then turns either on or off the heating to keep that temperature. The device can be used together with other devices in order to distribute and create conditioned air in your house.
You have the option of choosing between various thermostats, based on what you need and your budget. They are available as mechanical and electronic options. Modern thermostats feature large screens as well as simple interfaces. They have replaced the traditional dial-style thermostat. Most of these thermostats are more flexible than the traditional mechanical models they allow users to alter temperatures during the all day.
A majority of these thermostats employ an electronic sensor to determine the temperature, but there is a couple that employ a microcontroller to read the resistance of a similar thermistor component to calculate its temperature. They are referred to as digital thermostats and are more precise over other kinds of thermostats. The thermostats can be programmable. You can program them to turn off or on in specific hours during the daylight hours.
The affordability and simplicity of thermostats that are mechanical is popular with homeowners. They function by using two kinds of metals that are made into what's referred to as a bimetallic strip. If the strip is heated and the two metals are heated, one expands more than the others and begins to bend slightly. It is then turned off by the circuit. Once the strip is cool then it shrinks, snapping back in place. The electrical flow is changed and the heater stops.
To guarantee accurate readings your thermostat must be situated at a central location, away from windows, doors and vents. The ideal place for keeping a constant temperature in the home is with the central location of the thermostat. The thermostat will then be able to control both cooling and heating devices efficiently.
Electricity
The wiring for electrical components in a heater installation could be difficult. It is best to have experts handle the wiring for you if are not comfortable with it. A skilled electrician will make sure that the wiring size is adequate for a heater as well as ensure that connections are secure and safe.
Before you do any work in heating system installation the wiring of your electric appliance, make sure that you turn off the power source to the heater. This may be done by shutting off the gas breaker for your water heater or by switching off the main circuit breaker in your home. The water should be removed from the pipes and tanks. Shut off the drain valves.
If you're building a new heater of 240-volts, it will require a dedicated circuit with three wires, including two 240-volt black supply wires and the ground wire. The wires will come from the circuit breaker and through the junction box before going on to the heater.
Don't contact live wires. There is a chance of receiving an electric shock or, even more dangerously, a fatal one. For your safety, employ a voltage tester to determine if a circuit is live before you touch the circuit.
A voltmeter can be used to determine the voltage within the system you have. If the voltmeter shows that there's not any voltage between the lead wires of the electrical wires, and the lug screws that they are connected to, it is safe to continue. The best option is to contact an electrician in the event that the voltmeter shows that voltages are present.
It is important to ensure that the circuit breaker or fuse is labeled so that it can't be unintentionally turned on. It is also a good suggestion to tape, lock or tag the circuit breaker or fuse so that it cannot be altered by children or anyone else who doesn't understand its purpose. If you fail to follow these directions, it might result in serious injuries, or even to death. Additionally, it may invalidate the warranty in all respects.
It is better to utilize an electric heating wire that is specifically designed for use in lieu of conventional 12-2 NM plastic electrical cables or BX armored cables. The wire is made with different conductors unlike normal wires, and is designed for the more powerful baseboard electric heating systems. It is possible for the traditional wires you have to be heated up by the heater, causing the wires to melt or spark even if they're not in use. The warmth from your electric heater could make these wires be ignited or melt, creating a fire.