I DID IT!!! I was able to install a small 24 VAC gas valve made by 'US Solid' between the burner line only. This modification does NOT bypass any safety mechanisms built into the unit. The main gas valve, which monitors the pilot via the thermocouple and the oxygen depletion sensor, is still in use. All I have done is interrupt the gas flow to the main burner. When the unit calls for heat, I control the small gas valve via a Nest thermostat to allow gas to flow and light the burner. It works flawlessly in my detached garage, keeping the temperature at about 45°F during the cold Northeast winters. The biggest challenge was finding two specific fittings: 1. A female 9/16-24 thread to 3/8" NPT fitting to connect the burner line to one side of the valve. 2. A male 9/16-24 thread to female 3/8" NPT fitting to thread into the unit's main gas valve. From there, I simply used 3/8" to flare fittings and connected a small 3/8" gas line to bring it all together. I located one fitting and the small gas valve on Amazon. The other fitting (male 9/16-24 thread to female 3/8" NPT) was much harder to find, but after extensive searching, I managed to locate it on eBay. This particular fitting is quite rare since these units use 9/16-24 fine thread, which is uncommon in the gas world. Overall, it’s a very simple modification that, again, does not bypass any safety mechanisms. However, it’s definitely a "do-it-at-your-own-risk" project, and I am not recommending anyone attempt it. 😅
I work for a Electric/Gas utility in upstate NY… I have told my customers to consider having one of these units at least on standby for major storms and I usually go over everything you just covered with your audience. These are very nice in winter with long power outages especially if the customer has no generator for their furnace/boilers to stay on and stay warm. Definitely be careful if working with any solvents near the unit flammable or not. The flames react with the solvents even if one of the containers holding any solvents has a slight leak or solvent residue on the container. Even a small pilot flame can react with small levels of solvent causing a toxic odor that resembles a kerosene type of burning odor. just like you said… don’t use in a small confined space and make sure you have good operational carbon monoxide detectors. You legit covered everything 🙏🏼 Stay safe
Thanks for the feedback. Yea, when aerosols are sprayed you don't realize how much they spread in the air and how quickly. Its smalls so bad very quickly if the heater is on.
2021 we had a winter power outage that took 16 lives locally and 250 state wide. This product could have saved some of those poor souls. Because we have mild winters here in central Texas most people were not prepared. The elderly are particularly vulnerable. Good video. New Sub. 👍
Yea, it saved me! I never even thought about it in that sense since we don't lose out power that often, but I am sure glad I had it. All my pipes would have frozen. Many people here lost their lives as well. Most from getting stranded in their cars and trying to walk, but some from no heat as well. I was surprised how fast the temp in the house dropped. Thanks for the sub!
Please do a full breakdown of your fan kit installation. I have the exact same heater and just purchased the exact same fan kit. Even just pictures would be incredibly helpful.
I just took delivery of this same heater (off Amazon) a few days ago. I’m also located in basically the same area as you (West Seneca). I’m about to go to Lowe’s to get the natural gas connection pieces (black pipe & fittings) and then attempt the full install. I also got the muffin fans. Can you run this thing 24/7? It’s going in my garage and it gets really cold in there. I was wondering what temp the lowest setting (#1 on the thermostat) is set at. We have a fridge in the garage and you know how they act when temps get very low. I will have a carbon monoxide detector installed. My attached garage does have a slight draft as the concrete slaps aren’t perfectly level where the garage door gasket meets the concrete floor. Thanks for these videos!
I don't see why no. Many people use this as supplemental heat in their homes. I think you will be impressed by the airflow and how quiet the fans are. I think the number 1 setting on the dial is about 64 degrees.
How do you change the battery for lightning it? I have one, brand new, and the igniter doesn’t spark when you push the ignition button when you push it. Someone please tell me.
My garage is detached. I am assuming I would have to run a gas line out to it, yes? Picking a heater for my well insulated workshop has been hard. Right when I get close to buying a propane, I hear that everything in the shop rusts? Electricity is very expensive here in northern Wisconsin...It does seem like I may have to run a gas line. Thoughts? I mainly work on motorcycles and our winter temps are pretty cold, typically anything from 0 to 30 F. I like to work on the bikes 3-4 days a week for a few hours each time. Your input is appreciated as I know Buffalo can be brutal as well.
If you are referring to the moisture from propane, I would assume it's the same for NG. I have not had any issues with rust except for the one time I left the heater on high (overrides the thermostat) for 24 hours and my garage got up to 110 degrees. The entire surface of my cast iron router table developed rust in that time, but it was all surface rust obviously and could be cleaned off. Other than that, I have not had any issues. Running the gas line would certainly pay for itself compared to electricity or filling propane tanks. My dryer was on the other side of the wall to my garage, so I just branched off that and drilled a hole through the wall to the garage. I lucked out in that sense. What kind of bikes do you ride?
Been useing these for years and years in my house. An old 1889 house. They give hopefully 2 years service got a pile of used ones, you used to be able to service them/ repair NO MORE. I have the one's that came with a fan. Your correct the fan sucks. My question what do you think about hooking the fans up to the stove's auto on off switch. I think cutting the cord before the controller and splicing it into the stoves wiring would work. What's your opinion?
I was actually planning to do that, but because of where I have the heater placed (under some shelves) I wanted the fan to be on at all times to push all the heat forward. I think it's a great idea though. If you do it, let me know how it works!
@mzgarage it worked great. The one in the living room had the fan you showed, I took it out. It is 30k btu. The one in the kitchen is 20k btu. It has a different fan in a round shroud. Also, it had wires for a second fan. Just plug and play. I left the original fan in that one, so now it has 3 fans if 2 are good. 3 are better, lol 😆
Considering this for a 3 car garage that I use for woodworking, among other things. I don't plan to run this on high or medium - I'm quite comfortable at 65 degrees. Question is will condensation/humidity be an issue for my tools/wood etc? Thanks for the videos btw. Big help!
I have not had any issues with regular use. You can always run a dehumidifier if you do run into issues. The only time I did have an issue is when I accidentally turned it to high (which overrides the thermostat) and left it one for 24 hours. My garage got up to 110 degrees and my cast iron router table developed a layer of surface rust that I had to clean off lol, but other than that no issues with tools or wood stored out there.
I thought about it, but the only place I have wall space in my small garage is on the opposite side, so I would have to run a gas line across and that is not worth it to me.
I just got one. I notice sometimes (when its very warm) the flame goes out which i expect. However, i smell gas for a few seconds. Is that normal? I had a gas guy light it and check for leaks during the hook up. I also have a carbon monoxide and gas detector but it hasnt detected any
I also keep a window cracked not far from it. There is a fan behind it but since it's smooshed In there, I have an oscillating fan right behind it and one in my hallway too.
If you only smell the gas for a short period I would not worry about it. I know when I turn the heater off I smell gas for a brief moment. I would not expect that you would if the pilot is still lit, but I's sure it's possible.
@mzgarage okay thanks. I emailed the company and they said about the same. I noticed it's just when it shuts down especially if it's too warm in the room. I'm sensitive to smell though. Lol It doesn't bother other people. It is very brief. By far the best heater I've ever owned.
I DID IT!!!
I was able to install a small 24 VAC gas valve made by 'US Solid' between the burner line only. This modification does NOT bypass any safety mechanisms built into the unit. The main gas valve, which monitors the pilot via the thermocouple and the oxygen depletion sensor, is still in use. All I have done is interrupt the gas flow to the main burner. When the unit calls for heat, I control the small gas valve via a Nest thermostat to allow gas to flow and light the burner. It works flawlessly in my detached garage, keeping the temperature at about 45°F during the cold Northeast winters.
The biggest challenge was finding two specific fittings:
1. A female 9/16-24 thread to 3/8" NPT fitting to connect the burner line to one side of the valve.
2. A male 9/16-24 thread to female 3/8" NPT fitting to thread into the unit's main gas valve.
From there, I simply used 3/8" to flare fittings and connected a small 3/8" gas line to bring it all together. I located one fitting and the small gas valve on Amazon. The other fitting (male 9/16-24 thread to female 3/8" NPT) was much harder to find, but after extensive searching, I managed to locate it on eBay. This particular fitting is quite rare since these units use 9/16-24 fine thread, which is uncommon in the gas world.
Overall, it’s a very simple modification that, again, does not bypass any safety mechanisms. However, it’s definitely a "do-it-at-your-own-risk" project, and I am not recommending anyone attempt it. 😅
I work for a Electric/Gas utility in upstate NY… I have told my customers to consider having one of these units at least on standby for major storms and I usually go over everything you just covered with your audience. These are very nice in winter with long power outages especially if the customer has no generator for their furnace/boilers to stay on and stay warm. Definitely be careful if working with any solvents near the unit flammable or not. The flames react with the solvents even if one of the containers holding any solvents has a slight leak or solvent residue on the container. Even a small pilot flame can react with small levels of solvent causing a toxic odor that resembles a kerosene type of burning odor. just like you said… don’t use in a small confined space and make sure you have good operational carbon monoxide detectors. You legit covered everything 🙏🏼 Stay safe
Thanks for the feedback. Yea, when aerosols are sprayed you don't realize how much they spread in the air and how quickly. Its smalls so bad very quickly if the heater is on.
2021 we had a winter power outage that took 16 lives locally and 250 state wide. This product could have saved some of those poor souls. Because we have mild winters here in central Texas most people were not prepared. The elderly are particularly vulnerable. Good video. New Sub. 👍
Yea, it saved me! I never even thought about it in that sense since we don't lose out power that often, but I am sure glad I had it. All my pipes would have frozen. Many people here lost their lives as well. Most from getting stranded in their cars and trying to walk, but some from no heat as well. I was surprised how fast the temp in the house dropped. Thanks for the sub!
Please do a full breakdown of your fan kit installation. I have the exact same heater and just purchased the exact same fan kit. Even just pictures would be incredibly helpful.
The are so many different ways you could set it up. I wish I could post photos on here. If you dm me on IG or FB I can send you some photos.
@@mzgarage can't find you on either platforms with your UA-cam handle. Is it something different?
instagram.com/m.r.zent/profilecard/?igsh=azh0Zm82NXp2YTN4
facebook.com/michael.zent.9/
Also in buffalo, been doing some research on a ventless heater that I can use in garage or as backup in house
I just took delivery of this same heater (off Amazon) a few days ago. I’m also located in basically the same area as you (West Seneca). I’m about to go to Lowe’s to get the natural gas connection pieces (black pipe & fittings) and then attempt the full install.
I also got the muffin fans. Can you run this thing 24/7? It’s going in my garage and it gets really cold in there. I was wondering what temp the lowest setting (#1 on the thermostat) is set at. We have a fridge in the garage and you know how they act when temps get very low. I will have a carbon monoxide detector installed. My attached garage does have a slight draft as the concrete slaps aren’t perfectly level where the garage door gasket meets the concrete floor.
Thanks for these videos!
I don't see why no. Many people use this as supplemental heat in their homes. I think you will be impressed by the airflow and how quiet the fans are. I think the number 1 setting on the dial is about 64 degrees.
How do you change the battery for lightning it? I have one, brand new, and the igniter doesn’t spark when you push the ignition button when you push it. Someone please tell me.
My garage is detached. I am assuming I would have to run a gas line out to it, yes? Picking a heater for my well insulated workshop has been hard. Right when I get close to buying a propane, I hear that everything in the shop rusts? Electricity is very expensive here in northern Wisconsin...It does seem like I may have to run a gas line. Thoughts? I mainly work on motorcycles and our winter temps are pretty cold, typically anything from 0 to 30 F. I like to work on the bikes 3-4 days a week for a few hours each time. Your input is appreciated as I know Buffalo can be brutal as well.
If you are referring to the moisture from propane, I would assume it's the same for NG. I have not had any issues with rust except for the one time I left the heater on high (overrides the thermostat) for 24 hours and my garage got up to 110 degrees. The entire surface of my cast iron router table developed rust in that time, but it was all surface rust obviously and could be cleaned off. Other than that, I have not had any issues. Running the gas line would certainly pay for itself compared to electricity or filling propane tanks. My dryer was on the other side of the wall to my garage, so I just branched off that and drilled a hole through the wall to the garage. I lucked out in that sense. What kind of bikes do you ride?
Do they make one for propane or can you just change rhe oriface to a propane one? Thanks
They have liquid propane and dual fuel versions. I have some links in the description.
@mzgarage Good to know, Thanks
Been useing these for years and years in my house. An old 1889 house. They give hopefully 2 years service got a pile of used ones, you used to be able to service them/ repair NO MORE.
I have the one's that came with a fan. Your correct the fan sucks.
My question what do you think about hooking the fans up to the stove's auto on off switch.
I think cutting the cord before the controller and splicing it into the stoves wiring would work.
What's your opinion?
I was actually planning to do that, but because of where I have the heater placed (under some shelves) I wanted the fan to be on at all times to push all the heat forward. I think it's a great idea though. If you do it, let me know how it works!
Is yours natural gas or propane?
@mzgarage it worked great. The one in the living room had the fan you showed, I took it out. It is 30k btu. The one in the kitchen is 20k btu. It has a different fan in a round shroud. Also, it had wires for a second fan. Just plug and play. I left the original fan in that one, so now it has 3 fans if 2 are good. 3 are better, lol 😆
How is the gas smell for everyone is it real bad ?
Considering this for a 3 car garage that I use for woodworking, among other things. I don't plan to run this on high or medium - I'm quite comfortable at 65 degrees. Question is will condensation/humidity be an issue for my tools/wood etc?
Thanks for the videos btw. Big help!
I have not had any issues with regular use. You can always run a dehumidifier if you do run into issues. The only time I did have an issue is when I accidentally turned it to high (which overrides the thermostat) and left it one for 24 hours. My garage got up to 110 degrees and my cast iron router table developed a layer of surface rust that I had to clean off lol, but other than that no issues with tools or wood stored out there.
Did you mount your on the wall ?
I thought about it, but the only place I have wall space in my small garage is on the opposite side, so I would have to run a gas line across and that is not worth it to me.
I just got one. I notice sometimes (when its very warm) the flame goes out which i expect. However, i smell gas for a few seconds. Is that normal? I had a gas guy light it and check for leaks during the hook up. I also have a carbon monoxide and gas detector but it hasnt detected any
I also keep a window cracked not far from it. There is a fan behind it but since it's smooshed In there, I have an oscillating fan right behind it and one in my hallway too.
If you only smell the gas for a short period I would not worry about it. I know when I turn the heater off I smell gas for a brief moment. I would not expect that you would if the pilot is still lit, but I's sure it's possible.
@mzgarage okay thanks. I emailed the company and they said about the same. I noticed it's just when it shuts down especially if it's too warm in the room. I'm sensitive to smell though. Lol It doesn't bother other people. It is very brief. By far the best heater I've ever owned.
I need to control one of these remotely, like using a Thermostat, why do they not make one with a optional WIFI thermostat control