Pole Barn - DIY Gas Heater Install and 1-year Update
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- Опубліковано 31 гру 2020
- Here is how I installed the natural gas heater in my pole barn. It's a Mr. Heater Big Maxx 80,000 BTU hanging furnace that I purchased from Lowes for $450. I had already buried a 3/4" Home-Flex polyethylene line from the house to the building. This video covers hanging, plumbing, and wiring the unit, along with teeing into the 1" gas line under the house with CSST. If you make it to the end, I talk about how the heater is working with my blown-in cellulous attic insulation in the 1500 sq/ft space.
Note that this heater did not come with chimney piping, any wire (including thermostat wire), or any plumbing connections. I had trouble finding b-vent and the correct bracket at the hardware stores, and had to visit an HVAC supply store.
Really helpful video. thanks for taking the time to do this for us all. Nice installation and love your garage!
No problem!! Glad it helps.
Nice work. I like the way you do things
Thank you!
I never know when you’re going to pop up on UA-cam! You are so talented!
Thanks, mom!
Nice shop and RS bro! Seen your video was recommending one of mine had to check it out. Can’t wait to get a big shop and lift like yours. Subbed
Thanks I checked out your setup too! Really like how you separated the gym and cars but can heat both. I’ve considered some gym equipment in mine as well.
@@ShawnFerret Thanks bro, you could get a nice home setup in that garage.
Nice job. I did the same for my 30x40 pole barn 15yrs ago. Same heater. I went out the backside instead of roof. Unfortunately the heater is not enough for heating. I’m now adding a 150,000btu 90 plus furnace with a custom air filtration.
150 BTU will be toasty! Mine really did nothing until I put a ceiling and fans in but now I’m happy with it.
nice man just installed mine and immediately realized im insulating my ceiling this weekend lol. im also from michigan
It makes a huge difference! It’s so great to have a heated space.
Another one from Michigan, and another setup similar to yours going in this weekend. 👍 Thanks for taking time to create all the content (On the roof, in the crawl, in the shop). Liked and Subbed. Keep em coming!
That was exciting!
Great job! Also great explanation.
Thank you!
I just installed the furnace in a 36 X 64 post beam structure. Am heating a 36 X 29 foot area using 4 mil plastic as a drop curtain. On my walls I used R-19 faced insulation from Menards. I ran 2 X 2 furring strips horizontally on the 2 X 4 walls to attach the insulation to. It was much cheaper though more time consuming then Silvercoat. I used 4 mil white plastic for a vapor barrier. Am in Minnesota and we have -24 F as I write this. I have ten foot ceilings that are just 4 mil white plastic supported by ropes strung horizontally. I plan on insulating on top of the plastic either batts or blown in fiberglass. Am waiting for my LP guy to finish the hook up to the 500 LB tank. He's a bit busy right now. Menards has a sale on insulation this week. Enjoyed your video. Thanks Shawn.
@Timothy your setup sounds great! I think I’ll take my sweet time on the walls in mine. Luckily it doesn’t get that cold here in Detroit. Would love to hear how your setup works once the LP is hooked up!
@@ShawnFerret I'll definitely get back to you Shawn. Am excited to see how well it heats. Good luck with your walls. Good thing were not in Texas right now. Those poor people really have their hands full.
@@timothyputzke1250 that’s for sure
Really nice installation! Only thing is, I think you should have an iron pipe drip tee directly on the heater, in addition to the lower one. This could save you some heater trouble in the future. Where you have the valve, I would have put another ell and run the flexible line straight up the wall as it would be easier to protect it and it would be more out of the way. I also would have run iron pipe all the way, as I don't trust flex & wouldn't have to work at all about damage.
Both of those suggestions make a lot of sense! Thanks, Craig.
Hi Shawn, Great video with excellent detail. Keep up the great content! I'd guess that the person who installed the CSST for dryer at 11:40 likely left the extra slack in the line to possibly relocate dryer or since CSST is typically sold in preset 25' or 75' lengths, they probably left the slack rather than cut it off if they had no use for the extra slack.
Thank you, Ted! I like your reasoning on the CSST. I’ve considered moving the dryer so it was actually nice of them!
Great video! Thank you
Glad you liked it!
Great video
Thank you!
Great project
Nice finish work, well done
Thank you!
Fellow michigander. I'll give ya a follow. I need one of these in my 2 car garage
Thanks Dan! I’m in Van Buren Township.
Thanks
No problem!
Awesome
Thanks
No problem!
Outstanding video! Thanks for the info. I am going to do the install this weekend. I am also from Michigan(west side) Do you feel that the 80,000 BTU was enough? I was torn between the 80 and the 120. I went with the 80, my building is the same size as yours and fully insulated.
I like my 80k btu for when I’m actively working in there and set it to 60 degrees. It will keep it there just fine no matter how cold it is outside, and kicks on maybe every 20-30 minutes. There are times when I wish I could get it to 70 degrees because I’m watching a movie or working on my computer out there, but it will run constantly to maintain 65+ degrees when it is sub-20 outside. I think once I have wall insulation it will be fine though. If I did it again I would insulate the floor with foam board as the concrete feels like a huge heat sink. So I think it just really depends on how well you’re insulated, and how warm you expect it to be. Good luck with your install, you will love having heat in Michigan!
What is your plan for ceiling insulation and wall? I have a 30x 48 x14 and will be doing insulation soon. Great job on vids, thanks
I blew R-30 cellulose into the attic and it’s working pretty well for $600. I’m just doing R-19 kraft faced fiberglass batts in the walls. Not the best option but much less expensive than anything else.
Ya did great job on a clean install, I have the 50k I’m bout to put in my garage
Good luck on your install. You will love the heat, I’m sure.
@@ShawnFerret I’m sure it won’t take much to keep it warm with as much insulation as I’ve got
@@texasmike7994 sounds like a sweet setup… you should make a video of it!
@@ShawnFerret I think I just might
How big is your building
So 3/4 gas line was enough to feed the furnace? This is good info. My garage is about 50ft out and it have the 50000 btu heater. I was hoping to get by with that size because it'll be way easier to plumb into my gas line. Thanks for sharing your process.
It worked for me! There are many factors that go into sizing, including pressure. The code books have details on how to make your calculations.
Nice shop ! Yes ceiling is a must .I have 30×48×14 ceiling insulation blown in 1 wall insulated and metal. I recommend if you aren't studding out the walls check out silvercote wall insulation. I got from menards it has a white tough backer and comes in wide rolls .if you hang it will work and brighten the shop till can afford/time to sheet the shop... where did you get those ceiling fans ? Enjoy
@Travis thanks! I saw the Silvercote on Menard's website and almost went for it. How did you secure it between the posts? The fiberglass is really not fun to hang without studs, and I don't want to stud the walls vertically. After doing 2 bays, I'm wondering if I should reconsider. The fans are Kensgrove 72" from Home Depot and I love them.
@@ShawnFerret hi short answer staples,the batts have tabs ,house wrap tape to connect 4 ft wide x2 ..to fill the 8ft cavity or 6+4 to fill the 10ft wide cavity
@@travismotley3622 got it, makes sense. Thanks!
Well done. My only advice is spend $20 on a better thermostat. I had the same as yours amd set it to 60. Turned on at 40 and was still running at 70.
Sound advice. Mine is really inaccurate too, I’ve just been living with it.
Hey man just watched your videos, I'm basically in the same boat you were with my detached garage. I'm in the process of trenching now to have natural gas and a subpanel installed. Do you think it would be ok to bury the wire and the gas line in the same trench? I got the same heater last winter as you did, still unopened. Hopefully I'll have a similar set up to you by this fall. Thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge, best from Minnesota!
Awesome! You will love it when it’s done… total game changer to have heated space up in these cold weather states. You’ll have to figure out what your township/city requires as far as burying both together. I think some places allow it if they are spaced 12”+ apart and held apart the entire run - I’ve seen bracing for that exact purpose. I’m definitely not the expert though since I dug two separate trenches for gas and electric. I usually start by looking up International Building Code and then checking for any local requirements on top of that.
NO! Never! Do not ever bury gas & electric in same trench. Need 12" separation minimum per most codes.
Great job!!! What lights did you use for the shop?
Thanks! I made a couple videos about the lights.
ua-cam.com/video/SKsv62HrVSw/v-deo.html
ua-cam.com/video/vT9XW7bDH5M/v-deo.html
Not sure of the code but at 12:53, should that be a RED plate that says Furnace? Enjoyed your video, getting ready to do the same thing.
Thanks, Rick! Sounds like a good idea to label it either way. My electrical inspector didn’t say anything about it. Good luck with your install.
Nice shop, I'm almost done insulation my Polebarn at least a 40' x 36' section with 3" foam R15 on sidewalls and R38 batts in the ceiling. I also have to frame a 40' wall across one end and insulate that with R19. I noticed you have two large fans to circulate the heat, curious where you got them. I'm thinking one of these heaters with work well. I'm in Michigan as well. How tall is your ceiling?
Sounds like a nice shop space! My ceilings are 12’ tall. I got the fans through Home Depot on sale - I think they were $250 a piece but they discontinued the model. They are just typical indoor/outdoor fans with 72” span.
@@ShawnFerret one more question, why didn't you vent it horizontally, seems much easier to me than cutting holes in the roof? These heaters say you can vent either way.
@@cackerson10 it really just came down to looks. I have 1’ overhangs on the building so the pipe would have to clear them and I thought it would look goofy. It’s on the side of the building you see all the time from the house. I think the roof vent looks really clean.
Did you have to install a gas pressure regulator? I’m going to be installing the same thing but not sure if I need one.
Thanks!
My house has a regulator at the gas meter. I didn’t install an additional regulator.
I got bit by a spider several years ago and I swear I thought I was going to lose my big toe. I went to the doctor but I wouldn't let him touch it. I can't even describe the pain, except it was 10 on a 10 scale. Swolen, red, and I thought for sure it was going to turn black. But it got better.
I haven’t been bit like that, but stories like this feed my fear!
@@ShawnFerret And now I feel terrible for telling my story. I’m genuinely sorry.
For me, it’s snakes and needles.
Getting blood drawn today at 2:30 pm. Ugh...
@@CH67guy1 Haha no worries. Keeps me on my toes. Good luck today.
I have one of these in my 3 car garage, about 650 sq. ft. it's awesome! How was the job blowing in insulation, I need to do that in my ceiling, its drywalled but not insulated and I think I lose heat because of it still.
Cool! Sounds like the hard part is done if you already have the furnace and drywall. I actually had fun blowing the insulation in... it was oddly satisfying. I used cellulose so it wasn’t itchy or uncomfortable. I spent probably 6 hours blowing it because the machine from Home Depot didn’t want to be fed too fast. Well worth it.
Now iam wondering if I should get just one of this heaters or a window ac/heater for my fully insulated 3 car garage? If I get just a heater then I have to worry about getting something to cool it in the summer. I just don't know which way will be the way to go, two separate units one for the summer and one for winter or just find a unit that has both in it ac and heating? Garage is about 660sq ft and 8ft ceiling night, fullybinsulated even garage doors. Live in Clovis ca with a climate zone of 9b
You should be fine with a 12k minisplit heatpump.
Did you not have to have a permit or inspection for hooking the gas line to the house or to the furnace itself only inspecting the poly line in ground to the stubs?
If I had done it all at once I could have used the same permit. Since I wanted to close out the building permit and get occupancy, I had to pull a second permit later for the furnace install.
I just installed one of these in my new shop,used the horizontal stainless steel vent kit from Mr heater, 427.00 for the kit! I thought that was outrageous, probably there's some price gouging going on at mr heater?
Wow that’s a crazy price!
What size has line did you use
Might be a wierd question, but I'm considering buying this same heater and wondering on how quiet it is? I'm installing in my garage that the dividing wall adjoins to my bedroom and don't want to hear it from the house. Also is it possible to mount the heater directly to the ceiling with the flanges?
Hey Josh, this heater is relatively loud in my opinion. It is annoying in the shop if I’m on a Zoom meeting or trying to film video. That being said, I doubt you would hear it much through the opposite side of a presumably insulated wall with drywall meeting fire code. I’m really not sure if you need a gap to the ceiling or not.
@@ShawnFerret hmmm, bummer..I actually just got this heater in the mail. I was hoping it would be quiet. I guess I'll just have to try it. Other than a heater like this, electric is the only real option but that probably would be not very efficient.
My garage area is insulated and drywalled and should hold heat fairly well.
Good job on the video! I think it will help out alot of people. Keep.making videos. Nice shop also by the way!
@@buildingwithjosh thanks for the kind words, I really appreciate it, especially coming from a professional. You have some great videos too!
@@ShawnFerret ha ha, I'm still getting started. Thanks. Your welcome! We all need some encouragement!
I have this same heater in my greenhouse. It is lit and runs properly, but the air coming out of it is not very hot. How hot is the air that comes out of these supposed to be? When we got it, the high pressure switch was installed upside down and it would not stay on. We fixed that, but it’s still not blowing very hot.
@Cara it's funny, I noticed the same thing about the air temperature. If I stand directly in front of the heater at close range the air coming out feels just slightly warm, not hot at all. Somehow it still manages to bring my large building up to 60-70 degrees, but it's never managed to bring it higher than 72-75 degrees (luckily I don't need it that hot). I assume it has to do with the efficiency of the unit, but I'm no HVAC expert. You have me curious, so I will put a thermometer in front of it next time I fire it up and measure the air outlet temp.
@@ShawnFerret ok. Thank you so much for your response. Sadly, I think I am going to have to install supplementary heat. I need a higher temperature to germinate seeds.
This replaced an older wall unit that failed. ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxQDiHf0Cagl2e3YNPX-bWnDMXQAL2A2Y8 The grill on the front is nice, the old unit did not have one, just the glass. Much more kid/dog friendly. Best feature is the battery operated igniter..... old one had the plunger type, which was quirky. This one fires right up with just a touch of the button. Takes the chill off a room very quickly, seems to put out more heat that the one that was there, even though they were the same BTUs. Very impressed.... so much so I bought a second one to replace the other old one even though it still works!
Curious how its working? I'm interested in putting a 80k BTU Mr Heater unit in my garage, it is under my house . Lil over a 1000sq ft 10.5' ceiling , it is like a L-shape 45 deep by 45 wide at widest point ! What ya think?
It is still working great after 3 years, and I still haven’t insulated the walls. I think an 80k unit would work fine in your space, but you will probably need some fans to distribute the heat evenly around the entire area.
How did you get that thing mounted up on your own? Muscle and prayer?
Haha I tried myself and almost died. Then I called a friend. Even then it wasn’t easy. I have two 10” ladders that we climbed up.
Do you know the part number for that single wall to double wall adapter and the trim ring you install under the dry wall ? Big box store or special order
I bought mine from a plumbing supply store, but you can get them at Lowe’s or HD as well. Trying typing “b-vent to single wall adapter” or “b-vent appliance adapter.” Selkirk model #104240 is similar to what I used. Trim collar model #104460. You need an adapter that is the same brand/style as the b-vent you choose so the clip mechanisms match up.
@@ShawnFerret Thank you !
I have a similar set up in my garage to do woodworking. Like you I use inside air for combustion to avoid the extra cost for the separated combustion kit. I have had no problems. I shut down the heater when using solvent finishes. Do you have any thoughts or concerns using indoor air for combustion? I see you have a high ceiling which helps. My ceiling height is 8'. Thanks.
I wasn’t aware there was an alternative for a heater like this. Are you thinking the shop air quality would be bad enough to effect the combustion inside the heater? It’s been a solid 3 years now with no issues and I leave it heated all the time in the winter. The shop is very dusty but it hasn’t seemed to bother the heater.
@@ShawnFerret The alternative is a kit that brings in the air from the outside. It was around $300, so I did not get it. My concern, and I am careful in a woodworking shop is solvent finishes. It was recommended to me by the gas company to bring the heat up to 80 degrees, do the finish work, air out the garage by opening the overhead door, then resume heating. My set up is like yours, and have had no problems in 5 years. I was asking you if you had heard similar recommendations since you have flammable stuff in your shop. My thoughts are that we are both fine. The exceptions would be spray painting and heavy poly wood finishes. The inside air is absolutely fine. I was just trying to reassure myself, and seeing your very well done installation, I knew you knew more than I do. Thanks.
@@mr.purple1549 you definitely know more than me! Cool to know there is a kit for that. I have worked in a lot of different auto shops though, and most use inside air. Even when replacing fuel pumps and siphoning fuel we would rarely open a door. I also worked with a few people who would smoke cigarettes or weld right next to a leaking gas tank. I have become much more cautious in my middle age, but it takes a pretty high concentration in a small area to be remotely combustible. In a space this size I don’t worry at all. I don’t have any experience on the auto body/paint side of things and those type of chemicals though.
@@ShawnFerret Thanks, I wish you were my mechanic. You have a calming way of speaking and are very experienced. Good luck in your shop.
@@mr.purple1549 thanks, you are too kind!
I have the same heater. How long does it take to heat your shop up? I'm just wondering if they are 2 speed fans
It takes maybe an hour to go from 30 to 60 degrees in the winter. It takes another couple hours for the whole shop to climatize and allow the heater to kick off for longer periods. I usually just leave it running around 50 degrees and then kick it up when I need to.
There is only one speed on the fan.
Does it cost much to run? I want to do the same thing but for a homegym. Very nice
It costs about $160 a month to keep the entire building at 55-60 degrees in the winter here in Michigan.
Is that a thimble that the exhaust tube goes thru up into the ceiling drywall? Or just a 4inch diameter cover plate for the 1inch diameter gap around the vent tube?
It’s just a cover plate for the gap between the drywall and b-vent.
@@ShawnFerret is there a specific place where I can find that? Or is it a special order?
@@Kiddro22 I got it at Home Depot in the plumbing section where they have b-vent accessories.
@@ShawnFerret Cool! I appreciate it sir.
This is not like propane where u have to leave cracks or something open so you wind die in there. Lol. With this gas heater can I sealed my garage completely so heater can be more efficient? Also what do u use for summers? Did I mentioned I ha e a nice gym in my 3 var garage and also a game room with a pool table and darts?
Since there is a vent pipe, whether you use gas or propane to fuel this heater, the shop space can be sealed without risk of dangerous fumes. I don’t use anything in the summer currently, but I would love a split system in the future.
@@ShawnFerret so do you think u should just install a minisplit system instead?
@@futbol1972 it gets too cold here to heat with a minisplit
that flex connector is not up to code. Maximum of 2ft for suspended appliances.
4-6 foot connectors are approved for dryers or ranges.
Is this the most efficient way to heat up a 3 car garage/man cave/gym? is it expensive to ha e someone install it? Iam assuming it needs to be connected to gas line and also electricity? been looking at the mibisplits units?
That really depends on your climate zone! Yes it requires a natural gas or propane connection, and electricity. Hookup costs would vary based on a number of factors, so your best bet is to call a local pro to come bid the job.
@@ShawnFerret Clovis, California is in USDA Hardiness Zones 9b
did the first bend on your heat exchanger glow red? called their tech support and they told me it was normal operation and that it would go away... Im not buying that at all that defiantly is not normal operation. Did it happen with yours?
I don’t recall mine ever glowing red, but it definitely turns gray (within 100 degrees of red). It wouldn’t personally bother me if it turned to red as it shouldn’t affect the metal - I’m no expert though.
What does the temp of your exhaust pipe get up to?
Sorry, I don’t own a temp gun to check.
What kind of sealer is on ur floor?
Super Diamond Clear made by Euclid Chemical. Gasoline and brake clean melt it easily... so it hasn’t been great for a shop floor but it’s better than nothing. Can’t complain for the money.
I love early mornings to watch the sunrise! This little thing has a great heat output ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxAvrAfikbUEMthp3AZ6iX5FKdiHfzy_RP . I sit in my rocker, warm, and watch the sunrise! It's great for travel as well. Just stow and go. Love this thing! For hunters, I've heard that they also make a little hood so that it focuses the heat a bit more if you have to sit further away. Just a heads up. It's so easy and quick to set up and get going.
How did you hoist the heater up, to it's final position?
I just used a 10’ ladder and had a friend help me lift it.
@@ShawnFerret : how heavy is it? I plan to buy the same one.
@@tch632 the internet tells me 78.85 lbs
Sediment trap?
There is one in the gas line, but I didn’t make one in the vent pipe. I thought about it… does that count?
Cool👍
I would have went through a wall if possible. Eliminate a hole in roof that could potentially turn into a leak.
They have piping adapters to go through the wall so that is an option too.
@@ShawnFerret I know they exist I just wasn’t sure if you could for your application.