Winter is coming, and a faulty heater will impact the comfort and even the safety of your family. An old heater should be replaced as soon as possible but such a job isn’t straightforward without the necessary training and experience.
Proper heater installation is key to safety and efficiency. A professional can ensure everything is set up correctly to avoid future problems.
You may consider doing it yourself but heaters can be tricky and a mistake could lead to costly problems or even dangers. This is why you should trust experts who can do the job quickly and without issue.
Understanding Heater Installation
A successful heater installation requires the right type and size for your space and placing thermostats in suitable locations to read room temperatures correctly.
Types of Heaters and Their Installation Processes
Electric heaters are generally easy to install as you can plug them in and use them immediately. Baseboard heaters are more challenging as they must be mounted on walls near the floor and wired into your home's electrical system.
Gas water heaters represent a much more complex installation as you'll need to connect them to gas lines and water pipes. This job is best left to professionals due to possible safety risks and room for error.
Selecting the Right Heater Size and Wattage
Choosing the right heater size is crucial as a heater that's too small won't warm your space effectively, and one that's too big wastes energy and money.
To choose the correct size, measure your room's square footage. Then, use the rule of thumb of 10 watts of heating power per square foot. For example, a 100-square-foot room needs a 1000-watt heater.
For gas heaters, measure BTUs instead of watts. One watt equals about 3.41 BTUs.
You should also consider your climate and insulation as homes in colder areas or poorly insulated spaces need more powerful heaters.
Importance of Thermostat Placement
Where you put your thermostat affects your comfort and energy bills. They should be placed on an interior wall, away from windows and doors so they can read the room's true temperature.
Avoid putting thermostats near heat sources like lamps or TVs as these can trick the thermostat into thinking the room is warmer than it is. The ideal height for a thermostat is about 5 feet off the ground where air mixes best, giving the most accurate readings.
In larger homes, you might need multiple thermostats to measure different temperatures in different areas.
Preparatory Steps for Installation
Preparing for a heater installation involves checking your electrical system and gathering the right tools. These steps ensure a smooth and safe process.
Assessing Electrical System Capacity
One of the first steps is to check your electrical panel to see if it can handle the new heater. Look at the amperage rating on the main breaker as most heaters need a dedicated 240-volt circuit. Count the empty slots in your panel, If there's no room, you need to hire an electrician to upgrade the panel.
Next, test the voltage at the outlet where the heater will be plugged and use a multimeter to make sure it matches the heater's requirements.
Tools and Materials Needed
Before you start the installation you should ensure you have the following tools:
- Screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips)
- Wire strippers
- A voltage tester
- A level
- A drill with a variety of bits
- A tape measure
In addition, you'll also need:
- NM cable (the right gauge for your heater)
- Wire nuts
- Electrical tape
- A circuit breaker (if you are adding a new circuit)
Make sure you have the heater's correct mounting bracket and fittings, and read the manual thoroughly to check if you need any special tools that aren’t mentioned above.
Ensure safety at all times by wearing durable work gloves, safety glasses, and a dust mask. You should also keep a fire extinguisher nearby just in case.
Installation Process and Techniques
Proper heater installation involves careful planning and execution, ensuring safety, efficiency, and optimal performance.
Electrical and Plumbing Considerations
Before starting the project, check all local building codes for electrical requirements so the project is above board.
Then, when you are ready to begin, double check you have turned off the main power supply and have all the necessary tools at hand. Use the right gauge wire for your heater's voltage and amperage and install a dedicated circuit breaker for the heater.
For hydronic systems, shut off the water supply, drain the pipes if needed, and use copper or PEX tubing for hot water lines. It is recommended to install shut-off valves for easy maintenance. Make sure all connections are tight and secure and test for leaks in plumbing systems.
Step-by-Step Heater Installation
- Choose the best location for your heater to maximize its output.
- Mark mounting points on the wall.
- Carefully drill holes and insert anchors if needed.
- Attach the mounting brackets to the wall.
- Lift the heater into place and drill it into place.
- Connect electrical wires or plumbing lines.
- Install any controls or thermostats in a suitable location.
- Turn on the power and water supply.
- Test the heater to ensure it is functioning correctly.
For baseboard heaters, leave space below for air circulation, and mount radiant panels on the ceiling or walls as directed.
Insulating for Optimal Efficiency
Good insulation retains heat in and cuts energy costs so it is important to add insulation behind and around heaters when possible. Always fire-resistant materials near heat sources for added safety.
You also need to seal gaps around windows and doors and insulate attics and crawl spaces. This helps you get the most of your new heater and avoids applying extra strain on your heating system.
For radiant floor heating, lay insulation under the heating elements to direct heat upwards and reflective barriers in walls to bounce heat back towards the center of the room.
Post-Installation
Once installed, there are a few key steps to ensure your heater runs safely and efficiently, including regular, professional maintenance.
Setting Up and Testing the Heater
Turn on your new heater for an initial test, checking that warm air flows from all vents.
Next, set your thermostat to your desired temperature, ensuring it’s placed away from heat sources or drafts to avoid inaccurate readings. Test different settings to see how quickly your home heats up.
While the heater is on, listen for any odd noises coming from the unit. If you hear anything unusual, contact a heating technician right away.
Regularly check that your carbon monoxide detector works properly to minimize any danger when using a fuel-burning heater.
Maintaining Your New Heating System
You should schedule yearly professional maintenance before winter to avoid issues when you need heat most. A technician will clean and inspect your system to catch small issues before they become big problems. Keep an eye on your energy bills too, because a sudden spike suggests your heating system may require maintenance.
Replace or clean your air filters every 1-3 months as dirty filters make your system less effective. Also, keep the area around your heater clear of items to improve air flow and reduce fire risks.
Contact us today to schedule a heater installation or annual maintenance so you’re ready for the coming winter.
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