Chicago GAS line install for garage heater

[jiriza84641]

Hello all, hope this isn't beating a dead horse. BUT, I want to install a gas line from house to detached garage in Chicago, I know the ditch needs to be at least 24", I am just not sure what to use ad the pipe or flex, I had a plumber quote me 1200 for the install, not sure oof that's a fair price.

I have a 3 car garage and the walls are insulated with drywall. The ceiling has drywall no insulation leading into the storage space. I am looking to put in a 80k BTGU heater in. I mainly use the garage for working out in the winter, or would it be better to go with electric. only plan to stay in house another 12 years before I retire and get out of Illinois.

Thanks in advance.

 

[SALIV8]

I’d go natural gas or possibly a mini split.

 

[MJO]

I'd consider electric, cheaper to install, cheaper to buy, no vent required, they are smaller than gas units and they heat a place up quickly.

 

[spudley]

Burial depth is only 18" up here. I went 20" deep about 70' with a trencher in about an hour and I never used a trencher before.

If you're that well insulated, 80K may be too much, depending on sq ft. Heaters and vents last longer if sized properly. I'm using a "free" 75K in an uninsulated 24 x 40 w/10' ceilings.

An hour after I turn it on I'm working in a sweatshirt with 20 degrees outside.

 

[toyotadriver]

Sounds like your ceiling isn't insulated so you'll need extra BTUs. I'd go with NG. It'll cost more to install the gas line but with 12 years to go till freedom, you have plenty of time to recoup the cost of the gas line vs the electric cost.

 

[The Cobbler]

you can get everything you need for the gas line here https://hdpesupply.com/mdpe-gas-pipe-coils/

 

[D45]

How far is the garage away from the meter?

 

[Higgins]

$1,200for a gas line installation isn't bad. I paid 1,800 and that was 15 yrs ago out in Kane County!

 

[Git]

It's fairly easy to install Polyethylene Gas Pipe using Constab type fittings. You cut the pipe to length, they make a tool that chamfers (knocks the edge off) of the cut pipe and then you just insert it into the fitting. These 90's get you above ground and from there (at least in my area, you use black iron). Once your done, pressure test for 24 hours.

Of course check with your local building department for whats required in YOUR area

 

[spudley]

you can get everything you need for the gas line here https://hdpesupply.com/mdpe-gas-pipe-coils/

In the Chicago area, Menards also carries MDPE gas line, fittings and risers usually in stock.

 

[HoosierBuddy]

The OP is correct. This has been asked many times before.

The answer is medium density or high density polyethylene GAS line. It must be manufactured for/sold for the gas usage. It will actually say "GAS" on the pipe. They make PE water line too. You can't use that.

Plastic can only be used for natural gas service underground. So, on each end of your line you will need to buy and install pe to steel anodeless service risers. Two of these will likely cost more than your pipe...but you'll need them to transition from plastic back to NPT Steel. For your application you'll want 3/4" or 1" pipe and risers depending on distance you have to go....I didn't see that in your post. If 100 feet or less 3/4" would work...but 1" would work for that or greater distances.

You will need to either heat fuse or use mechanical stab couplings for your joints on the PE. Most lay people choose to use mechanical stab couplings. The directions to install are on the bag. Follow them exactly and you should end up with good joints.

Use a shut off valve at the beginning of your run.

Put 14 gauge or larger solid copper wire in the ditch and bring up at both ends and wrap it around the riser so someone in the future will be able to locate your pipe with a pipe/cable locator if needed for future excavation.

Call 811 before you dig.

Think that should do it.

Phil

 

[ford33]

I live in Chicago and use a 80K BTU furnace to heat my 3 bedroom townhome. Do you actually need 80,000 BTU's to heat a 3 car garage? Seems like a lot of heat and cost for such a small space.

OP, you should install several ceiling fans in the garage space. Heat will collect at the ceiling. You won't be comfortable with the floor level cool and the ceiling at 85 degrees. I have two fans in my two car garage and they circulate the warm air well.

 

[Showkey]

I live in Chicago and use a 80K BTU furnace to heat my 3 bedroom townhome. Do you actually need 80,000 BTU's to heat a 3 car garage? Seems like a lot of heat and cost for such a small space.

OP, you should install several ceiling fans in the garage space. Heat will collect at the ceiling. You won't be comfortable with the floor level cool and the ceiling at 85 degrees. I have two fans in my two car garage and they circulate the warm air well.

OP mentions insulation in the ceiling is missing........80k will heat the garage with poor insulation but ice dams and water leaks will be the next problem ( all most guaranteed). The ceiling insulation is critical.

30-50k would do the job. The actual cost of the heater is not all that much difference. This seems to come up often in the GJ.....overkill.
If the garage doors were in constant use the larger heater would start to make sense.
The 80k will short cycle and likely have a shortened life if that matters.

 

[k-os]

I just did this this past fall. Bought the pipe and risers/couplers from Menards and had a local HVAC company come out and do the hookup. I have about 35 feet of 3/4" HDPE gas pipe left. If this length would cover you you're more than welcome to have it. I'm an hour north of Milwaukee.