Heater not heating properly

[corner27]

I recently installed a 40k BTU radiant tube heater with a Honeywell smart valve in my garage. It's been fairly cold around these parts (-35) and I noticed the heater is not keeping up. After doing some investigating, I noticed that the heater is only running at 24k BTU. I had a friend with a gas meter test the pressure, and it has good pressure coming to the heater, but after the valve it has next to no pressure.

Does anyone know what the cause might be? The plumber said they installed the correct conversion kit to NG as it used to be a LP heater. I don't really want to get the plumber back if I don't have to as he already bent me over on the install bill.

 

[sms1974]

You need to get some one able to adjust the output pressure on the gas valve. Its an easy job for a heating tech. most likely the pressure is low which will give you the lower btu output.

 

[corner27]

My friend that tested the pressure did adjust it a bit, but he didnt want to screw the adjustment too far because he said there is no stop and the screw will go all the way into the manifold.

 

[mygarageone]

In order to get the correct pressure at the manifold you'll. Need to use a manometer .
Is the guy sure he put the nat gas burner office in ? Getting 1/2 of your rating makes me wonder ?
You'll also have issues with to small a gas line , distance etc.

 

[corner27]

The plumber ran the line and installed the conversion kit. He told me that he put the correct kit in, but I'll double check with him on monday.
My friend tested the pressure with a manometer. That is how we narrowed the problem down to after the valve.

 

[slice]

Plumber did not set it properly. It's on him to do the job correctly.

 

[zmaxmotorsports]

How old was the unit when you got it? It could be an install issue or maybe the valve is just going south,time to open it up and check the kit that was installed in there.

 

[corner27]

How old was the unit when you got it? It could be an install issue or maybe the valve is just going south,time to open it up and check the kit that was installed in there.

The unit was bought second hand, but was never installed. The PO bought it with intentions of installing it in his garage, but ended up selling his house, so he sold the heater.

 

[dreasoner]

Good luck with the Smart Valve. They are pricey and very susceptible to moisture issues.