How to Install a Vented Empire Propane Heater: A Comprehensive Guide

Installing a vented Empire propane heater requires careful attention to detail and adherence to local building codes and regulations. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of installing a vented Empire propane heater, ensuring a safe and efficient setup for your home.

Consult Local Building Department

Before beginning the installation process, it is crucial to consult your local Building Department regarding any regulations, codes, or ordinances that may apply to the installation of a direct vent wall furnace. This step is essential to ensure compliance with local requirements and to avoid any potential issues down the line.

Gas Line Check

Proper gas line inspection is a critical step in the installation process. The installer should check the gas lines for leaks using a soap solution. This involves watching for bubbles on all exposed connections. If any connections are unexposed, a pressure test should be conducted. It is important to note that an exposed flame should never be used to check for leaks. Additionally, the appliance must be disconnected from the piping at the inlet of the control valve and the pipe must be capped or plugged for the pressure test. Never pressure test with the appliance connected.

Vent Assembly Installation

The vent assembly installation process involves several key steps:

Caulking: Place caulking beneath the edge of the outside mounting plate. Use additional caulking to correct any uneven wall surfaces, such as clapboard.
Air Inlet Tube: Attach the 6″ (152mm) diameter air inlet tube onto the collar of the air drop assembly.
Outside Mounting Plate: Attach the caulked, outside mounting plate into the 6″ (152mm) diameter air inlet tube.
Tube Positioning: Position the outside mounting plate so that the 6″ (152mm) diameter air inlet tube has a slight downward slope to the outside. This downward slope is necessary to prevent the entry of rainwater.

Reassembly and Re-sealing

The reassembly and re-sealing process involves the following steps:

Flue Outlet Collar and Vent Cap: Remove any old furnace cement from the flue outlet collar on the combustion chamber and the collar of the vent cap.
Flue Outlet Tube: Remove any old furnace cement from both ends of the 4″ (102mm) diameter flue outlet tube.
Caulking Removal and Application: Remove the old caulking beneath the edge of the outside mounting plate. Apply new caulking beneath the edge of the outside mounting plate. Use additional caulking to correct any uneven wall surfaces, such as clapboard.
Air Inlet Tube Attachment: Attach the 6″ (152mm) diameter air inlet tube onto the collar of the air drop assembly.
Outside Mounting Plate Attachment: Attach the caulked, outside mounting plate into the 6″ (152mm) diameter air inlet tube.
Flue Outlet Tube Attachment: Attach the 3″ (76mm) diameter flue outlet tube onto the flue outlet collar on the combustion chamber.
Vent Attachment: Attach the vent.

Wall Plate Installation

The wall plate installation process involves the following steps:

Plate Positioning: Position the outside wall plate so that the 5″ (127mm) diameter air inlet tube has a slight downward slope to the outside. This downward slope is necessary to prevent the entry of rainwater.
Plate Attachment: Attach the outside wall plate to the exterior wall using the (4) #10 x 1″ (25mm) screws provided.

Floor Protection

If the appliance is to be installed directly on carpeting, tile, or other combustible material, it must be installed on a metal or wood panel extending the full width and depth of the appliance.

Qualified Installing Agency

It is important to note that the installation and replacement of gas piping, gas utilization equipment or accessories, and the repair and servicing of equipment should be performed only by a qualified agency.

Technical Specifications

The technical specifications for the Empire propane heater models DV-25 and DV-35 are as follows:

Specification	DV-25	DV-35
Input BTU/HR (KW/H)	25,000 (7.3) NAT, 24,000 LP (7.0)	35,000 (10.3)
Height	28″ (711mm)	28″ (711mm)
Width	37″ (940mm)	37″ (940mm)
Depth	11 1/2″ (292mm)	11 1/2″ (292mm)
Gas Inlet (Pipe)	1/2″ (13mm)	1/2″ (13mm)

References

By following these detailed instructions and adhering to local building codes, you can successfully install a vented Empire propane heater in your home, ensuring a safe and efficient heating solution.