Wall Mounted Furnace FAQs

Index to wall mount heater Q&A
Wall heater combustion air FAQs
Wall heater gas pilot light FAQs
Wall heater exhaust vent Q&A
Wall heater noise FAQs
Wall heater pilot light Q&A
Wall heater replacement parts
Wall heater fan won't stop
Wall mounted heater manuals?

Wall Mount Heater Exhaust FAQs

How do I clean or replace my gas wall heater exhaust vent?

How do I clean or replace my duct that's going from my gas wall heater to the vent on the roof ? On 2020-09-26 by Anonymous

by (mod) - you don't, but call for service

Anon:

A homeowner does not normally clean the heater flue vent connector - that metal "pipe" that connects the heater's combustion gas outlet to the chimney.

That's something that's inspected and cleaned by the service technician during annual service.

Gas vents are almost always clean on inspection. A bit of debris may be brushed with a flue brush and vacuumed out;

Watch out: if you are seeing an accumulation of black soot in the heater vent or flue or chimney, shut the heater off immediately and leave it off, as it's likely that it's not venting safely and that it's producing potentially fatal carbon monoxide gas that, if leaking into the occupied space, can kill building occupants.

Watch out: be sure you have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors properly installed in your home.

Wall Mount Heater Noise FAQs

Tip: See details at GAS BURNER FLAME & NOISE DEFECTS

Scared by noisy gas wall heater

Is it better to hard pipe in instead of using a gas flex line 4 double wall sided gas wall heater

Just had a double sided gas wall heater installed just simply the pilot light on is very loud the plumber turned it down as low as possible he said is this normal for it to be just loud with the pilot light on as well as they have the gas flex line underneath the unit

it did pass inspection in a green tag but this unit just simply on with the pilot is loud and then when it fires up it sounds like the house is going to take off in space is this normal as well On 2017-11-17 by akitadogmom

by (mod) - Causes of noisy gas heaters and safety warnings

Dog

I want to help but don't have objective data on what's "loud" or not. Give me the brand and model of heater and I can research specifics.

I would want to know first that the system is safe to use, that there are no gas leaks, and that the gas pressure is correct and that there has bee no LP vs Natural Gas set-up mixup.

Gas appliance noise can be due to a vibration problem or from other causes - GAS BURNER FLAME & NOISE DEFECTS

and also at NOISE, WATER HEATER WHISTLE - https://inspectapedia.com/plumbing/Tankless-Gas-Water-Heater-Screaming.php

Researchers have reported other sources of gas heating appliance noise:

• Joyce, John V. "Gas-fired heaters with burners having a substantially sealed combustion chamber." U.S. Patent 5,435,716, issued July 25, 1995.
• Rodgers, Ian M. "Water heater with low emission gas burner." U.S. Patent 5,791,298, issued August 11, 1998. - addresses pulse vibration noises
• Farahan, Ebrahim. Residential electric and gas water heaters. No. ANL/CES/TE--77-2. ANL (Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States)), 1977.

"Hard pipe" gas lines are in my OPINION safer than flexible lines where the piping may be exposed to physical damage. Both types of piping are, properly selected and installed, approved for use in most jurisdictions. "Properly installed" flexible gas piping can require additional protection in some locations such as outdoors where exposed to damage.

See GAS PIPING, FLEXIBLE CSST or more details on that material.

Popping noise from gas wall heater

My heater is not even 5 yrs old an it pop like the gas pops to top of wall heater its a empire beand its cleaned out and everything the thermal cup was change 2 weeks ago an then it started doing that i need help On 2016-01-17 by Anonymous

by (mod) - gas burner makes popping sounds

Anon:

Regarding the question beginning "My heater is not even 5 years old" = I don't understand the question. If you mean a gas fired heating appliance is making a popping noise that sounds dangerous, risking a gas explosion. The problem could be a bad valve or control.

Watch out: That is unsafe. I suggest turning off the gas supply and heater, then calling your service technician for repair.

See also POPPING SNAPPING NOISE DIAGNOSIS

Williams Direct vent propane wall heater that makes a rather loud whistling noise

I have a Williams Direct vent propane wall heater that makes a rather loud whistling noise when the main burner ignites.

I'm thinking it may be the exterior vent cap that's causing the issue due to the rapid exchange of air during ignition. Otherwise it works fine. Any ideas before I start taking it apart? On 2017-10-21 by Tom

Reply by (mod) -

Tom,

I worked with two Bosch-trained service technicians in Guanajuato who were addressing a similar problem -

see WATER HEATER WHISTLE NOISE - screaming tankless water heater diagnosis

The techs examined the system, noted that the whistling screeching sound from that gas fired heater developed when the gas burner rate increased from its lower settings.

By feeling around and experimenting with partial blockage of an air intake at the top of the heater (around the exhaust flue connector) they decided that a small change in the shape and size of that opening would stop the noise.

That worked.

Watch out: Beware that fooling with combustion air or exhaust on any gas appliance risks causing dangerous, even fatal carbon monoxide gas production, so take care, consult with the manufacturer for advice, and be sure you have a properly-installed, working CO and smoke detector where needed.

Empire wall mounted gas heater burps when it start up - scaring everybody and blowing gas into the room

My Empire wall mounted gas heater often 'burps' loudly just after being turned on, loud enough to scare the pets, and also, puts significant gas out in the room, so I have to shut it down and open all the windows to clear the gas.

What is causing this? On 2018-01-10 by steve

by (mod) - Unsafe heater warning

Watch out: I suspect that there is an ignition or combustion air problem that is giving a delayed ignition.

When ignition is delayed a bolus of accumlated gas is set off as a small explosion.

If that's what's happening the system is unsafe and needs repair or adjustment.

I can't know from your text if the root problem is a gas leak, a bad igniter, bad pilot, or something else.

Wall Mount Heater Controls & Knobs FAQs

I need replacement control knobs for my Triplex brand gas wall heater

In Anchorage Ak. Have triplrx with topvent gas wall heaters my They are black and one is double sided.

They have a top that can be taken off with rounded corners and a manual thermostat knob from 1 to 10.

Can't find manufacturer name on any. Need replacement plastic knobsOn 2018-11-28 by Gerald -

by (mod) - where to find information for a Triplex Direct Vent Gas Wall Heater

Gerald

Look for a removable cover or access to the heater, typically around its burner.

Inside the cover or inside the heater at that point

you should find one or more data tags that will give the manufacturer brand and model number

when you find that send me or post some sharp photos and will help you find the manuals.

Control knobs off and can be replaced with a substitute that simply fits the control shaft.

So you might take an old broken knob or simply measurements of the shaft to a local electrical or appliance repair store.

There are plenty of companies selling generic replacement stove and appliance knobs and dials - one of those is likely to fit.

Daniel

Wall Mount Heater Manual Location FAQs

Tip: Go to MANUALS & PARTS GUIDES - HVAC - for free PDF down loads and contact information

Where do I find Empire Comfort Systems, Inc., contact information & Manuals

I have a model GWT 50w - 2. Empire gravity vented wall furnace. The pilot is loud I hear it. And the gas flex line is underneath the unit which I don't feel comfortable with it passed inspection the gas shut off valve is red On 2017-11-17 by akitadogmom

Reply by (mod) -

Akita

An example manual for your unit is
http://empirezoneheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/37410-0-0616-ENFR-GWT-50W-1.pdf

A more-extensive collection of Empire Comfort Systems heater manuals is

at EMPIRE HEATING SYSTEMS - Empire Comfort Systems

Empire Heating, sadly, does not give a mailing address nor telephone number at their website but they do offer a contact page

http://empirezoneheat.com/contact-us/

They want you to take your troubles and worries to your Empire Furnace dealer - who is, after all, their customer (in my OPINION ) not you.
The plant is in Belleville, Illinois – located near St. Louis.
Using that I found this information:

Empire Comfort Systems, Inc.,
918 Freeburg Avenue
Belleville, IL 62222-0529 USA
Tel: 618-233-7420

John A. Hart is president and CEO but you don't need to bug him, instead give them a call, ask to speak to a technical support engineer and note that you have a safety and operation question about your heating system (and that your installer wasn't able to satisfy you).

I think that companies who make heating equipment have a great interest in keeping the ultimate users of their product safe and in assuring that their equipment is properly-installed.

Keep us posted. What you learn may help others.

Where to find a Hunter propane wall furnace manual

Looking for a manual for a Hunter propane wall furnace model#GW50B-2. On 2019-03-22 by Anonymous

Reply by (mod) -

Hunter wall furnaces sold in North America are long out of business; I've looked for a manual for U.S. systems without success,

MANUALS & PARTS GUIDES - HVAC - home at has free PDF down loads and contact information

If you are in the UK, contact Hunter Stoves, Head Office Hunter Stoves Limited 8 Emperor Way Exeter Business Park Exeter, EX1 3QS

and see UK Hunter Heaters and Hunter manuals at "manymanuals.com"

Wall Mount Heater Cover & Combustion Air FAQs

Tip: See COMBUSTION AIR REQUIREMENTS

Gas service tech said my Williams gas wall heater has a "smothered flame" - I don't understand

I have a single and double older Williams wall mounted units. The gas company inspected the units.

Their finding was:"smothered Flame" the units are vented to the outside

How can I fix the problem? I don`t have a problem calling a technician. I just want to know what is the problem. On 2018-06-04 by Leonard

by (mod) - smothered flame? watch for unsafe combustion air problem

Leonard

I would be most grateful and you would be helping others if you called your gas company and ask them to Define the phrase smothered flame since it's not one that appears in texts or expert documents on gas burner flame adjustment.

I suspect but do not know that what the technician meant was that there was lack of combustion air.

Watch out: That condition is very dangerous, produces carbon monoxide, and can kill people in the building.

so leave your Appliance off until it's correctly diagnosed and repaired.

See COMBUSTION AIR REQUIREMENTS

by Leonard Williams

Thanks . I contacted the gas co after I posted this. And I had to get to a supervisor who was a bit less vague.

These are his words :its not burning correctly"

so I said

"is it like a carburetor mixing gas in car?"

He said "that`s a good analogy..
O.K. Got any idea of where I go from here?
Thanks

Reply by (mod) -

My opinion Is a decent gas appliance service tech is needed. We don't know if the problem is an adjustment, a need for cleaning, an unsafe, leaky, or blocked chimney, or something else.

The technicians job is to diagnose the cause of the problem and then fix it.

The important thing for you to understand is that a gas burner that is not burning correctly is unsafe. Itmproper gas combustion can produce fatal carbon monoxide gas that can kill people in the building

Which way to the louvers face on a Williams wall heater: up or down?

Do the louvers on the heat shield face downwards on a Williams model 2509612. They were removed for cleaning, however, I am not sure which direction the louvers should be reinstalled, slanted downwards - same as the face panel

The flame on my gas wall heater is over flowing out of burner... and it is concerning. Any thoughts on why or what we need to do to adjust?

The Williams furnace is the exact one shown above on this home page and is set up per "Wall Mount Furnace Installation Specifications" supplied by Williams.

Not sure I can make any changes in shape and size of the vent opening. Guess I'll just have to check for small gaps or something which may cause a whistle on ignition. Thanks for your reply. On 2017-11-14 by jdmjesse@aol.com

by (mod) - usually down

Usually louvers face down, as you will see on the cover page of the manual for this Williams Model 2509612 top vent gas fired wall furnace.

If you don't have the manual or need to contact the manufacturer, see

WILLIAMS GAS FURNACE MANUALS
at https://inspectapedia.com/heat/HVAC-Manuals-Air-Conditioners-Boiler-Furnaces-T-Z.php#WilliamsGas

Wall Mount Gas Heater Fan Won't Stop FAQs

Wall mounted gas heater FAN always runs

Have a wall mounted gas heater. The thermostat has been off all summer, but the fan is turning. What could be the problem? On 2017-10-10 by Gail

by (mod) - wall mounted gas heater fan runs even though the thermostat is off

A manual FAN-ON switch could be set at the thermostat or at the limit switch in the air handler/furnace itself, or wires could be shorted together in the thermostat wiring, or there could be a bad fan controller itself.

See FAN WONT STOP - LIMIT SWITCH https://inspectapedia.com/heat/Furnace_Fan_Wont_Stop.php for detailed diagnostic suggestions

Also see FAN LIMIT SWITCH at https://inspectapedia.com/heat/Fan_Limit_Switch_Guide.php

Wall Mounted Gas Heater Pilot Light FAQs

Wall heater gas burner pilot stays lit but gas valve doesn't open

Natural Gas Wall Heater House Warmer Brand. Recently replaced the Thermopile (similar to a Thermocoupler) Rewired (18-2 wire), and replace/ relocated the New Thermostat. Heater will come on for 1 cycle for about 2-3 minutes. Ignitor works fine!

Solid blue flame on the Pilot. Pilot stays Lit! I am thinking it is now the Gas Valve!

Please reply back to this page and to me email if appropriate 1adammcqueen@gmail.com On 2019-01-26 by Adam

Reply by (mod) -

IF the pilot stays on I suspect a bad gas valve, or as we've commented to this question elsewhere, possibly the thermopile / thermocouple far-end is not fully screwed in to the gas valve.

Detailed step by step repair articles are given at the bottom of GAS PILOT WON'T STAY LIT

Williams 14000 Converted to Propane, now the pilot won't light

I just bought a new Williams 14000 but direct vent wall furnace that was set up for natural gas. I installed the propane replacement kit and it all went well.

I hooked it up to propane on a dedicated 3/8 OD line of ten feet. No leaks. I can't get the pilot lit for the very first try.

I loosened the pilot control screw and tried continuously for 30 minutes trying to manually light it through the observation port as suggested in the manual... what next?

I live off the grid st the end of the road... a gas tech is not easy... On 2017-09-07 by Ken

by (mod) - trouble converting a Williams Gas Furnace from Natural Gas to Propane

Ken:

Is the pilot thermocouple good? Is it properly seated and tight at the gas valve?

See the repair tips at GAS PILOT WON'T STAY LIT 

What does your Williams gas furnace I&O Manual say about installation and troubleshooting?

The copy I found online notes that some models are Natural Gas only and other models are Propane Only. I worry that the model was not intended for conversion.

Williams DOES provide conversion kits to change between LP and Propane gas. If you spoke with Williams and gave your model ID and they agreed on the conversion kit then it should be correct.

Typically changing fuels requires changing one or more gas orifices AND the appliance gas regulator. Often the regulator is convertible, that is a part is flipped over or changed in the regulator, rather than a wholesale replacement.

When we know that the unit is fully set up for the right fuel, next we confirm fuel delivery.

Also see GAS APPLIANCE CONVERT LP-to-NATURAL GAS https://inspectapedia.com/plumbing/Gas_Conversion_LP_NG.php where we describe typical gas conversion procedures and include typical warnings from the manufacturers about the fire and explosion hazards, so do take care.

If you can do this without causing a fire or explosion by disconnecting something that might be useful. I would not work alone and I'd take great care in any test procedure not to risk fire or explosion. Normally even if the wrong regulator or orifice were installed you'd still get gas at the burner and at the pilot but the flame would be improper, too weak or too strong.

Often when a gas hookup is new it takes some time to get air out of the gas line, though I note that yours is pretty short.

by Ken

Yes, it was a Williams conversion kit for that model number...

by (mod) - how to light the pilot on a Williams Furnace

Ken:

Also see "how to I light my Pilot" a video on Williams Furnace's faqs page at https://www.williamscomfortprod.com/faq/

by Ken

In the kit, there was an orifice for the main burner, an orifice or a valve for the pilot and a regulator with a diaphragm/ gasket...

by (mod) - conversion instructions LP to NG for a gas furnace

Ken: the conversion instructions would typically have also said something about converting the regulator, such as I show in our article on fuel conversion.

Can't get Williams Propane Furnace to light

I tried for a half an hour to light my Williams wall mounted gas furnace.

Yes, it's got the proper regulator for fuel being used: I installed the other regulator that came with the conversion kit, and it all went well with the installation.

I just can't get the pilot to light...

It seems to be not getting any propane.

I know there is flow to the heater as I loosened a flare nut a little at the heater and sprayed with a soap solution and got bubbles.

I tried for a half an hour to look hot to allow air to evacuate the line.

I somehow feel that it's the new pilot valve/orifice that was in the kit, but have no way of verifying. On 2017-09-08 by Ken

Reply by (mod) -

Ken

Sounds as if you've got all the right parts: regulator at the LP gas tank, regulator at the gas heater itself, proper orifices in the gas burner and gas control valve.

I've sometimes found that when a heater has been off for months it can take several minutes of holding down a pilot gas valve to get the air out.

Typically if you loosened a connection near the pilot and air then gas hissed out, you've purged air. If you then smell gas at the pilot probably you've got gas there.

I'd suspect that even with the wrong orifice there would be enough gas flow to at least see some flame at the pilot even if it won't stay lit.

BUT (guessing as I don't know your specific unit) IF there is a thermocouple that is defective or if the end of a thermocouple that screws into a gas valve isn't making good connection, or if the flame sensing end of the thermocouple is not in the flame, THEN while holding down a pilot in ignite position you still should see a flame, (light it with a match or independent sparker igniter) even if the flame then goes out when you release the ignition position of the pilot ignite control.

At this point I'd call the company to ask for help.

At WILLIAMS GAS FURNACE MANUALS we give the company's contact information - call back and ask for technical support.

Do let me know what you're told as doubtless that will help other readers.