How to Troubleshoot Gas Garage Heaters

Gas heaters can heat up large spaces like a mechanic's garage.

A gas garage heater is typically mounted up high near the ceiling to provide heat to a large garage. Gas heaters often are used in commercial garages in colder climates to enable work to continue when the temperature drops. If a gas garage heater runs into performance problems, it can quickly make the work area quite uncomfortable. Before you call someone in for service, try some fast troubleshooting tips if your gas garage heater isn’t working properly.

Instructions

1. Check to see if a fuse has blown and if the main power is on if the heater isn’t working at all. Ensure that the gas supply is turned on at the meter.

2. Check the thermostat to ensure it’s set at the correct temperature and the control switch to ensure it’s working if you aren’t getting enough heat. Call a technician to have either replaced if they are broken.

3. Open up the main gas valve to the heater and purge air from the gas line if the heater will start but doesn’t ignite. Turn the unit on and off a few times to get air out of the line.

4. Set the gas pressure to the proper setting according to your specific model, and check to ensure the gas valve is set to “On” if you aren’t getting ignition.

5. Remove any obstructions from in front of the vents, and reconnect the motor hose if it has come off if the warm air isn’t being distributed properly.

6. Check for any loose connections around the air circulation fan if it isn’t working properly. Switch off the fan time-delay relay switch if your unit has one.

Tips & Warnings

• Open up the windows in the garage and call your gas company if you smell gas near the heater.

• Don’t store any open containers that contain flammable liquids under or near a gas heater.

References

• NorthernTool.com: HeatStar and Mr. Heater -- Operating Instructions and Owner's Manual
• Gas-Space-Heater.com: Modine Hot Dawg Gas-Fired Unit Heaters -- Installation and Service Manual