Modine News

Commercial Residential

Checklist to Increase Unit Heater Performance and Safety

Winter is here, and it’s time to escape those cold temperatures by firing up the unit heater.

These small “heat in a box” units provide the necessary heat you desire for any commercial or residential space. Garages, warehouses, workshops and greenhouses can all benefit from these gas-fired unit heaters.

At Modine, your commercial HVAC leader, we have a variety of gas-fired unit heaters at our disposal. Our Hot Dawg™ series provides a variety of units that are suitable for personal workshops across the country. Our Hot Dawg™ is available in six model sizes, ranging from 30.000 to 125,000 BTUs. Each model runs on propane or natural gas, depending on your needs.

Each one of our gas-fired unit heaters is low profile, lightweight and easy to install. The versatility of these units makes them the perfect option to heat spaces not better served by a standard furnace. These unit heaters can be installed on a wall or hung from the ceiling.

While maintenance and installation for unit heaters are simple, it is important to let a licensed technician perform all necessary work on the unit. One wrong move could transform a simple problem into a larger issue. If a unit isn’t properly maintained, it could potentially damage the unit or cause safety concerns. Thus, it is important to regularly service the unit.

With that said, here is a basic technician checklist that will help guarantee the safety and longevity of the unit heaters:

  1. Check equipment, including fans, wiring, gas pipes, and venting systems for any damage that may have occurred over the summer.
  2. Ensure nothing is blocking the unit heater. This could decrease the efficiency of the unit and prevent it from fully heating a room.
  3. Check and adjust manifold gas pressure. Inspect all gas connections for proper fit.
  4. Make sure the motor shaft turns correctly and check the power connections to the motor.
  5. Check condensate lines on high-efficiency units.
  6. Examine thermostats for cleanliness, connectivity and correct temperature settings.
  7. Inspect burner tubes and make sure rodents haven’t nested in the burner over the summer.
  8. Be alert for indications of condensate leakage.

Regular maintenance is paramount to providing safety and efficiency for unit heaters. Proper maintenance is invaluable and inexpensive.

For more information on Modine’s gas-fired unit heaters, please visit https://www.modinehvac.com/products/unit-heaters/.