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abcd_hvac · Dec 12, 2011, 03:24 PM

I have a old Empire Gas shop furnace I got it to work but now I need to add a thermostat to it.

mygirlsdad77 · Dec 12, 2011, 05:34 PM

Does it not have terminals for a thermostat? How is the temp regulated now? Do you know if the imits and gas valve are 120v or 24v? If 24v you should be able to put the thermostat in series with the low voltage wiring. Just need to make sure shutting the stat down doesn't shut the fan down too, if the fan is controlled through a low voltage relay. An electrician, or hvac tech should be able to get a stat hooked up while still keeping the unit safe.

Can you post some pics of the controls of your unit?

abcd_hvac · Dec 13, 2011, 05:48 AM

All there is a gas valve and a fan limit and fan control limit. The fan is ran by 110v and the limit are 24v control. Right now when you get the pilot let and turn gas valve to on the burners come on and stay on and the blower cycles on and off. I need to get it to where I set a thermo stat at 60 and cuts burners off. I have a idea on how to wire it but want someone else's opion. I am HVAC cert.
It is a Empire UH-1150FSP.

mygirlsdad77 · Dec 13, 2011, 04:34 PM

Is the gas valve 24v? If so, you should be able to take the hot leg that goes to your gas valve, and instead run it up through a stat and back to the gas valve. This should work just fine, because if the high limit trips, it should just kill power to the stat, which would kill power to the gas valve, so your safetys would still be in place. The fan controls are just temp controlled anyway, so you just need to control the gas valve with your stat. Make sense? Let me know how things work out.

Make sure your high limit kills the power to the gas valve when you unhook one wire from it. You need that limit to work in case the blower gives out, or you could burn the joint down.

abcd_hvac · Dec 14, 2011, 03:37 AM

That's whatI was thinking. Just wanted to get a second opion. Will let you know how it comes out.

mygirlsdad77 · Dec 14, 2011, 04:00 PM

Sounds good, let me know.

ballengerb1 · Dec 14, 2011, 04:12 PM

Maybe we can narrow this down by trying to figure what model you have. https://gasheaterstore.3dcartstores....aces_c_22.html

mygirlsdad77 · Dec 14, 2011, 04:15 PM

I agree Bob. It would be best to contact Empire and see what they say, but most likely the unit he is talking about is obsolete, and won't get much help.

ballengerb1 · Dec 14, 2011, 04:18 PM

I am thinking about adding a vent free unit to my shop area but am leary about the fumes. Have a vent free fire place but wife screams about the smell. I do smell something but have never felt degative side effects. She says it makes her dizzy, not going to go there guys.

mygirlsdad77 · Dec 14, 2011, 04:29 PM

Oh geez, I was assuming his old empire was a ceiling mount unit heater with vent? Abcd, can you please clarify?

Bob, yep, I see your concern on the ventless. In Montana they are against code, but I do see a few of them. My opinion, I wouldn't install one in a home, but in a larger garage or shop, that isn't that tightly sealed, I don't think I would worry too much. Basically, I don't like to see them anywhere that someone might sleep. Might not wake up. I think all the newer models have o2 sensers, but what if the senser fails? Overall, vented unit heaters for shops are the way to go. That's all we ever install, other than hot water floor heat, but that's spendy. As licensed contractors, we aren't even allowed to work on ventless here. Can't even change a thermocouple legally. Let me know what unit you decide to go with and how it works out. Always interested in hearing about these types of things.