Questions and Answers for Modine Hot Dawg 125,000 BTU Natural Gas Garage Ceiling Heater

A:  The fan used in this series of Modine units is not intended to distribute heat any significant distance. The fan is designed into the product to make sure there is adequate flow of air across the heat exchanger so that it does not build up and cause the unit to overheat. The distribution of heat is accomplished by the same principal used by a wood stove. Heat chases cold. The units with the external squirrel cage blower are designed to move air much greater distances. However 44’ is a tall order without duct work. If you look at the Use and Care Manual for this model you will find informational graphs on the blower performance. The next size up would be the PDP series. That series has many external blower options. Each of those models can be special ordered with different motor ratings and pulley sizes to achieve the desired air volume and velocity. For example these are the styles used in smaller airplane hangars or when the unit heater is going to feed duct work.

A:  This is a residential version of a commercial unit heater. As such it was not designed to be particularly quiet. But as describing something as quiet or loud is subjective let me offer you some precise ratings. This unit has been rated as producing 58 decibels of sound when measured from 10 feet away. And the immitted sound has been measured at 57 decibels at a distance of 15 feet. If you look at a decibel equivalent chart you will find that most describe the sound level of 50-60 decibels as similar to the sound of normal spoken conversation, heavy rainfall or the sound of a refrigerator running.

A:  If you look under the header "Info and Guides" on the Home Depot product listing page you will find a PDF labeled instructions. Discussion of high altitude adjustment an kits begins on page 13. It indicates that at 6000 feet above sea level you would need kit 68408. That kit can be ordered no charge with your unit. Modine does not factory install high altitude kits on these units they must be installed in the field. The vast majority of units sold are the standard models. However, if you want to custom configure a unit as a factory special order, you could do that. Options would include two stage gas valve, stainless steel heat exchanger, sealed combustion, and voltages other than 120. If you want to give me a call I will gladly email you the Modine factory list price sheet which will list these options. Please note The Home Depot currently does not accept special orders on line so any such order would need to be place through a store. Chris 978 651 3301

A:  Mine was propane, so the first thing I had to do was order a high altitude (5600') conversion kit because they sent me a natural gas unit. I then had to purchase a 125V 22 amp in line thermostat. I ordered a kit for hanging the furnace so I could swivel the whole furnace in the direction I wanted. When it was all installed I could not get it to work and finally found I had to make a jumper for the heater control board from the W to R terminals. This allowed the heater to ignite and cycle thru all the modes.

A:  On the product listing page, on the Home Depot web site you will see the header "Info and Guides". Under that is a PDF of the manual. If you open that and go to page 13 you will see the high altitude kits needed for the current models a different elevations. This unit, at that height would need a kit, not just a field adjustment. That kit is available. If you need it. Feel free to give me a call, with your Home Depot order number. That way i can pull up your order along with the serial number and make sure you get the correct kit. Chris 978 651 3301

A:  I believe you are asking me if this unit employs separated combustion, also known as sealed combustion. This is a system where air is piped in from out side to the combustion chamber and then the resulting exhaust is piped to the outside. When this system is employed the combustion air never comes in contact with the interior air. As a result the structure can be built to be extremely tight as no combustion air is drawn from inside the structure. No this unit is not sealed combustion. The applications where these units are used are not so tight that it is needed. Modine does make the Hot Dawg in sealed combustion. The model number would change from an HD to and HDS. They cost roughly 30 to 40 present more. Home Depot no longer offers them on its web site as they both did not sell well and created more confusion than sales. As a side note many people assume they need seal combustion when they do not. The only job I ever ran into that had to have it, was for a place that paints multi million dollar cars. They did not need it because of paint fumes, as those are handled by the spray booth and other specific air quality devises. The need arose from making sure the environment stayed dust free. If you feel you want get a sealed combustion unit, it can be ordered through any Home Depot store. If you or they have questions please feel free to give me a call. Chris 978 651 3301

A:  The only automatic shut down devise based on heat would be the thermostat of your choice; which is sold separately. I think you may be referring to a "blocked vent safety switch" which is often standard on chimney vented product. It the chimney is block the heat will build up and shut down the equipment so that exhaust does not fill the house. However this unit does not use a chimney. It is equipped with a power vent. Power vented equipment such as this has a pressure switch or proving switch which confirms the power vent is working. If the fan in the power vent fails the pressure switch will disengage and the unit will shut down. In theory if the thermostat got stuck in the on position the room would get warm. Then the room would stop absorbing heat and most would go out the vent with the exhaust.

A:  This unit is power vented. This unit requires 4" venting material. The venting requirements are outlined beginning on page 6 of the installation manual, A PDF of the manual is on the Home Depot web site under "Info and Guides"

A:  This product is for direct venting only.