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Gelco - Gas Fitting Airdrie
Moving gas from one point to another using a series of pipes is called gas fitting. This movement of gas is used to fuel an appliance usually for cooking or heating, we can cook on our ranges or bbq’s and we can heat with boilers, furnaces and space heaters. When measuring the amount of heat needed for a particular space we use the term btu’s or British Thermal Units. When determining the size of a heater for a particular space we need to find how many btu’s are required. GELCO Plumbing and Heating Airdrie can help our customers determine the right appliance for heating and cooking needs and we can guarantee our installation will be professional, affordable and timely
Before GELCO Plumbing and Heating can get new gas appliances installed we need to measure the volume of gas available at the house or building. This measurement is based on the size of the meter, the length of the gas line, the width of the gas line, the amount of appliances and how many btu’s each appliance has. Once we have determined there is enough gas to support the new appliance we will then determine the size of the pipe needed for the new appliance and connect that pipe to the existing system. After every gas installation there will be a pressure test and an inspection by the city or jurisdiction having authority. After these tests are performed we will come back to do the finishing hookups and start the appliance.
As a gas fitting company, GELCO Plumbing and Heating not only size and run gas lines but we also make sure the exhaust from that fixture is removed from the residence or business to a safe location outside. Exhaust can be taken away through a vent pipe either by natural draft or by fan assist
Natural draft venting occurs through the movement of heated molecules and the process of buoyancy allowing the exhaust to be pushed up and out through a natural process. This process also needs air from the room to work properly. If the vent pipe is too small, too big or if there is not enough air in the room there can be problems. Shortened life of the appliance, fire and even death from carbon monoxide poisoning are just some of the problems that can occur. Fan assisted venting has an enclosed exhaust with a fan that pushes the exhaust up and out. Both of these systems have specific requirements to combustion clearances. Pipes have to maintain certain distances from flammable material to prevent burns or fires. Exhaust vents have to maintain clearances from windows that open, doors and intake air ducts. We recommend that our customers always use a professional to make sure the venting has been installed safely.
Underground gas lines for garages and shops are very common and are something the builder doesn’t always provide. Sizing the gas line is very important in this application, the thickness of the gas line is determined by it’s length and the amount of gas needed. Usually the length is measured from the new building back to the house where the gas source originates (usually the meter). Once the trench has been dug, usually at 24”, the pipe can be put down into the trench along with a tracer wire, which is attached in case the gas line ever needs to be located. When these gas lines penetrate to above ground at each end they are connected to a metal riser. These risers attach to the building with a bracket and must have an isolation valve and union installed. Any time a gas line comes out of the ground there must be a swing joint to protect the gas line from horizontal or vertical movement caused by ground settlement. Underground gas lines are also subject to inspection and pressure test. All metal gas lines exposed to the elements must be painted with rust proof paint. Again, GELCO Plumbing and Heating can make our customers installations much easier with our experience and expertise.
Gas fitting must be done safely and professionally, and there are many details that we will walk our customers through. Codes are always changing and they’re not the same in all jurisdictions. Call us for a free quote. If you are looking to have a gas line installed or to have a fixture hooked up, call GELCO Plumbing and Heating and we will do it right.
What are some things I need to know to change out my old furnace to a high efficient furnace?
High efficient furnaces need drainage to accommodate for condensation. If going with a 2 stage or a variable speed furnace, a different type of thermostat will be needed and may possibly require an upgrade to the wiring system. High efficient furnaces also require a different type of venting. At times they require a liner to be installed into the old venting system. The new venting system will be vented directly out the side of your house.
What do I need to know to add an underground gas line for a garage?
A trench will need to be dug from the meter to the corner of the garage to where the line will be located. The trench has to between 18” – 24” underground. When the gas line is installed, it must be pressure tested to ensure there are no leaks. A tracer wire will be installed on the gas line and a permit and inspection will be required. Once the inspection passes, the gas line will be tied into the meter.