Direct Vent Empire Heater

[BGP]

I have a direct vent Empire Heeat in my fish house. Has worked well the last few years, to the point of bilong you out of the house if the thermostat wasn't working. However, I seem to be ahving a problme with it.

It still lights like it normally would but does not seem to get as hot as before. Any thoughts on what could be wrong?

[mnhunter2]

I have a 15,000 btu heater in a 6.5x16 insulated sealed house and it has never really produced enough heat to over-heat the place, if it gets below -10 it needs help. Mine is also slow to light seems like i have to hold the pilot value in for 2-3 min. at least. I run mine off a 20# tank and about 12" 1/2 copper tubing. I am thinking regulator but the gas stove works fine or can we drill out the orfice to get more heat?

[Paul Waldowski]

Sounds like it needs to be cleaned. Take it apart and blow it out with forced air.

[BGP]

What areas need to blown out? Thanks,

[eyebjim]

Start with removing the vent stack and clear any debrix in the vent. There are two vents one to let the hot out and one to let the fresh air in. If these get blocked it will not heat very well. If these are clear you may need to get into the burner and blow it out. There is also the possiblity that the regulator has a problem.