With the structure of the log cabin nearing completion, work can begin on installation of various fixtures such as the propane-gas heater and propane-powered tankless water heater. Tankless Water Heater A tankless water heater was selected because of its efficiency and ability to supply plenty of hot water without the need for a hot-water tank. The propane crew begins installation of the tankless water heater by measuring the unit and the exterior wall where it will be installed. They determine the most suitable location for installation and test-fit the unit before it is permanently secured (figure A). Once they've determined the best location and fit, the unit is attached to the wood exterior using brackets and screws. The outside of the heater unit has in and out connections for water as well as a connection for propane gas (figure B). The water is heated by a propane-powered heater inside the unit as it passes through coils of copper pipe (figure C). Propane Heater Installation To begin installation of the propane heater that will warm the inside of the house, a hole will need to be cut through the exterior log wall to accommodate the vent on the back of the heater. Because the log wall is so thick, a pilot hole is drilled first using a power drill and extra-long drill bit. Once the pilot hole has been drilled all the way through the wall to the outside, a heavy-duty power drill equipped with a 3-1/4" hole saw is used to cut a hole through the log wall (figure D). Because the wall is thicker than the cutting depth of the hole saw, the hole must be partially cut from the interior, then from the exterior using the pilot hole as a guide to ensure that the two cuts meet. A chisel and hammer are used to remove the wood in the center of the cut and complete the hole so that it extends all the way through the wall (figure E). With the hole complete, a vented sleeve is installed (figure F). The sleeve assembly is in two pieces so that half can be inserted from the outside, then connected with the second piece from the inside. With the vent and sleeve installed, the propane-heater unit can be positioned in place (figure G). The unit is heavy and requires two men to lift and position it. The vent connection on the back of the unit is joined to the vented sleeve (figure H). Though small in size, the propane unit installed is capable of delivering 30,000 BTU's -- a heat output that is more than ample for the space it will be heating. Because propane is such a clean-burning fuel, it will be able to heat the house sufficiently while allowing for good indoor air quality free of any fumes or exhaust. Both the tankless water heater and the propane-gas heater -- as well as other power essentials such as lights and kitchen appliances -- can be powered by the propane auxiliary generator in the event of a power outage.
RESOURCES :
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Log Home Repair and Restoration Services
Log Home Repair and Restoration Services
Website: www.loghomerepair.com
Special Thanks for DIY Build a Log Cabin workshop
Blossman Gas
Website: www.blossmangas.com/
Propane
Propane
Washington, DC Phone: 202-452-8975
Fax: 202-452-9054
Website: www.propanecouncil.org/
The Complete Guide to Building Log Homes
ISBN: 0806974869
Author: Monte Burch, Richard J. Meyer, Lloyd P. Birmingham
Sterling Publishing Co. Inc.
Website: www.sterlingpub.com
Log Homes Made Easy: Contracting and Building Your Own Log Home
Model: 0811728471
Author: Jim Cooper
Stackpole Books
Website: www.stackpolebooks.com
The Cabin: Inspiration for the Classic American Getaway
Model: 0879056711
Author: Dale Mulfinger, Susan E. Davis
The Taunton Press Inc.
Website: www.taunton.com
Hands-On Log Homes
ISBN: 0879058056
Author: Cindy Teipner Thiede
Gibbs Smith Publishing
Website: www.gibbs-smith.com
American Log Homes
ISBN: 0879054581
Author: Arthur Thiede, Cindy Teipner
Gibbs Smith Publishing
Website: www.gibbs-smith.com
The Craft of Modular Post & Beam: Building Log and Timber Homes Affordably
Model: 0881791318
Author: James Mitchell
Heritage House/Hartley & Marks
Website: www.heritagehouse.ca/hartleymarks/hartleymarks.html
Log Spirit
ISBN: 0879059257
Author: Linda Arms White
Gibbs Smith Publishing
Website: www.gibbs-smith.com
Inside Log Homes: The Art & Spirit of Home Planning and Decor
Model: 087905963X
Author: Cindy Teipner Thiede, et al
Gibbs Smith Publishing
Website: www.gibbs-smith.com
The Log Home Book: Design, Past and Present
Model: 0879056711
Author: Cindy Teipner Thiede, Arthur Thiede, et al
Gibbs Smith Publishing
Website: www.gibbs-smith.com
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