Any 120v Electric Heaters Worth a D#$n?

[nealric]

It's only September, and it's still 90 degrees during the day here in Houston, but I'm beginning to think about heat options for my detached 2-car garage (slightly oversized). The garage is work space for my Alfa Romeo and also has a home gym (daily drivers get the carport). I would heat the garage for a few hours a week at most. It's rarely below 45 degrees or so- but just cold enough to be uncomfortable.

I noticed that most garage heaters, if electric, run 220v. I suppose I could run a 220v line, but my heat needs are pretty modest. Would one of the cheaper 120v units do the trick?

I would also like to avoid gas, since there i no easy way of running a gas line to the garage and I don't want to deal with more gas refills.

 

[ripperd]

Insulated? How well?

If its not insulated 20a 120v is likely not going to be able to supply enough heat to do a whole lot. Even so it will probably take a long time to warm up.

 

[nealric]

Insulated? How well?

If its not insulated 20a 120v is likely not going to be able to supply enough heat to do a whole lot. Even so it will probably take a long time to warm up.

Not insulated, and I don't really want to go there as there just isn't enough time when it's necessary to heat. And doing more research, I agree. Seems like the solution is to install a 220v outlet.

 

[Falcon67]

120V heaters don't do much, just current limited. They can only pump so many watts into the device. Having lived in Houston, I can see you firing it up when the winter winds chill the air to a frigid 50F. Really, the 240V heater I use works very well. Running a 240V line is a pain, but for the ease of use when you need it, it'll be worth it IMHO. On those few days you need it, it'll get you comfy quick.

 

[motofool33]

little big heat, sold at rv stores would do the job. i have one im in spring you could come check it out if you like they are small but pack a punch.

used one to heat my 40ft motorhome last winter when everything was frozen

 

[Stuart in MN]

If you're looking for one that plugs into a regular 120vac outlet, the best you can do is 1500 watts. There's no need to go for expensive ones, the cheapest 1500 watt heater will do just as well - look for what is commonly called a milkhouse heater (so named because they were designed for use in milkhouses on dairy farms.)

Depending on how well your garage is sealed up and insulated, a couple of them may be enough to take the edge off. A couple years ago my furnace broke down on a -20 F January night; I rounded up a half dozen space heaters from my neighbors, and even with a big old drafty 100 year old house I was able to keep the temp inside at 55 degrees. You'll have to look at doing a heat loss calculation to find out just how much heat you need.

People will mention that electric heat is generally pretty expensive, but if you're only heating for a few hours now and then it's not that big a deal.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Go deluxe ! Install a mini-split heat pump.

(To answer your question, most 120V heater will roast your ankles when you place them next to you or raise the temp a couple degrees after an hour at best in typical 2 car garage. But boy can they make your meter spin !)

 

[jkwilson]

The problem with heating a typical garage infrequently is the common lack of insulation and the enormous thermal mass of the concrete floor that really makes a heater work hard when first raising the temperature. That means you may want a bigger heater for your use than you'd need for constant heating.

 

[Showkey]

Go deluxe ! Install a mini-split heat pump.

(To answer your question, most 120V heater will roast your ankles when you place them next to you or raise the temp a couple degrees after an hour at best in typical 2 car garage. But boy can they make your meter spin !)

He does not want to spring for a 220v heater .........don't think a mini split is in his budget

 

[stihlntime]

1500 hundred Watts is what you are limited to on a 110 volt heater. The old cheap milk house style heater will do as well as anything. The infra red eden pure style heaters do a good job in a small area. I would bite the bullet and run a 220 as suggested.