Light heating, non-electric in a 20x20?

[esvee]

I've got a non-insulated 20x20 that I'm looking to make comfortable enough to not freeze my fingers off this winter. In a perfect world, my ceiling trusses would be insulated, the walls would be furred out and I'd have electricity and gas to run a nice mini-split. Unfortunately none of these things are true and I'd like to bite into my electric as little as possible, since I currently only have a 30A breaker on the entire garage.

Until I live in that perfect world, looking for something small, cheap and relatively safe to get me through the winter. Any ideas?

 

[The Cobbler]

overhead radiant tube heat, either natural gas or propane

 

[esvee]

overhead radiant tube heat, either natural gas or propane

No gas line to speak of and man radiant tube heaters certainly aren't cheap.

 

[Rookie2]

They make heated gloves ! And vests.

 

[GDPossehl]

Wood stove or coal. Since you're in PA, coal may be your best bet.

 

[nadogail]

Google " barrel stove "

 

[Rookie2]

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Dyna-Glo...Propane-Portable-Heater-RMC-FA40DGD/100672873

 

[theoldwizard1]

Wood/coal will be the cheapest. Watch out that it does not void your homeowners insurance !

Highly rated on YouTube 70,000 BTU Kerosene Radiant "Sun Stream" Heater

 

[CNGsaves]

Bare-bones way to save some heat would be staple plastic "air barrier" up to ceiling to keep some heat retained (may need to use 1x2 wooden slats to help hold it up). Tape over the seams. Same with walls that some plastic stapled over the open studs will retain some heat.

Cheap and safe heater would be a Mr Heater Big Buddy - - - 18K Btu and can run off 20 lb BBQ bottle of propane. Has low oxygen sensor to shut itself off (if needed) and tip-over protection also. For $119 it's a bargain and can be moved around to where you need the heat. The hose to connect to BBQ bottle is extra.
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200307957_200307957

 

[James-W]

Wood stove or coal. Since you're in PA, coal may be your best bet.

I agree with you that wood heat, or coal, would be the least expensive, once it is installed and working.

But first of all, he would have to buy the stove, and then vent it. Now, depending on what the local codes are for installing a chimney for a wood/coal heater system, in some cases that could prove to be quite expensive.

Another thing to consider is, his home owners insurance may not take too kindly to his having a wood/coal burner in his garage/workshop and even if they do OK it, his homeowners insurance premium may take a big jump.

 

[esvee]

Bare-bones way to save some heat would be staple plastic "air barrier" up to ceiling to keep some heat retained (may need to use 1x2 wooden slats to help hold it up). Tape over the seams. Same with walls that some plastic stapled over the open studs will retain some heat.

Cheap and safe heater would be a Mr Heater Big Buddy - - - 18K Btu and can run off 20 lb BBQ bottle of propane. Has low oxygen sensor to shut itself off (if needed) and tip-over protection also. For $119 it's a bargain and can be moved around to where you need the heat. The hose to connect to BBQ bottle is extra.
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200307957_200307957

It seems the smaller mr heater units are pretty much my only option. As James-W mentioned wood/coal just creates a big series of problems that I'm trying to save for when I have more time/cash to throw at this. Just looking for a quick and easy for this winter. Thanks!

 

[T_R]

Propane bullet heater. A 30k btu one will roast you, you'll be working in a t shirt in winter. Buy a 100 lb tank for it. It will cost about $70 to fill and last about 60 hours.

I love mine. It's also a backup heat source in power outages and will keep an 800 sq foot home warm enough.

 

[esvee]

Propane bullet heater. A 30k btu one will roast you, you'll be working in a t shirt in winter. Buy a 100 lb tank for it. It will cost about $70 to fill and last about 60 hours.

I love mine. It's also a backup heat source in power outages and will keep an 800 sq foot home warm enough.

How much room do you leave in front of it? I'm worried I don't have the floor space to keep things a safe distance from the face of a bullet heater.