1 correct size heater, or 2 half sized?

[davewest]

There seems to be an initial savings if I were to buy 2 half sized electric heaters as opposed to a single, correctly sized unit. Any disadvantages to doing that?

I need 40-50 btu to heat my space if that matters. This will be all electric, no gas at this time. Any opinions are appreciated.

 

[matt_i]

You should get better distribution with 2 heaters. I would think slightly higher electrical cost due to 2 breakers and up to double the wire albeit smaller gauge. More labor obviously installing electrical runs although your personal labor might be like mine: cheap

One concern I'd have is how to control them both...two thermostats? (Perhaps internally regulated with temp switch).

 

[astroracer]

check the electrical usage also. Double heaters will mean double the amps used. If your shop can handle it fine. A bigger single can be more efficient though. A small fan or two can help with hot and cold zones.
Mark

 

[lakeroadster]

I used 2.

I put one near the overhead door, and one at the opposite end of the shop. They each have their own thermostat.

 

[theoldwizard1]

It depends a lot on the size of the area AND how important it is to get the entire area UNIFORMLY heated.

 

[ForceFed70]

If you need 40-50k BTU, I'm going to assume your garage is fairly large.

I'd go with 2 heaters. Better heat distribution, redundancy in case 1 fairls, and the flexibility to use just 1 of the 2 if you ever needed it. Also, while someone mentioned electrical wiring costs, It might turn out to be cheaper. 20A 240V circuits are cheap, 30A not too bad, but anything more gets expensive in a hurry. Plus, you never know when you may want to "borrow" the heater circuit to run a welder or whatever.

 

[couch67]

I have 3 small heaters in the garage, all under windows. They are all run from one circuit and controlled by a single T-stat on the interior wall. No hot / cold spots.

couch

 

[davewest]

Thanks for the input gents. I think ill go with 2. Maybe get pics up on the shop overhaul one day.