240 Heater

[shubox56]

Happy New Year, Guys and Gals!

Though my main focus is currently lighting, I'm looking for a recommendation for a ROCK SOLID heater (240 circuit). There's lots to choose from, but I have not found any clear winners in the group.

Attached Garage
400 to 425 SQ Ft
Insulated
Location IL

I would like to keep the garage above 55 when not in use. 65 to 68 when in use (which is a lot).

FYI: I live in a townhouse, so only 1 wall is exposed to the outside (garage door). The garage doesn't get super cold, thank goodness. )

Thanks in advance.

 

[BillK]

My attached garage is 22 x 22 and three walls are exposed. single 16ft insulated door that is very well sealed. Walls are insulated but ceiling is not, only drywall.

I have the Q-mark heater in the link below. It does fine here in Maryland but you are probably a little colder ? You only have one exposed wall so it might be about the same needs. Mine is about 10 years old and has never given me a single problem.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000GGTHEI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://morelectricheating.com/qmark685360047577-marley-muh-35-qmark-unit-heater

 

[shubox56]

My attached garage is 22 x 22 and three walls are exposed. single 16ft insulated door that is very well sealed. Walls are insulated but ceiling is not, only drywall.

I have the Q-mark heater in the link below. It does fine here in Maryland but you are probably a little colder ? You only have one exposed wall so it might be about the same needs. Mine is about 10 years old and has never given me a single problem.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000GGTHEI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://morelectricheating.com/qmark685360047577-marley-muh-35-qmark-unit-heater

Thank you, Bill! Hopefully they'll be others to chime in with their experiences and suggestions. I'm adding this to the list of possibilities and will research the specs. Have a safe and happy New years Eve!

 

[DieselNut88]

I have had experience with the heater above and have had multiple parts fail. Q Mark makes another unit heater and we have many at work and they are very reliable, easy to work on, and parts are easy to get. They are available in many different voltages and KW ratings. Check out zoro.com for the best prices. Check out MUH0521

 

[shubox56]

I have had experience with the heater above and have had multiple parts fail. Q Mark makes another unit heater and we have many at work and they are very reliable, easy to work on, and parts are easy to get. They are available in many different voltages and KW ratings. Check out zoro.com for the best prices. Check out MUH0521

Thank you, DN88! That unit sounds "right sized" for my space. It looks like I will need 30A breaker --- sounds about right? 10g?

Until posting this question, I had never heard of this heater brand. Still reading up. Any way you look at it, the cost of running a unit like this will not be cheap --- staying above 55 based on AVERAGE IL temps. No idea what to expect in the real world.

 

[shubox56]

I have had experience with the heater above and have had multiple parts fail. Q Mark makes another unit heater and we have many at work and they are very reliable, easy to work on, and parts are easy to get. They are available in many different voltages and KW ratings. Check out zoro.com for the best prices. Check out MUH0521

A heater like this, hardwire only? I'm hoping to run a plug if possible and safe. My son-in-law and I will be adding circuits, one being a 240 outlet. I'm hoping to purchase a welder in the future, so the circuit isn't dedicated to hearing only.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Qmark is generally a good quality heater, another is Berko. I often specify both brands for industrial projects. They're actually both made by Marley, just different product lines. https://www.marleymep.com/products/unit-garage-heaters

 

[yeldogt]

I have had experience with the heater above and have had multiple parts fail. Q Mark makes another unit heater and we have many at work and they are very reliable, easy to work on, and parts are easy to get. They are available in many different voltages and KW ratings. Check out zoro.com for the best prices. Check out MUH0521

I think the inside are the same? What problems have you had? I have two of them ... did have to replace the motor in my oldest last year ..... it's at least 15 years old --- keeps my garage in NYC warm.

Motor was $105.

The nice thing about the first is the two heat settings and the built in thermostat ...Although I think you can get a 5k wall thermostat ...

 

[pentavolvo]

Just find a 4800 or 5000 watt unit with decent reviews. Insulate your garage door if it isn’t already

 

[shubox56]

I think the inside are the same? What problems have you had? I have two of them ... did have to replace the motor in my oldest last year ..... it's at least 15 years old --- keeps my garage in NYC warm.

Motor was $105.

The nice thing about the first is the two heat settings and the built in thermostat ...Although I think you can get a 5k wall thermostat ...

I read a few reviews --- people complained about the internal thermostat not working properly.

 

[mike93lx]

A 5kw heater is unlikely to get it done if you ever open the door.

I have one for my 2 car garage which is similar to yours with the only exposed exterior wall being the insulated doors. It takes the edge off, but would have to run for a long time to get anywhere near the 60's.

 

[shubox56]

A 5kw heater is unlikely to get it done if you ever open the door.

I have one for my 2 car garage which is similar to yours with the only exposed exterior wall being the insulated doors. It takes the edge off, but would have to run for a long time to get anywhere near the 60's.

Thanks for the feedback. One thing is for certain, my garage door is almost never opened during the winter months. Very very seldom.

 

[yeldogt]

I read a few reviews --- people complained about the internal thermostat not working properly.

Fail ... or not accurate? It's not a set temp ... so you can't set it to 65. It's hot cold colors on a wheel .... the heater will cycle often ... If it's in a cold space when the heater turns off it's no longer sucking in the relatively heated air near it ... understand?

It's some trial and error before you get it correct.

If you look on the web -- you can get the technical drawings. The heaters are all the same -- it's a question of wattage. Front fin design. Looking at a few .. the one w/o the thermostat and heat settings is about the same cost. So you get the mount, cord with plug and the thermostat for free if the size is correct.

A typical direct 240 wall thermostat will do 5000w ..... larger heater will needs relays. My units just have dedicated line from the panel to an outlet. You could always run the line to a box w/ thermostat -- then take off --direct wire to the heater. Or use the duel temp unit and wire to an outlet ...plug the unit in. Turning the thermostat up all the way is "always on"

FYI: The elements are enclosed -- they don't have the glowing coils of the less expensive type

 

[yeldogt]

A 5kw heater is unlikely to get it done if you ever open the door.

I have one for my 2 car garage which is similar to yours with the only exposed exterior wall being the insulated doors. It takes the edge off, but would have to run for a long time to get anywhere near the 60's.

This will depend on insulation ..... moved one of mine to heat a wood studio I have ...because I'm changing my propane service. It's keeping the 1500sf building at 60. It's very tight.

Any leaks in a building send the heat load way up ...

 

[shubox56]

This will depend on insulation ..... moved one of mine to heat a wood studio I have ...because I'm changing my propane service. It's keeping the 1500sf building at 60. It's very tight.

Any leaks in a building send the heat load way up ...

Three of four walls are pretty tight. Inside walls on the other side and insulated. The garage door is insulated, but needs help along the sides and top. Something I will be addressing. Overall the room is pretty damn tight. I certainly don't want to spend a few hundred dollars a month to try to keep the garage above 55, but that might be the case. And I do have limited options living in a townhouse with homeowners association rules that apply. I'm hoping that a 5000 watt unit in a tight garage will get the job done at a reasonable monthly utility cost. Only time will tell.

 

[yeldogt]

I have had to use mine to keep my 1500sf studio around 60 -- my bill last month was around $130 w/ .20 KW power ... the property is under construction. So that number is service charge as well ... most of the usage is the heat

 

[shubox56]

Fail ... or not accurate? It's not a set temp ... so you can't set it to 65. It's hot cold colors on a wheel .... the heater will cycle often ... If it's in a cold space when the heater turns off it's no longer sucking in the relatively heated air near it ... understand?

It's some trial and error before you get it correct.

If you look on the web -- you can get the technical drawings. The heaters are all the same -- it's a question of wattage. Front fin design. Looking at a few .. the one w/o the thermostat and heat settings is about the same cost. So you get the mount, cord with plug and the thermostat for free if the size is correct.

A typical direct 240 wall thermostat will do 5000w ..... larger heater will needs relays. My units just have dedicated line from the panel to an outlet. You could always run the line to a box w/ thermostat -- then take off --direct wire to the heater. Or use the duel temp unit and wire to an outlet ...plug the unit in. Turning the thermostat up all the way is "always on"

FYI: The elements are enclosed -- they don't have the glowing coils of the less expensive type

An internal thermostat is just fine if it's just a matter of dialing in what works best to maintain a given temperature. Plus or minus. If it's just a matter of turning the dial until you get it right, then no biggie. I don't see a reason to make this more complicated than it needs to be by adding a wall thermostat. Unless there's some really good reason for considering this option.

 

[Showkey]

The only concern is location in IL.........Chicago vs Carbondale would make a considerable difference in the heaters ability to get the job done.

 

[shubox56]

The only concern is location in IL.........Chicago vs Carbondale would make a considerable difference in the heaters ability to get the job done.

Chicago

 

[yeldogt]

An internal thermostat is just fine if it's just a matter of dialing in what works best to maintain a given temperature. Plus or minus. If it's just a matter of turning the dial until you get it right, then no biggie. I don't see a reason to make this more complicated than it needs to be by adding a wall thermostat. Unless there's some really good reason for considering this option.

I agree .... that's why I went with the one with the thermostat and two output setting ....many of them do not have. So they require an outside control.

I have not had a problem with the thermostats on the two I have .... Just the motor in the oldest one.

But, the motor would be the same anyway. The closed coil units are more expensive

 

[shubox56]

I have had to use mine to keep my 1500sf studio around 60 -- my bill last month was around $130 w/ .20 KW power ... the property is under construction. So that number is service charge as well ... most of the usage is the heat

Somehow I missed this post. $130 for 1 month to keep your studio at 60°? I would be thrilled if it doesn't exceed that. With any luck, with only one wall exposed to the outside, I can get that number lower.

 

[shubox56]

What about this unit, another Marley product line ---

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_595_595

5000 watt unit on sale for $230. Interior to the Qmark line?

 

[Showkey]

Northern tool:

 

[shubox56]

Northern tool:

That is a CRAZY low price. Should I be scared? LOL To good to be true? Cheap internal "stuff"? Reviews are decent, overall.

 

[shubox56]

I just spoke to Marley, the tech said that the Fahrenheat FUH5-4 has better components and will meet my sq ft needs. The Fahrenheat line is their retail line, but he was clear in saying that THAT doesn't mean lower quality. At $230, it appears to be a great option.

 

[mike93lx]

There isn't much in a heater. My 5kw portable was under $100. Fan, a thermostat and a heating element.

 

[Falcon67]

Worked fine in the 24x40 shop, still works just fine in the 24x40. 5kW, pulls 21A running. Spent around $200 for this one, but that was 5 years ago or so. A similar item was $90 on sale at NT.

 

[shubox56]

Worked fine in the 24x40 shop, still works just fine in the 24x40. 5kW, pulls 21A running. Spent around $200 for this one, but that was 5 years ago or so. A similar item was $90 on sale at NT.

I saw the $90 ProFusion heater on their site. Though I know these units are pretty basic, I still do not understand how this unit could be so cheap in relationship to other offerings. I typically follow the "If it looks to good to be true, it probably is." I'm trying to wrap my head around these units.

 

[mike93lx]

I saw the $90 ProFusion heater on their site. Though I know these units are pretty basic, I still do not understand how this unit could be so cheap in relationship to other offerings. I typically follow the "If it looks to good to be true, it probably is." I'm trying to wrap my head around these units.

Get whatever makes you comfortable. It isn't like you are comparing a $100 unit to a $1k. Look for long term reviews, the fans and thermostats are common failure points

 

[Showkey]

Would not over think the quality of this class of heater. Northern has several models “on sale”. Especially this time of year........heaters sale means dump the stock.




Similar heaters at Menards ............

View attachment 963226

 

[shubox56]

I truly appreciate everyone's input. After careful consideration, I chose to align with the Marley name (Fahrenheat FUH54). Their products are developed, engineered and manufactured in the states which was a big consideration for me. Yes, I'm sure some of the innerworkings are foreign, but I still feel better knowing that an American shop assembled the product.

Marley appears to be a solid company with good technical support. The gent I spoke to in SC was polite, knowledgeable, and didn't rush me off the phone. THAT goes a long ways with me. I will pay up for service that I can count on.

Lastly, parts are readily available IF something needs to be replaced down the line.

Anyway, Happy New Years to all and thanks again for the extended help. My order has been placed and will be here tomorrow. )

 

[shubox56]

One other thing ----

Though I currently do not have a welder, it's on my wish list. With that, I'm thinking about adding a 240 outlet rather than hardwire the unit to a junction box. This will allow me to run the heater OR a welder. Bad idea? What plug would you go with? Marley sets a plug kit, but it's $50. YIKES! Any suggestions?

Thanks, Ken

 

[mike93lx]

One other thing ----

Though I currently do not have a welder, it's on my wish list. With that, I'm thinking about adding a 240 outlet rather than hardwire the unit to a junction box. This will allow me to run the heater OR a welder. Bad idea? What plug would you go with? Marley sets a plug kit, but it's $50. YIKES! Any suggestions?

Thanks, Ken

Keep them separate. The heater is likely 30a, the welder is 50a.

If the run is hard, consider a sub panel. Do the run once and make it easy to add circuits later

 

[Dakota46]

Sounds like you might have made up your mind as far as choosing a brand for your new heater.

I just thought I'd throw this out there for anyone else. I bought one of these for our sunroom so we can entertain out there in the winter. 10x20 room, aluminum construction with a lot of windows and no insulation. Works great and wish we'd done it years ago.

Great price on sale and the reviews are strongly positive.

(Edit) currently on sale $69. 99

https://www.ruralking.com/comfort-z...eDennWa1J0s5aF5b3sMhouXwZ84h6RvRoCuPcQAvD_BwE



Sent from my SM-G975U1 using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[shubox56]

Keep them separate. The heater is likely 30a, the welder is 50a.

If the run is hard, consider a sub panel. Do the run once and make it easy to add circuits later

My welding needs will be lite, no serious fabrication. If it will take a 50A circuit, then I'll pass on that idea. I only have 100A service to the townhouse. I'm glad you mentioned this.

 

[shubox56]

Sounds like you might have made up your mind as far as choosing a brand for your new heater.

I just thought I'd throw this out there for anyone else. I bought one of these for our sunroom so we can entertain out there in the winter. 10x20 room, aluminum construction with a lot of windows and no insulation. Works great and wish we'd done it years ago.

Great price on sale and the reviews are strongly positive.

(Edit) currently on sale $69. 99

https://www.ruralking.com/comfort-z...eDennWa1J0s5aF5b3sMhouXwZ84h6RvRoCuPcQAvD_BwE



Sent from my SM-G975U1 using The Garage Journal mobile app

Yep, purchase made. It will be on my doorstep today. But thanks for the feedback and link. )

 

[mike93lx]

My welding needs will be lite, no serious fabrication. If it will take a 50A circuit, then I'll pass on that idea. I only have 100A service to the townhouse. I'm glad you mentioned this.

The welder may not draw that much, but it will likely use a 50a outlet and breaker. Many inverters will run fine on a 30a.

Are you ceiling mounting the heater? The plug wouldn't be easily accessible then, right?

100a service should not be a problem. A 60a sub in the garage would cover the heater, welder and a few additional circuits just fine

 

[yeldogt]

I truly appreciate everyone's input. After careful consideration, I chose to align with the Marley name (Fahrenheat FUH54). Their products are developed, engineered and manufactured in the states which was a big consideration for me. Yes, I'm sure some of the innerworkings are foreign, but I still feel better knowing that an American shop assembled the product.

Marley appears to be a solid company with good technical support. The gent I spoke to in SC was polite, knowledgeable, and didn't rush me off the phone. THAT goes a long ways with me. I will pay up for service that I can count on.

Lastly, parts are readily available IF something needs to be replaced down the line.

Anyway, Happy New Years to all and thanks again for the extended help. My order has been placed and will be here tomorrow. )

I think you will be happy with that unit ... Marley has been around for a long time and all the asian brands copy the look. Marley makes under a few names ... and I agree they have a nice customer service. I spoke to someone who helped me find the correct motor when my old one started to make noise. That's why I know that many share a common motor

The Marley coils are all internal (inside a tube) w/ sealed motors -- they more more air at slightly lower temp ... same BTU's. The larger one -- where some say the thermostat fails -- pulls the air from the sides. The coils wrap the fan ... in the other units that are a bit smaller the fan and coils are inline.

I was told the larger units are a bit quieter .. mine are .. but I have not owned the square .. so i can't comment on that actual difference

 

[shubox56]

The welder may not draw that much, but it will likely use a 50a outlet and breaker. Many inverters will run fine on a 30a.

Are you ceiling mounting the heater? The plug wouldn't be easily accessible then, right?

100a service should not be a problem. A 60a sub in the garage would cover the heater, welder and a few additional circuits just fine

The heater will be mounted at the front of my garage which is a low 7.5' ceiling. The initial thought was to run surface conduit to a junction box (outlet) near the workbench below where the heater will be installed (ceiling mount). The outlet would be just above the workbench top and about 3' (roughly) below the heater. The initial thought when I assumed a 30A circuit was all that I needed for the heater or welder.

My house breaker is located in the garage a couple feet away from my workbench.

 

[shubox56]

I think you will be happy with that unit ... Marley has been around for a long time and all the asian brands copy the look. Marley makes under a few names ... and I agree they have a nice customer service. I spoke to someone who helped me find the correct motor when my old one started to make noise. That's why I know that many share a common motor

The Marley coils are all internal (inside a tube) w/ sealed motors -- they more more air at slightly lower temp ... same BTU's. The larger one -- where some say the thermostat fails -- pulls the air from the sides. The coils wrap the fan ... in the other units that are a bit smaller the fan and coils are inline.

I was told the larger units are a bit quieter .. mine are .. but I have not owned the square .. so i can't comment on that actual difference

My fingers are crossed. I own it now. LOL