Basic Garage Heater

[89MustangGX]

I currently have a small "oversized" one-car garage. It will never be a full-on shop like I would like, but I do try to do as much with it as I can. I would like some heat to help me out.

I was thinking I could help keep some space available by using an in-wall heater like I saw on my last trip to Lowe's.

Here is the one I was looking at:

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?acti...ctId=226831-13468-LPW2445T&detail=&lpage=none

The garage walls are finished, but outside walls are uninsulated. I'm not expecting miracles, but I was thinking it could be enough to make me more comfortable when I'm working.

What do you think? Thoughts, opinions, or alternate ideas?

Adam

 

[Shocker]

Hey Adam, it would be good to know what the size of the shop it. Is the ceiling insulated?

I am thinking that the 4500w unit might be a little small if there is no insulation. You might actually be better to put 2 3000w units at opposite ends of the shop.

3000w Cadet at Home Depot

Do you have natural gas available? Propane?

You might want to go with a small wall mount vented gas heater as well.

 

[D.J.]

Unless your electric rates are dirt cheap I'd recomend PROPANE or Natural gas for any type heating.
________
LovelyWendie

 

[89MustangGX]

Hey Adam, it would be good to know what the size of the shop it. Is the ceiling insulated?

I am thinking that the 4500w unit might be a little small if there is no insulation. You might actually be better to put 2 3000w units at opposite ends of the shop.

3000w Cadet at Home Depot

Do you have natural gas available? Propane?

You might want to go with a small wall mount vented gas heater as well.

The garage is 310 square feet with a 9 foot ceiling.

It is part of the house, so back wall and 1/2 of a side wall and the ceiling are insulated. Other part of side wall, entire other side wall, and front where garage door are not insulated. All are drywalled.

I have natural gas, but the piping is on the opposite corner of my breaker box. I did think about using it, but it would either mean running pipe or running electric to the opposite side of the finished garage with no attic access. Neither seems like a good choice to me.

I was thinking of centrally mounting the large electric unit.

Unless your electric rates are dirt cheap I'd recomend PROPANE or Natural gas for any type heating.

I definitely agree. However, this is not an everyday use shop. It really is just my garage that I do occasional work in, and I want to be a little more comfortable. I think electric is the best choice for me all things considered.

Thanks for your input guys. I appreciate the help. I definitely want to make the best all-around choice here.

Adam

 

[D.J.]

Electric wire for a propane heater is cheap and electricity is expensive!
________
******* DANCING

 

[Shocker]

Well, he is here in WA State and we have about the cheapest electricity in the US.

At 310 sqft, you are just under 1/2 my shop and I am using a 45k btu propane heater.

The 3000w Cadet is rated around 10k btu. You might do OK with just one. Try it, you can always add another if it's not enough.

 

[89MustangGX]

At 310 sqft, you are just under 1/2 my shop and I am using a 45k btu propane heater.

The 3000w Cadet is rated around 10k btu. You might do OK with just one. Try it, you can always add another if it's not enough.

That sort of brings me back to the original one I posted from Lowe's -- the King 4500w unit. It specs out at 15k btu. It's definitely more expensive, but I'm thinking if 10k btu "might do ok," then 15k btu should put me into the "ok" category -- which is really where I want to be. Not looking for tropical heat, just want to be more comfortable on the occasions I want to work in the garage but might put it off because of the temperature.

Thanks for the help. I'm feeling pretty good about this now. Any more thoughts?

Adam

 

[z28snksknr]

I have almost the same dilema. 2-car attached garage that is poorly insulated (walls are insulated, attic is hit and miss.

I've been using one of those radiator looking electric oil heaters with minimal results. I have a gas line in hte garage, but would prefer electric since my gas bill is already high enough for my taste.

Let me know what you decide and how it works out. If the 15k Btu unit heats your garage up to 60+, That may be good enouh for me (anything above 50 and I'm comfortable).

 

[ilateapex]

Try one of these:

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=211812-13468-KBP2406&lpage=none

I have something of similar size and design and it heats my two car garage very nice. My garage is around 460 SF and it keep the temp where I want it at around 50 to 60 with little work depending on how cold and how many doors up and down. Not sure how well the garage is insulated but the attic is hit and miss but I added some to it. I think this design works better as it can flow more air and use the heating elements better than if it was in the wall with reduced air flow. It would heat it higher if I wanted to but not doing much work in there just parking and keeping water lines from freezing. The shop is getting mini split.

Michael

 

[Stuart in MN]

Electric heat isn't necessarily a bad choice for a for a small area that isn't heated continuously - while the cost of electricity is usually higher, electric heaters are relatively cheap to purchase and install, they heat the room up quickly, and there's no open flame so you don't have to worry about carbon monoxide or explosive fumes. If you have the space I think the unit heater that hangs from the ceiling will heat the room up more quickly than the wall mount heater - unit heaters usually have bigger fans for better air circulation.

Certainly, whatever heater you choose will work better if you can insulate the outside walls and garage door. One thought would be to blow in insulation; you'd have to cut some holes in the drywall and patch them later, but that's easier than removing it altogether and starting over. I believe the big box stores usually rent the blowers for a nominal fee if you buy the insulation from them, too.

 

[ike955]

I have been considering something that is versatile. Something that I could use around the shop, the house, the camper, the patio, the car port, etc. So, in my search for heating my workshop/garage space I stumbled upon this little gem at Tractor Supply Co.

http://www.tractorsupply.com/home-improvement/heating/portable-heaters/mr-heater-big-buddy-trade-heater-2133493

 

[Stuart in MN]

Those little propane heaters are fine for what they are, but they really should only be used in a ventilated space - there will always be a concern for carbon monoxide as well as moisture buildup in the room.

 

[vintage914racer]

I have a "big buddy" reddy heater, like the one Ike posted above, in my 400sq ft, insulated garage and it works pretty well. Even when it get down to around 10 degrees I can usually get the garage up to a tolerable temperature. Sure I can't get it up to 70 degrees, but I don't mind bundling up a bit. It's also nice that it is portable so I can use it for other purposes. At $100 I think it's a pretty good value.

 

[litljay]

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

I use this in my garage when needed...and when not needed, the tank goes back to my barbecue.

 

[Scotto]

I have this guy in my garage. Picked it up last year:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=380069812518

Works fantastic for quickly heating up my attached 1 car garage. It is fully insulated though, so that helps a lot.

 

[35mastr]

I personally would insulate first then get a heater. Without the insulation you are just going to be heating the outside of your shop.

 

[jvitez]

I have a "big buddy" reddy heater, like the one Ike posted above, in my 400sq ft, insulated garage and it works pretty well. Even when it get down to around 10 degrees I can usually get the garage up to a tolerable temperature. Sure I can't get it up to 70 degrees, but I don't mind bundling up a bit. It's also nice that it is portable so I can use it for other purposes. At $100 I think it's a pretty good value.

$100? Man, we get soaked on certain items in Canada. This exact heater is $189.99 Can at Princess Auto. Sheesh.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I personally would insulate first then get a heater. Without the insulation you are just going to be heating the outside of your shop.

Any money spent on insulation is an investment.

 

[89MustangGX]

Try one of these:

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=211812-13468-KBP2406&lpage=none

I have something of similar size and design and it heats my two car garage very nice. My garage is around 460 SF and it keep the temp where I want it at around 50 to 60 with little work depending on how cold and how many doors up and down. Not sure how well the garage is insulated but the attic is hit and miss but I added some to it. I think this design works better as it can flow more air and use the heating elements better than if it was in the wall with reduced air flow. It would heat it higher if I wanted to but not doing much work in there just parking and keeping water lines from freezing. The shop is getting mini split.

Michael

Thanks for the recommendation.

I picked one of these up today. Looking over the specs, I think it is a better idea than the wall heater for me.

I haven't opened the box or anything with it yet. Can you give me some info on how you hung it and wired it? I was actually thinking I would hang it from the ceiling and maybe I would just make up a cord for it and install a receptacle in the wall (rather than hard-wire it) -- just like I am doing with my compressor. Not even sure if it's possible at this point, so I'd appreciate your experience.

Adam

 

[schultzy]

Maybe there is a way to tap into the house system and run a duct to the garage. I would cut a small hole in the drywall between the studs of your exterior walls and rent a machine from Home depot and fill the cavities with blown in insulation.

 

[jvitez]

Use a NEMA 6-30R receptacle with matching plug, commonly used for construction heaters. Max wattage would be 5760W.

 

[ilateapex]

Can you give me some info on how you hung it and wired it? I was actually thinking I would hang it from the ceiling and maybe I would just make up a cord for it and install a receptacle in the wall (rather than hard-wire it) -- just like I am doing with my compressor. Not even sure if it's possible at this point, so I'd appreciate your experience.

Adam

I would bet that there is already a plug on the heater. Mine has one that was factory installed. For hooking it up, I used a surface mount plug and mounted it above my garage panel. Cut a small hole behind where the plug would be mounted on the wall by the ceiling and ran a wire through the wall cavity to the panel. I then mounted the heater from the ceiling to a joist. make sure you leave enough room behind the heater for air flow. It should detail this in the instructions for on the heater. I used lag bolts to screw to the joist.

Good luck.

Michael

 

[Stuart in MN]

Maybe there is a way to tap into the house system and run a duct to the garage.

It's not a good idea to do this...there needs to be a fire barrier between the house and the garage, plus it's a potential path for carbon monoxide or other fumes into the house. In most cases I believe it will be a code violation.

 

[schultzy]

yes it would be a code violation. but lets look at this realisticly, it is a ONE car garage, not a full time shop. A duct from the house would allow air to flow in one direction, no return, all you want to do is keep it comfortable. Seems to be the cheap way to go.
The attached garages I had in the past were insulated and drywalled with no heat and the garage most always stayed above freezing.

 

[Titus]

I have been considering something that is versatile. Something that I could use around the shop, the house, the camper, the patio, the car port, etc. So, in my search for heating my workshop/garage space I stumbled upon this little gem at Tractor Supply Co.

http://www.tractorsupply.com/home-improvement/heating/portable-heaters/mr-heater-big-buddy-trade-heater-2133493

The wife picked me up one of these for Christmas. It wasn't what I asked for, but I am actually pleasantly surprised by it. I have a 400 sqft Metal shop with super thin insulation. I have a little $20 electric heater in there that keeps the temp from dropping below 40, but can't really do much to raise the temperature. Last night I went out to the shop while it was snowing, and cranked up the Mr Heater Big Buddy to high. Within an hour, the shop was up to 60 degrees. I dropped it to low and it kept the temperature there for another 2 hours while I worked. It supposedly has a low oxygen shut off circuit.

 

[89MustangGX]

I would bet that there is already a plug on the heater. Mine has one that was factory installed. For hooking it up, I used a surface mount plug and mounted it above my garage panel. Cut a small hole behind where the plug would be mounted on the wall by the ceiling and ran a wire through the wall cavity to the panel. I then mounted the heater from the ceiling to a joist. make sure you leave enough room behind the heater for air flow. It should detail this in the instructions for on the heater. I used lag bolts to screw to the joist.

Good luck.

Michael

I still haven't opened the box (been working on my wiring today), but I did grab the instructions online. If it already has a plug that would be ideal. I picked up L6-30 receptacles, so if it doesn't have that -- I will just change the plug on the end. I think I have the perfect spot to hang it, I'm actually really looking forward to this now.

Thanks for the input.

Adam

 

[1jjpop]

I live in central Iowa, I have a 20x24 garage with 7' walls, very well insulated [ceiling .walls & doors] on a empty lot, it has electric[240v], but no natural gas. I would like to maintain 45 degrees ,with a theromsat to get more heat. It is -6 degrees here this A.M. what would suggest to use?????

 

[Sharps]

I live in central Iowa, I have a 20x24 garage with 7' walls, very well insulated [ceiling .walls & doors] on a empty lot, it has electric[240v], but no natural gas. I would like to maintain 45 degrees ,with a theromsat to get more heat. It is -6 degrees here this A.M. what would suggest to use?????

From my experience, most forms of gas heat are much less expensive than electric resistance heaters when ambient temperatures are below 30F, obviously depending on electricity vs. gas costs in your region.

In Tennessee we have truly inexpensive electricity and it is only useful to have gas heat for about 1 month of the year. However, in some places like Texas where electricity is ridiculously expensive, bottled gas is much more practical.

I grew up with gas heat and prefer the comfort of gas over the cold wind of an electric only HVAC unit. YMMV

 

[jvitez]

I grew up with gas heat and prefer the comfort of gas over the cold wind of an electric only HVAC unit. YMMV

Interesting. Can you explain further? Are you saying a NG unit heater puts out warmer air than an electric unit heater?

I just looked up a Sterling Garage Guys heater vs Ouellet electric suspended heater, and the GG has a heat rise of 25C vs 13C for the Oullet. This would make the NG heater feel warmer, even if they both heat the garage as well. I wonder if this is common to most NG vs electric unit heaters?

 

[Sharps]

Interesting. Can you explain further? Are you saying a NG unit heater puts out warmer air than an electric unit heater?

I just looked up a Sterling Garage Guys heater vs Ouellet electric suspended heater, and the GG has a heat rise of 25C vs 13C for the Oullet. This would make the NG heater feel warmer, even if they both heat the garage as well. I wonder if this is common to most NG vs electric unit heaters?

As a child, we had gas Warm Morning Heaters in a 120 year old farm house. The house had high ceilings and to get warm I always preferred to stand near one of the active heaters. In college, the heat was provided by radiant heaters fired by the boiler in the basement. My first apartments and subsequent houses all had electric only HVAC units and I always felt cold, because there is no "spot" to get warm.

My last house and my current office and house have had gas with wood burning stoves as backups, in my current garage build, it is planned to have gas and wood as a backup as well.

Direct heat from an open flame with storage in either a masonry or metal housing is more comfortable for me, than an electric system that is constantly exchanging/moving air in a space.

YMMV

 

[D.J.]

Ok I try to explain what I am saying. In terms of most combustable fuels in order of "warm" heat. Coal, wood, fuel oil, propane gas, natural gas, electricity, etc. This is not including what I refer to as speciality heats like solar, corn, wood pellets, geo-thermal, etc. In terms of cost per BTU of output energy propane is cheaper than electricity. Also when you have a propane tank in the yard they don't charge you a delivery charge every month like natural gas companies do every month even when you are only cooking drying and heating water in the summer months. Look up the facts at askpropane.com or npga.org or aga.org etc. Hopefully I didn't open the proverbial can of worms with my statement. D.J.
________
LIST OF FORD ENGINES HISTORY

 

[Sharps]

Ok I try to explain what I am saying. In terms of most combustable fuels in order of "warm" heat. Coal, wood, fuel oil, propane gas, natural gas, electricity, etc. This is not including what I refer to as speciality heats like solar, corn, wood pellets, geo-thermal, etc. In terms of cost per BTU of output energy propane is cheaper than electricity. Also when you have a propane tank in the yard they don't charge you a delivery charge every month like natural gas companies do every month even when you are only cooking drying and heating water in the summer months. Look up the facts at askpropane.com or npga.org or aga.org etc. Hopefully I didn't open the proverbial can of worms with my statement. D.J.

You are correct the cost of heat per BTU of propane vs. electricity is cheaper.

HTH

 

[jvitez]

Cost of fuel is dramatically different depending where you live. Here is the cost comparison in Manitoba. Propane is through the roof. Almost no one uses fuel oil here anymore.

http://www.hydro.mb.ca/your_home/home_heating_comparisons.pdf?WT.mc_id=2815

 

[aben8057]

I actually use a kerosene heater at 23K BTU. This is safe for inside the house as well as the garage. I was planning on getting a propane type that goes up to 80K BTU however, I wanted something versatile enough to use indoors when I go camping.

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

 

[schultzy]

I live in central Iowa, I have a 20x24 garage with 7' walls, very well insulated [ceiling .walls & doors] on a empty lot, it has electric[240v], but no natural gas. I would like to maintain 45 degrees ,with a theromsat to get more heat. It is -6 degrees here this A.M. what would suggest to use?????

I think it all depends on how much you want to spend. If no NG than your options are propane, electric and solar.
I installed this on my southern wall, it helps, on sunny days.

http://www.motherearthnews.com/Renewable-Energy/2006-12-01/Build-a-Simple-Solar-Heater.aspx

 

[89MustangGX]

It took me a little while, but I went with one of the recommendations here and am glad I did. This little heater may use some electricity but it really heats up the garage! It hasn't been terribly cold here, but it got a little chilly and I used it a couple times. It can definitely make it uncomfortably hot in there! Glad it has a thermostat, makes it really easy to work in the garage now.

Thanks for the help everyone!

Adam

 

[KaotiK TrendZ]

anyone put a patio heater in their garage to hold over? down here in houston our winters arent that long and thinking about just putting one of these in during the winter time. heats 115sqft, and i have an oversized one car garage so i would think it would do fine, especially with the door shut. next is a wall urinal haha

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053