Choosing the right heater

[jeepmann]

I am finally ready to buy a heater for my garage. I have a natural gas source in the garage already. I just can't decide which way to go. The garage is 20x20 attached with osb walls and ceiling and only a 8' ceiling. I really don't like what I have read about the ventless heaters but due to my low ceiling I don't know what my other options are. I was looking at the Mr Heater Big Maxx but it requires 8' below for clearance. Any other options anyone would suggest?

 

[HoosierBuddy]

The modine power vented units only call for 7-feet of clearance or "protection from moving parts"


Phil

 

[finn]

In my last house, I installed a wall-hung natural gas Sterling unit that vented through the wall with a concentric vent.

Just make sure it is at least 18" off the floor.

 

[manwithtools]

I cant say how they all work, but I had a vent less LP wall heater in my shop until this heating season. I'm changing to electric infrared. The vent-less caused the paint in the area of the shop to discolor. Also it introduces moisture so I had to run a dehumidifier. This was in a 22 x 24 shop with 9 foot ceilings fully insulated and dry walled. I would have like a vented unit, but other remodeling necessitated the elimination of the LP line to this area leaving me with electric as the easiest alternative. Fortunately electricity here is reasonable and heating days are minimal.

 

[600SL]

I'm trying to decide between forced air and radiant. The radiant doesn't require a vent.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200577749_200577749


http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200455657_200455657

 

[jeepmann]

I'm trying to decide between forced air and radiant. The radiant doesn't require a vent.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200577749_200577749


http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200455657_200455657

I would like to go radiant but they require too much clearance. The one you posted needs to be 14' from the finished floor.

 

[CNGsaves]

Just get a hanging NG heater that are horizontal and only need 1" clearance.

Sterling Garage Guy, Reznor, Modine Hot Dawg, Mr Heater Big Maxx, Beacon Morris, etc.

Depending on your insulation levels, you could get by with 30K Btu heater, or at most 45K or 50K Btu.

 

[onewheat]

I would like to go radiant but they require too much clearance. The one you posted needs to be 14' from the finished floor.

And 6' from anything combustible above it - so you need a 20' ceiling minimum, if I am reading that correctly.

 

[dfiler2]

Any unvented heater will add a lot of moisture,

"When we burn a hydrocarbon fuel, such as natural gas or propane, the fuel reacts with oxygen producing heat and two primary combustion products: water vapor and carbon dioxide."

Full article here. http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/blogs/dept/energy-solutions/avoid-unvented-gas-heaters

 

[AldeanFan]

I have the mr heater big max in my 20x20 and it's the best investment I've ever made in the garage.

If you've got natural gas a hanging furnace is the clear winner. Find one that fits your specs and go for it!