Direct vent heater in Minneapolis

[Snorkohl]

Hello,

First time poster, been lurking and reading for some time. I have just completed a detached shed/garage 12x16 with 8' side walls and 2x6 construction. Shed will be wired, insulated and sheet rocked for storage/workshop area.

I have an 80,000btu Hot Dawg heater in my three stall attached, and am pleased with it. This type of heater (smaller one, approx 30,000btu) seems like overkill for such a small area. I am looking at direct vent heaters made by Williams or Empire in the 14,000 to 20,000 but range. The shed/garage has an insulated 8x7 overhead door, 36" side door, and sits on a concrete slab. Any one have experience with these or recommendations?

I am located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and will be running a 1/2 Natural Gas line to the shed/garage. I would like a wall thermostat to have some more exact control on the temp. Temp will be kept constant to avoid freezing(40-50F), and may turn heat up for the occasional project in the winter.

Thank you

 

[Jackfre]

I would suggest a Rinnai EX-08 (3000-8000 btu) or EX-11 (5500-11000 btu). 2 1/2" hole for the vent, which is supplied with the heater. Set-back Thermostat built in. Quiet and cool to the touch. Min stat setting is 38*. Not cheap but nothing is better. The Wms and Empire units cannot compare.

 

[finn]

I had an Empire in my garage in Suburban Chicago. Worked ok, albeit it was an 18k model, a little small for bringing a 2 car garage to working temp in sub zero temperatures.

Quality wise I was satisfied.

 

[Adk Mike]

Pretty hard to beat a vented Rinnai. A friend has the 22,000 in his small shop. Nothing like it. Whisper quite.