Garage Heater Recommendation...

[atwnsw]

I have a 20'x20' insulated but detached garage in the NC mountains. The temp never gets higher than 85 so my focus is really on heat.
Please keep in mind that I spend the winter months in FL so this is really summer/fall for temps ranging from 30-60 degrees for relatively short periods of time (1-2 hours) when I have an oddball project. See photo of workbench below.

I want to get a portable heater and would welcome your input as I am unclear which type to consider.
Here is a link to the candidates:
1) Parabolic Heater
2) Ceramic Tower Space Heater
3) Radiant Heater
4) Portable Ceramic Space Heater

My focus is more on the type of technology/heater to buy rather than the particular model/brand.
It also could be that you recommend 2 different options that are complimentary. Given that I don't mind
spending $100-300 or more if necessary, I am open to your recommendations.
Please help me narrow the selection.
Thanks in advance.

 

[jmiller_2308]

From the choices you provided it looks like you are looking for fairly localized heat vs. heating the space.

Of the heaters you listed I only have experience with the oil filled radiator. The one benefit of the radiator is that it is likely the safest of the 4, especially if you are working with ignitable fumes. However, my experience with that type of radiator is that it works best if you leave it on to hold a steady temp rather than temporarily turning it on for a few hours.

If you would actually like to heat the whole space or at least more of your bench I'd look into a unit heater of some kind. When looking at larger heaters it will be important to consider fuel source. Electric 110 or 220 and cost of electric. Propane and natural gas are usually cheaper than electric but you may not have that in your detached garage.

 

[jmiller_2308]

@atwnsw I see woot has some "storm" infrared heaters on clearance today. I can't vouch for how they would work for you but if budget is a concern you might want to check them out.

Here is a link to one version heat storm 1500W infrared heater

Or go to the tools and garden page and scroll down to see different configurations for mounting.

 

[cvairwerks]

I put a window unit that has heat in mine. It will raise the temp from below freezing to 70 or so in about 30 minutes. I do run the ac side on occasion, when the temps pass 90 or so or the humidity goes above 80% and I need to be out there for more than a half hour or so.

 

[daws87]

Honestly given the size and the fact that it's insulated I'd just get one of those Mr. Heater Big Buddy propane heaters.

You can get them online for like $150 and either run it off those small green propane tanks or buy the hose to hook up a 20# to it.

I used one in my fully insulated garage (Minnesota) before I installed my Big Maxx and even in the middle of our frigid winters it would keep the garage very comfortable. I'd crack the main door just a little for venting purposes.

 

[HoosierBuddy]

OP....I think you're under the impression that different electric heaters are more or less efficient than other resistance electric heaters.

That is not the case. All resistance electric heaters, are essentially 100% efficient at the point of use, and will therefore produce approximately the same KWH of heat as the KWH of power they use. So you can compare the more powerful heater by looking at it's wattage.

Years ago my dad asked me to get a couple of electric heaters for his garage of similar size. I went with 2 1500 W heaters and had to put them on two separate 120V circuits to keep it from tripping a breaker. Heat output was marginal. It would heat the garage up to mid 50's but the heaters never satisfied their thermostats and never shut off. I think after he got his first electric bill with them, he shut them off and never used them again.

Part of the issue with his is the overhead door didn't fit too tight.

 

[nadogail]

I use a 5KW electric unit heater attached to the chord of a roof truss. It is on a 30 Amp 220 circuit.

 

[ching0n]

 

[kaymccampbell]

I've got a ceramic tower space heater that I keep near the bench, to warm my legs, when I'm doing desk work. When I'm active, I don't need any supplemental heat.