Garage heater

[FigureItOut]

I searched through a few threads but didn't really find what I was looking for. I've got a small 1.5 car garage and want to be able to work in there a little more comfortably this winter. I'm wondering what style might be most appropriate for me, and specifics if there's one that's the best.

I think the important info is the size, 1.5 car attached, I may often need to work with the door open, I don't have 220, and I do have several 50 pound propane tanks already. I work at my home garage but also work mobile very often, so portable would be very nice. When I work mobile it could be anywhere from a full blown shop, to a garage or even a driveway.

Is there a good solution for me in the $50-$350 range? I'm thinking for mobile there may not be much that's very effective, but maybe there is. I've got a Bosch heated jacket on my Christmas list, so I'll have that.

 

[gregtwojeeps]

I searched through a few threads but didn't really find what I was looking for. I've got a small 1.5 car garage and want to be able to work in there a little more comfortably this winter. I'm wondering what style might be most appropriate for me, and specifics if there's one that's the best.

I think the important info is the size, 1.5 car attached, I may often need to work with the door open, I don't have 220, and I do have several 50 pound propane tanks already. I work at my home garage but also work mobile very often, so portable would be very nice. When I work mobile it could be anywhere from a full blown shop, to a garage or even a driveway.

Is there a good solution for me in the $50-$350 range? I'm thinking for mobile there may not be much that's very effective, but maybe there is. I've got a Bosch heated jacket on my Christmas list, so I'll have that.

The Heat/AC forum will be a big help to you. Here is what I use for my one car to knock the cold out then I shut it off. You have to be aware of the CO poisoning from it and the humidity it puts out.

 

[ForceFed70]

There are ventless heaters you could use. The one pictured isn't actually certified for indoor use so I'd only use it in drafty buildings or with the window cracked.

Ventless have some big problems tho - they make for bad air quality and throw a LOT of moisture into the air. Did you know that burning 2lbs of propane releases 3lbs of water into the air? Condensation and rusty tools quickly become a problem.

With 1.5 car garage you could probably get away with a 120V electric heater if the garage is insulated. It won't heat the area quickly tho. I'd recommend a radiant style that you can "aim" in the area you are working in.

 

[nine4gmc]

I have the same setup as above, my shop is 30x30 so it doesn't warm the shop but it will warm my work area enough to be comfortable I guess. I would like to find a deal on a torpedo but it'll probably be spring or summer before they are cheap again.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

Propane heaters like the one shown work well but the heat doesn't travel too far from it. On a cold day even a minute or two in front of one every so often helps a lot. You can get them with multiple burners for more BTUs. Probably won't really heat a garage with the door open but in AR how cold does it get?.

In my barn I use a kerosene torpedo type heater. It's loud and puts out a lot of odor and oily fumes (especially since I burn diesel in it). It puts out a lot of heat. When the temperature is near zero I can warm up my 30x40 barn to sweatshirt temps in about 15-20 minutes.

 

[FigureItOut]

I've noticed no-one has mentioned forced air propane heaters. I was looking at a lightly used 55,000 BTU Reddyheater for $100.

 

[ForceFed70]

I've noticed no-one has mentioned forced air propane heaters. I was looking at a lightly used 55,000 BTU Reddyheater for $100.

An example of a ventless heater.

Aside from the drawbacks I listed above, this style has additional drawback of being quite noisy.

I really like a radiant style heater. They are reasonably quiet and can make a small area feel warm almost instantly while heating the building at the same time. A radiant heater can be used outdoors for this same reason. A torpedo heater (forced or not) is only useful indoors and you must wait until the whole building is warm before your work area feels warm. A lot depends on how you plan to use the heater I guess.

 

[FigureItOut]

An example of a ventless heater.

Aside from the drawbacks I listed above, this style has additional drawback of being quite noisy.

I really like a radiant style heater. They are reasonably quiet and can make a small area feel warm almost instantly while heating the building at the same time. A radiant heater can be used outdoors for this same reason. A torpedo heater (forced or not) is only useful indoors and you must wait until the whole building is warm before your work area feels warm. A lot depends on how you plan to use the heater I guess.

Gotcha, that's kinda why I'm asking. I wasn't sure about the different styles and sub-styles. Can you give me an example of the radiant type heater you're speaking of? All I can picture is the old style installed heaters, but I'm sure I've seen what you're talking about.

 

[bry@n]

I have a ventless NG heater and condensation is an issue. I've been thinking about going to something vented or even an electric heater for when I'm in there.

 

[ForceFed70]

Gotcha, that's kinda why I'm asking. I wasn't sure about the different styles and sub-styles. Can you give me an example of the radiant type heater you're speaking of? All I can picture is the old style installed heaters, but I'm sure I've seen what you're talking about.

You probably have. In general - if the heater has a metal mesh that glows red when lit then it's a radiant (AKA Infra Red) heater. The picture that gregtwojeeps posted is a great example of a radiant heater - just that those particular heaters say "do not use indoors" all over them as they do not have a low oxygen automatic shutoff safety system.

Here's a link to another example that is better suited for indoor use: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mr-Heater-30-000-BTU-Propane-Gas-Radiant-Vent-Free-Heater-/231615009266

 

[FigureItOut]

You probably have. In general - if the heater has a metal mesh that glows red when lit then it's a radiant (AKA Infra Red) heater. The picture that gregtwojeeps posted is a great example of a radiant heater - just that those particular heaters say "do not use indoors" all over them as they do not have a low oxygen automatic shutoff safety system.

Here's a link to another example that is better suited for indoor use: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mr-Heater-30-000-BTU-Propane-Gas-Radiant-Vent-Free-Heater-/231615009266

Okay, so I'm a bit confused. The description in that link says vent-free, but you mention it after talking about the drawbacks of ventless heaters. Is ventless and vent-free not the same in this context? Forgive my ignorance on this one, I've just never really looked into these before. Perhaps I should have browsed through the heating and A.C. sub-forum.

 

[CNGsaves]

OP . . .. a 55K Btu heater in 1.5 car garage is going to fry you (hot, HOT, damn Hot) and only run in spurts.

Better solution (since you also want mobile) is Mr Heater Big Buddy 18K Btu heater that can run on either 1 lb small propane bottles, or add hose and run on 20 lb BBQ bottles of LPG/propane or larger like 40 lb/100 lb.

Big Buddy heater has low oxygen sensor to shut itself off, plus tip-over protection. I've used in small confined space of camper while hunting and 3 settings of heat is very handy. Crank to high for few minutes to warm up space, then back down to medium or low.

Don't use the risky burners that go right on top of BBQ tank like Greg has shown above. Those can kill you with carbon monoxide if you don't have proper ventilation.

Northern Tool has very good price on Big Buddy right now of $119 plus get a $10 card when buying over $100 - - - - also look at www.retailmenot.com to get more Northern Tool discounts.
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200307957_200307957

 

[ForceFed70]

Okay, so I'm a bit confused. The description in that link says vent-free, but you mention it after talking about the drawbacks of ventless heaters. Is ventless and vent-free not the same in this context? Forgive my ignorance on this one, I've just never really looked into these before. Perhaps I should have browsed through the heating and A.C. sub-forum.

Lol. Sorry, I'll take a step back.

Yes - ventless/vent-free *****. But it's your only option for a portable heater. To install a vent means installing a metal exhaust vent (chimney) which means a fair amount of work, permits, etc. I had assumed that installing a vent and going with a fixed heater was not an option for you. It is the best solution tho.

Assuming you must use a ventless heater, I believe radiant heaters to be the best type.

 

[coljar]

Do you have natual gas available at your house? A NG heat source in your garage would be cheaper to operate than propane. (At least it is here.) You can use a propane set up for out on the job away from the garage.

 

[FigureItOut]

Lol. Sorry, I'll take a step back.

Yes - ventless/vent-free *****. But it's your only option for a portable heater. To install a vent means installing a metal exhaust vent (chimney) which means a fair amount of work, permits, etc. I had assumed that installing a vent and going with a fixed heater was not an option for you. It is the best solution tho.

Assuming you must use a ventless heater, I believe radiant heaters to be the best type.

Got it now, thank you. Looks like radiant style ventless will be the jumping off point for further research. I like the look of the one CNGsaves linked too, but probably want something bigger.
Thanks guys, that's why I come here sometimes, I can get hours of research broken down real quick into an effective solution.

 

[sz0k30]

My buddy picked up 1 of these last fall. Used it in his high ceiling, 2 car attached garage and loved it.


http://www.lowes.com/pd_689351-51644-F228100_1z0zq53__?productId=999918370&pl=1

 

[FigureItOut]

Do you have natual gas available at your house? A NG heat source in your garage would be cheaper to operate than propane. (At least it is here.) You can use a propane set up for out on the job away from the garage.

I wish I did have NG. A part of my dream backup power system would include a tri-fuel genny. I actually get propane pretty cheap though, I have bigger tanks and get them filled at a couple RV shops at their cost, depending on who's around. The techs like me because I often have something they need or can help when they're stuck on an electrical problem.

 

[BPJOOP93]

Used home furnace. Cheap! Do NOT get a high efficiency they don't last because of the way the burners are positioned. I have a used 100k btu in my 24x36. It's great. Free from a friend that does h vac.

 

[fsae0607]

If there's a Costco by you, they usually sell radiant heaters around this time of year. I have one for my 2-car and it works great when you aim it at you. Instant warmth!!

http://www.costco.com/.product.1001...P&cm_vc=itempageSeoHorizontal|MultiItemViewCP

 

[djarvas]

I've got a direct-vent William's garage furnace and I love it. No fear of an open flame (its all containted) and no extra moisture into the garage. I do wish it had an electronic ignition though.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Williams...-Cabinet-Mounted-Thermostat-3003622/100084617

 

[Daniel Dudley]

I have an Empire direct vent heater in the studio that I bought used. This is the way to go.

I have a Fahrenheat 220 volt garage heater in my garage, and it is super. Worth wiring 220 IMO. It would be a thirty amp line.

I HATE non vented heaters. Won't use them anymore.

 

[dlcwent]

Although I don't care much for this heater, I used one years ago and it worked very well to heat a 14x35 with 20' ceilings. Northern Tool has a 200000 btu propane for $120.00
Very portable. You will need earmuffs to work around this thing. It's very loud.

 

[Outlander]

The Heat/AC forum will be a big help to you. Here is what I use for my one car to knock the cold out then I shut it off. You have to be aware of the CO poisoning from it and the humidity it puts out.

This is what I used, I move it around frequently depending on what I am doing, and where I am in the Can-Am garage. I even place it in front of a floor fan on occasion. Yes, I keep the door open a crack and the garage is pretty drafty and not insulated.

Location in respondent's profiles is important in this case. The person posting on heaters from California may have different needs and results than myself in Canada (the land of eternal ice & snow)!

 

[Autorotica]

If there's a Costco by you, they usually sell radiant heaters around this time of year. I have one for my 2-car and it works great when you aim it at you. Instant warmth!!

http://www.costco.com/.product.1001...P&cm_vc=itempageSeoHorizontal|MultiItemViewCP

I have the Costco heater and it works great but like most heaters if you are too close in front of it, its too much, if your 10' away its not enough . Our cats love it and I am surprised they dont burst into flames in front of it...

I have found this HF heater to be much more friendly... http://www.harborfreight.com/400900-watt-oscillating-parabolic-heater-62313.html

Its 1/2 to 2/3 the current draw of the Costco unit and the HF unit I have had INSIDE a car with me and didnt set myself or anything else on fire. The HF unit heats like a Quartz light so you get a ton of light from it too. The Costco unit is a resistance wire heater.

Chris

 

[FigureItOut]

This thread probably isn't worth resurrecting, but since people took the time to advise I figured I'd update. I got the Mr. Heater Big Buddy, on sale at Tractor Supply for $100. I think it'll be good for the garage with a big tank and mobile with the 1 pounders. I got the 12 foot hose with regulator, the A.C. adapter, and a fitting to refill the one pound tanks from a big one. I think I'll modify the battery compartment a bit to accept a nice 6 Volt lithium-ion battery.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337Z using Tapatalk

 

[ryolse]

If it's worth it to you or the next guy that comes across this thread, I use to use a model similar to the Dyna-Glo RMC-LPC200DG in my old garage which was a very roomy 2 car. It did a great job at heating the place up very quickly and I often wore jeans and a t-shirt when it was 20 and below outside. I often found myself keeping it on low and then had a 20" box fan in the rafters to blow the warm air back down into the space. The downside was I kept having to refill tanks after every 16 or so hours of use depending on the Outside air temp but it would give you the portability you wanted. I also had a tank mounted heater but stopped using it after a month because it didn't do much.

Then our new house came with a (Reznor UDAP30) and I haven't used the other one since nor would I want anything else in the future. It works great in my very compact 2 gar garage, just set it and forget it.

However, like I said I often found myself forgetting to turn it off so I did end up adding a 12 hour timer in series with the cheap thermostat because the garage typically retains heat very well in the winter months and wouldn't cycle often.

 

[LX-Markham]

Did you know that burning 2lbs of propane releases 3lbs of water into the air?

wait, what? how does that work?

edit: nevermind, forgot how heavy oxygen is

C3H8 + 5 O2 → 3 CO2 + 4 H2O + heat