Heater type?

[Overhaulin63]

I've got a two car garage with insulation above the ceiling but everyone tells me to run a different type of heater as you can imagine it can be a little confusing for someone new to this topic. I have electric and can run natural gas but I don't know enough of the pros and cons about each type of heating source to make the best decision. I live in Ohio and its 19 degrees outside right now so I am sure you can understand the reason to add a little heat.



Thanks in advance for any advice and Merry Christmas!

 

[bottom feeder]

You're already way ahead of the game by having an insulated ceiling, which helps tremendously. How often to you plan to use the heater? If it's only occasionally and you have access to 240V power you may want to consider electric heat. It has the benefit of not having to deal with the hassles of drilling holes in your wall or ceiling for exhaust, doesn't introduce a bunch of humidity like the portable "torpedo" gas heaters, and it works pretty well. I went with a 5000 watt Fahrenheat FUH54 unit, but there are many manufacturers to choose from, and you can get a nice one for $250 bucks or so. I only turn it on when I plan on being out there, and therefore it takes a while to drag the temperature of my attached 2 car garage (with insulated ceiling) up to a comfortable level. It's very quiet too.

If you're going to be out there a lot you may want to consider a natural gas unit (assuming that gas is cheaper in your area than electric; it usually is). Since I have no experience with these I'll let others comment on them.

Hope this helps. Merry Christmas!

 

[Overhaulin63]

I agree with you, electric sounds like the best solution since I will not be out there everyday but can surely can warm it up in advance when I need it without drilling vent holes through the walls or running gas lines for fuel.

Great suggestion, thanks again!

 

[theoldwizard1]

If you're going to be out there a lot you may want to consider a natural gas unit (assuming that gas is cheaper in your area than electric; it usually is). !

I have never heard of a place where it is cheaper to heat with electricity than with gas ! Buying a heater, running the gas pipe and chimney is not cheap.

A small 120V heater will burn your ankles while the rest of you is still freezing.

For intermittent use, a portable propane heater works well, but if you use it for long periods you will get a lot of moisture.

If you want to heat the whole place you will need something like this.

You can buy the propane version, hook it up to a 100 lb bottle and be good to go. Best of all you can easily convert it to natural gas later. This unit DOES require a metal flue/chimney.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I agree with you, electric sounds like the best solution since I will not be out there everyday but can surely can warm it up in advance when I need it without drilling vent holes through the walls or running gas lines for fuel.

Great suggestion, thanks again!

Just remember, that unit require 240V and dedicated wiring for a 30A circuit.

 

[compressornew]

I agree with you, electric sounds like the best solution since I will not be out there everyday but can surely can warm it up in advance when I need it without drilling vent holes through the walls or running gas lines for fuel.

Great suggestion, thanks again!

I agree too with his suggestions

 

[Ross/Kzoo]

I have never heard of a place where it is cheaper to heat with electricity than with gas ! Buying a heater, running the gas pipe and chimney is not cheap.

.

It USED to be that in the Pacific NW that the electric was very cheap. I don't know where it stands now. I wouldn't doubt now for most people the electric would be 2-3 times the cost per BTU.