Heating a shop - non-permanent solution?

[kythri]

Asssuming a 25x50 shop, adequate electrical, no gas.

I want something that can heat the shop for working in winter, but I don't want a "permanent" mounted solution.

Suggestions?

I've got a kerosene torpedo heater thing, but those put out carbon monoxide, or so I've been led to believe.

 

[stricht8]

Get a monitor heater with the refillable K1 kerosene tank. You just drill a 3" hole the outside to vent it. They are plug in units.

 

[Red Green]

Any heater that is not vented to the outside will put out carbon monoxide. You can get a CO monitor. Depending on how well your shop is sealed up you could run a torpedo without any problems.

 

[Scout Driver]

Get a monitor heater with the refillable K1 kerosene tank. You just drill a 3" hole the outside to vent it. They are plug in units.

Any heater that is not vented to the outside will put out carbon monoxide. You can get a CO monitor. Depending on how well your shop is sealed up you could run a torpedo without any problems.

They are correct. Burn clean kerosene! People that burn diesel or home heating fuel in Knipco style heaters have tons of fumes and stink.

Scott

 

[Amitygravel]

The radiant heaters that mount on 20lb propane bottles work well too. If you have one with double elements you can run just one side to save fuel. They just make minor noise , but you do have to provide for ventilation like the other fuel burning heaters.

 

[tonydanzah]

trash can heater and a 100lbs tank

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000C6E2Z/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[mrholeshot]

Asssuming a 25x50 shop, adequate electrical, no gas.

I want something that can heat the shop for working in winter, but I don't want a "permanent" mounted solution.

Suggestions?

I've got a kerosene torpedo heater thing, but those put out carbon monoxide, or so I've been led to believe.

I bought an old air handler from and A/C repair for 50 dollars. They have emergency heat strips and will flat put out the heat. I wired it up put it on a pedisatal so I could put a filter under it and put a 90 degree outlet on top. It will heat my 26X28 from 32 degrees to 60 in about 15 minutes and I have air leaks all over. Very cheap solution. Far right in photo

 

[boro_boy70]

trash can heater and a 100lbs tank

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000C6E2Z/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Never heard one called a trash can heater, but these are excellent.

Unless your garage is super airtight it shouldn't be a problem, if your really worried, just crack open a window or door. One of these will keep it warm even with a window partly open

 

[kythri]

Any heater that is not vented to the outside will put out carbon monoxide.

Except for electrical...

The Monitor jobs look nice, but aren't cheap.

Perhaps I should qualify my query - what are my options for under $500 that don't require modifications (such as drilling a large hole)?

Is there an electrical solution that would be reasonably decent? I'm not looking to heat the place for daily use during the winter, just weekends, so I'm not horribly worried about electrical cost during these months.

 

[djb2]

Much depends on the outside temperatures, insulation, air leaks and installation constraints.

If you have enough electric power available, that is usually the cheapest temporary option. Propane is a close second, especially since it's the least likely fuel to produce CO or smoke, thus reducing the requirement for ventilation and multiple CO monitors.

With any heat source, radiant heaters are often the best choice. They will let you feel warm immediately, without needing to heat everything in the room first. This can save on the heating cost if you'll be in the shop for only a few hours. You can point them in the area you will be working without creating too much of a draft, and save heating up everything to a comfortable temperature.

 

[Packard V8]

I bought an old air handler from and A/C repair for 50 dollars. They have emergency heat strips and will flat put out the heat. I wired it up put it on a pedisatal so I could put a filter under it and put a 90 degree outlet on top. It will heat my 26X28 from 32 degrees to 60 in about 15 minutes and I have air leaks all over. Very cheap solution.

Yes, very inexpensive to acquire. Often can get them free for hauling away. However, electrical resistance heat is usually by far the most expensive to operate.

jack vines

 

[Homoudont]

The radiant heaters that mount on 20lb propane bottles work well too. If you have one with double elements you can run just one side to save fuel. They just make minor noise , but you do have to provide for ventilation like the other fuel burning heaters.

This is what I used when I was in PA.. Ran this on my propane tank, cracked a window and dressed in Walmart's version of under armor, a nice under armor hat and some gloves. It was good enough for me.

 

[Fastback]

I think a craigslist electric furnace is going to be the cheap way out....

The most efficient way out is a VAL-6.
(Not $500)

 

[canuckian]

i have an insulated 24x24 shop and I simply use a 4800w 220v fan/element construction heater. heats up pretty quick and cost me around $60. Maybe take 2 of them to heat your shop but if it's only for a couple hours a day, it wouldn't cost much to run.

 

[mrholeshot]

Yes, very inexpensive to acquire. Often can get them free for hauling away. However, electrical resistance heat is usually by far the most expensive to operate.

jack vines

I only use it a few hours at most during the coldest winter days. If I can keep the temp at 55-60 degrees it's perfect for working. As soon as the suns up hitting that metal building it heats up on it's own to working temp. I have a few of the torpedo heaters and running one of those cost me 4 dollars an hour. This cost me about 50 cents an hour

 

[superjet]

What is your price range? Do you have 220?