Help choosing garage HEAT

[dave67fd]

There is night and day differences between a "VENTED" and NON VENTED propane heater in respects to the burn properties.

If your running a NON vented heater (propane, kero etc..) without proper fresh air circulation in a closed space your an idiot.

A properly installed propane VENTED heater will introduce "0" moisture to your garage.

To the OP. Consider the price of electric and propane (or NG, the cheapest alternative) in your area as there can be vast differences in cost. If your only heating 400 sq. ft. and your average ambients are not that bad an electric will typically have cheaper preliminary costs. The long term costs will be determined by the cheaper fuel choice.

 

[Pippen]

I would also consider radiant, overhead heat.

Radiant / ceiling mounted heat works well !

My dad has on in his 60'x80' Wick machine shed.

He has really good insulation that was blown into the ceiling and the sidewalls. He has the metal inner shell on the interior of his shop and the insulation was blown between the metal inner and outer layers.
Not cheap but saves a bunch on heat !!!

He also has two large "Big ***" ceiling fans that work well to circulate the heat in the winter time and cool down the shop in the hot summer months.

 

[Papa-lf]

Ya know a fast and dirty way to warm that room is a small portable electric radiant oil heater, runs on 110 and makes no noise - warms the oil and holds the heat.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003N1BHD2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

as an example. I have one in my garage 24x24 and its just enough to take off the chill, and its safe around the grand kids.

 

[slodat]

I have two Pioneer 24,000 BTU mini split heat pumps in my shop. They were about $1100 each. Installed myself. They heat really well when outside temp is above mid 30's.

I also have four 4,000W Cadet electric heaters for when temps are too low for the heat pumps to provide any heat. This combination works well. I have 3500sq ft with some insulation.

I'm paying $0.30/KWh, so a 10Kw heater would cost $3/hr. doesn't seem like a lot, but I'm sure it would add up quick.

Wow! I pay $0.041/KWh!

 

[dshop]

check out PTAC4less.
these are reconditioned motel/hotel units that heat and cool.
I have a Carrier 12K unit from them I bought 6 years ago for $225 and it works perfectly for my 500 sq. ft. office/workshop in my shop with 10 ft. ceiling.
The unit requires 220v. service.
this is clean, instant and affordable.
I am located in NC, so I need heating and cooling and this unit fills the bill on both fronts. It is basically a heat pump scaled for smaller spaces.

 

[dshop]

update...to clarify on the 12K...
should have stated it is 12K BTU's rating for the unit. it does perform great for the purpose intended.

 

[theoldwizard1]

check out PTAC4less.
these are reconditioned motel/hotel units that heat and cool.
... It is basically a heat pump scaled for smaller spaces.

PTACs are not very efficient, but you can't argue with the price !