Help me to decide on a heater

[bobs4092]

My head is starting to spin looking at all the options. LOL

I have a 28 X 26 garage. One bay has a loft floor at about 7' and the other side is a gable roof that goes about 14' at it's highest. (built that way to install a lift this spring)

I'm only interested in heating this when I'm in there which would be about 7-8 days out a month??? Average winter temps are 20-35 degrees here in Pa.

I am fairly certain that I want to go with propane and buy my own 100# cylinder that I will take to get refilled when needed. That way, I don't pay extra for delivery, etc. I called a place today and estimate it would cost about $71 to fill it at todays price. ($3.11 per gallon)

Now, what size and type of heater do I go with?

I have found a portable 30-55,000 BTU Mr. heater for $119, portable 75-125,000 BTU Mr. heater for $169, a wall mounted Big Max 45,000 BTU for $389 or a Big Maxx 75,000 BTU for $449. Or is there something better than these?

What are the pro's and con's of using the portable units compared to the wall mounted type? I see a big difference in price but I'm sure there is more to it than that...

Will the wall units run ok on a 100# cylinder or do they consume more fuel?


Appreciate any tips or leads on the best set up.


Thanks,


Bob

 

[Red Green]

Do you allready have a non mobile propane tank at your home? I found it was more affordable to have a second tank installed with delivery service for my shop than to buy the small tank and take it to be filled. I used an old mobile home furnace in my shop.

 

[Dave Carney]

I am fairly certain that I want to go with propane and buy my own 100# cylinder that I will take to get refilled when needed. That way, I don't pay extra for delivery, etc. I called a place today and estimate it would cost about $71 to fill it at todays price. ($3.11 per gallon)

Look at this again. There's no way that will be the cheaper way to go in the long term, nor will it be as convenient. 500 gallon tank on a lease and have your gas delivered.....that's your best bet. $1.86 a gallon last month.

 

[deadwood_den]

How well insulated ?
Have you concider kerocene salamander?, this would heat up your building alot faster,you can get a thermostat also, the smell is not bad unless you let'em run out of fuel

 

[bobs4092]

Thanks guys. I'll have to see what it will cost for a rented tank and delivery service. Not sure if I can go that way without having to purchase ALOT of propane on a regular basis.


I was considering a kerosene type heater but after researching them on this site, I found out that they are noisy, stinky and put alot of moisture into the air. (as well as CO's) Not what I want for my antique Chevys. (or me) In addition, kerosene is quite expensive around here. (what isn't these days though)

 

[Dave Carney]

I don't think you'll find that you "have to" purchase alot of propane. A typical tank lease around here is $5 a month. Delivery is included in the price of the propane. A 500 gallon tank will only be filled to 350 to 400 gallons anyway. For heating our home and garage I buy an average of a tank and a half per year. The only minimums are, that you get the best price by buying at least 200 gallons at a time.

 

[Pure Oil]

Check into one of those motel units that mount under the window that are a combination A/C & Heater. Quick heat or cooling when and as needed.....