I am in mkt for hydronic garage heaters in 30-40k btu range. I am looking at Modine, Beacon-Morris, and Reznor. Can anyone give any reviews, comments, preferences. They are all very good heaters but not sure which to go with.... anything would help. Thanks
Hydronic Garage Heaters
- Thread starter Mfbruno
- Start date
KenB
Well-known member
Mfbruno, as far as I can tell, the manufacturers you mention make hydronic "unit heaters" that use fans to blow air through a radiator heated by hot water or steam from an external source, such as a water heater or boiler. Is this the type of system you are planning? Where are you located? What does your design look like?
Ken
Ken
n20junkie
Well-known member
I tapped into my houses oversized boiler (83k btu Dunkirk unit in a 1,200 sqft house) and added a modine hsb63 in my insulated 500sqft garage. I could not be happier. I chose to use a contactor that allowed my thermostat to control the fan instead of a aquastat, not sure if it was worth the extra effort.
I will say that the ratings for the units are indeed the real ratings. That thing cranks out heat! The fan is powerful but not too loud, i like it. For it's size, it was the right choice indeed. Perfect for what i do.
It was $550 for the unit shipped and with the zone valve and 80 ft of 3/4 copper it ended up costing around $1,000 for the total install.
Pardon my mess, I am finishing the entire garage area, its a mess.
From the farthest corner of the garage to give perspective, the unit is less that 2ft x 2ft sq
It tucks in the corner nicely, and gets great airflow still. The plate above the unit is screwed into the ceiling joist and the threaded rods have were stuck threw holes in the blue plate, and nuts welded on the back side, there is pockets drilled behind the plate for the nuts to freely spin, so i picked the unit up, and just twisted the rods into it. Very easy install.
I will say that the ratings for the units are indeed the real ratings. That thing cranks out heat! The fan is powerful but not too loud, i like it. For it's size, it was the right choice indeed. Perfect for what i do.
It was $550 for the unit shipped and with the zone valve and 80 ft of 3/4 copper it ended up costing around $1,000 for the total install.
Pardon my mess, I am finishing the entire garage area, its a mess.
From the farthest corner of the garage to give perspective, the unit is less that 2ft x 2ft sq
It tucks in the corner nicely, and gets great airflow still. The plate above the unit is screwed into the ceiling joist and the threaded rods have were stuck threw holes in the blue plate, and nuts welded on the back side, there is pockets drilled behind the plate for the nuts to freely spin, so i picked the unit up, and just twisted the rods into it. Very easy install.
Last edited:
littletoes
Well-known member
Isolation valves, air vents on the high spots, drains on the low spots. Follow directions that come with it, supply in the bottom, return out the top, opposite for steam! 
Don't forget a balancing valve!
Don't forget a balancing valve!
roverguy
Member
HI Mfbruno:
I am looking to do exactly the same thing. We just had a high efficiency oil burner installed in our garage 2 years ago. We have enough btu's for an extra zone.
My plumber said the Modine runs about $800 + $600 +/- to install.
He said I can buy the heater and hang it and he will plumb & wire.
Where did you buy your heater?
Thanks
I am looking to do exactly the same thing. We just had a high efficiency oil burner installed in our garage 2 years ago. We have enough btu's for an extra zone.
My plumber said the Modine runs about $800 + $600 +/- to install.
He said I can buy the heater and hang it and he will plumb & wire.
Where did you buy your heater?
Thanks
Marty V
New member
Roverguy,
Try Grainger or Johnstone Supply. That is where I get anything heating related.
IMO, if one has a boiler in the house presently and wants to heat the garage this approach of a hot water unit heater is ABSOLUTELY the best, safest and most economical way to heat the garage. But, as stated, make sure you get a thermostat to control that heater separately. I have one and it works like a champ.
Hope this helps.
Minnesota Marty
Try Grainger or Johnstone Supply. That is where I get anything heating related.
IMO, if one has a boiler in the house presently and wants to heat the garage this approach of a hot water unit heater is ABSOLUTELY the best, safest and most economical way to heat the garage. But, as stated, make sure you get a thermostat to control that heater separately. I have one and it works like a champ.
Hope this helps.
Minnesota Marty