Inexpensive Garage Heater

[bmwohio]

I have a two car garage, and I am DIY'er on the weekends, and Ohio winters are not nice to us sometimes. My garage has drywall, but no rooms above the garage.

I am looking for preferably an electric heater for under $100. I would consider kerosene, but do these heaters put out any fumes in an enclosed non ventilated space?

Thanks in advance for any help on this

 

[drummingpariah]

I just asked a similar question, and got a unanimous "kerosene heater" reply. You just need to make sure you have clearance for flammable materials and adequate airflow (so you and the flame can both breathe healthily).

 

[LIVELY]

garage insulated good? i bought a new[ old stock motel heater/air conditioning combo] on CL last year for my 26 by 24 garage and it works great
i gave $ 150.00 for it in the box
it is electric but it does a great job

 

[djd99]

I just asked a similar question, and got a unanimous "kerosene heater" reply. You just need to make sure you have clearance for flammable materials and adequate airflow (so you and the flame can both breathe healthily).

I use a kerosene heater and hate it, it stinks period. I use mine to take the chill off, I put my forced air furnace on 60 and use the ready heater in my hoist room to make it more comfy to work. Last Saturday I was using it all day and got real light headed that evening. Had to walk outside quick before I passed out. Did I mention it stinks!

If you want good clean heat here's some good options.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_595_595

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200307959_200307959

 

[Berserker]

Ohio winters are not nice to us sometimes. :

Thats so cute.

 

[bmwohio]

I just asked a similar question, and got a unanimous "kerosene heater" reply. You just need to make sure you have clearance for flammable materials and adequate airflow (so you and the flame can both breathe healthily).

Can you post the link to your thread. I tried a search and couldn't find anything

garage insulated good? i bought a new[ old stock motel heater/air conditioning combo] on CL last year for my 26 by 24 garage and it works great
i gave $ 150.00 for it in the box
it is electric but it does a great job

insulated drywall, but no insualtion in the attic above....I was debating adding some R30 myself

I use a kerosene heater and hate it, it stinks period. I use mine to take the chill off, I put my forced air furnace on 60 and use the ready heater in my hoist room to make it more comfy to work. Last Saturday I was using it all day and got real light headed that evening. Had to walk outside quick before I passed out. Did I mention it stinks!

If you want good clean heat here's some good options.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_595_595

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200307959_200307959

Did I mention I was trying to stay around $100

Thats so cute.

I know, I know, I grew up in Chicago, Ohio winters are nothing.....it's my friends that come over, and so I don't have to wear 5 layers while I'm working on the car

 

[kywildcat]

garage insulated good? i bought a new[ old stock motel heater/air conditioning combo] on CL last year for my 26 by 24 garage and it works great
i gave $ 150.00 for it in the box
it is electric but it does a great job

I'd love to have one of these.......I've been looking but can't find one!!!

 

[pman1505]

My brother got a propane heater its like item#173607 in northern tool website it works awsome. His came from Farm and Fleet. Also seen them at Minards.

 

[fr0mastaj]

I am on the same boat as you... not a real shop, but would like some warmth when occasionally working in there... Subscribing in hopes of some good suggestions.

 

[rickairmedic]

I guess I need to just keep a link to this in my Favorites since I seem to post it daily here lately . My garage is 21X28X9.5' and this little Dayton ( although somewhat above your stated range ) will more than do the job , wont stink and wont kill you from carbon monoxide .

http://www.drillspot.com/products/51637/Dayton_3VU36_Heater


Rick

 

[Gary S]

Northern Tool has electric heaters in the price range you are looking for.
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200362121_200362121

 

[LIVELY]

I'd love to have one of these.......I've been looking but can't find one!!!

you might check with some demolition co. or hotel builders in your area--alot of these get took out and replaced with HIGH EFFICIENCY units--mine was about 15 years old but still in the box---i really like it and no fumes and very quiet

i have 6 inch insulation in the walls and 12 inches in the attic space[ by the way i got it all used out of i garage i tore down and built a new one for a man] same place my 80 gallon craftsman compressor/ body tools/ and 7 x 10 trailer came from--we did some trading on some extras he wanted done

 

[John in OH]

For a 2 car garage that is reasonably "tight", a kerosene heater works fine. I use an upright convection style ... a Toyostove, if I recall correctly. Does it stink? Not really, although there is a scent of kerosene when it is operating. I will agree that if the flame is not adjusted properly or if you let it run out of fuel then it will smoke and then it does really stink! Or if you don't use top grade kerosene it will smell worse, but I use good grade fuel and if I properly adjust the flame I can work out there all day with no ill effects. However, some folks may be more sensitive than others to the scent. They are also pretty economical as it will burn for 12 hrs or more and use only 1 to 1.5 gal of kerosene at about $3.70/gal.

The downside is it takes 1 to 2 hours to warm up the garage (from 40 F to 55-60F). I sometimes use a small oscillating desk fan to circulate the air and that seems to help warm the air faster. Or if I'm in a hurry to warm up the garage I also fire up a small 120v electric heater (about 1300w) ... it is what is usually called a "milk house" style heater. After about an 30-45 min. I usually shut off the electric heater and the kerosene heater carries on from there. Often by the time I shut off the kerosene heater in the evening the garage is up to +70F.

I have heard some folks say that they have used a kerosene heater in their house during power outages and have had no problems ... but I've never done that myself.

 

[Jack Olsen]

I got the Mr Heater MH18B Portable "Big Buddy" Heater from Amazon. It was $110, and heats my uninsulated garage great.

The caveat: I live in Southern California. So, for reference: it's an 18,000 BTU heater.

 

[rickairmedic]

I got the Mr Heater MH18B Portable "Big Buddy" Heater from Amazon. It was $110, and heats my uninsulated garage great.

The caveat: I live in Southern California. So, for reference: it's an 18,000 BTU heater.

Jack didnt I see a post here yesterday that it was 82* in LA . How hot are ya tryin to get that garage 90-95* .


Rick

 

[Aspen RT]

I use a kerosene heater and hate it, it stinks period. I use mine to take the chill off, I put my forced air furnace on 60 and use the ready heater in my hoist room to make it more comfy to work. Last Saturday I was using it all day and got real light headed that evening. Had to walk outside quick before I passed out. Did I mention it stinks!

I agree... I had been using a forced air kerosene heater for years, but last time I used it, it really stunk up the garage and everything in it, including me. I went to the local Tractor Supply and got a Master brand propane heater(50,000 BTU) and I love it! It was only 99.00.

 

[LIVELY]

main trouble with ALOT of propane/ kerosene heaters--people put them on the floor/ work on something with fuel involved and open flame--BANG-BOOM
I FIXED ALOT OF BURN OUT GARAGES AND HOUSES
it is just a thought

 

[V-10 Killer]

Another possibility depending on how much floor space you want to give up. I used a downdraft house furnace out of a manufactured home (I actually traded an old refrigerator for mine). Very easy to duct, and can occasionally be found cheap.

 

[Berserker]

I know, I know, I grew up in Chicago, Ohio winters are nothing.....it's my friends that come over, and so I don't have to wear 5 layers while I'm working on the car

Just screwing with you. Its good to be warm.

 

[richashley]

I live near Akron, so I feel your pain. In my detached 24x26 with some insulation I use a 220 volt electric heater that works very well in all but the coldest weather. When it's really bad, I help it out with my Big Buddy propane heater. No problem with fumes, especially since it normally only has to run 20 to 30 minutes before the electric heater can handle things by itself. In the attached 20x20 (only insulated ceiling), the 220 is great all alone. My experience with 110 volt heaters is that they are almost worthless in a garage.

 

[LWW]

I use a kerosene heater and hate it, it stinks period. I use mine to take the chill off, I put my forced air furnace on 60 and use the ready heater in my hoist room to make it more comfy to work. Last Saturday I was using it all day and got real light headed that evening. Had to walk outside quick before I passed out. Did I mention it stinks!

If you want good clean heat here's some good options.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_595_595

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200307959_200307959

I've got the 75k btu Mr. Heater from NorthernTool and that thing works great. It was too big for the 2 car garage I had when I originally bought it, but it's just about right for the 3 car in my new house. I got it when it was on sale in the summer for the same price as the 45k btu model...

 

[Rte66Charlie]

I've got two heaters I use - http://www.mrheater.com/product.aspx?catid=42&id=21 - approx $40 - and this one - http://www.mrheater.com/product.aspx?catid=46&id=28 - that I caught on sale at a local farm supply store here for $80.

My garage is 400 sq ft, no insulation, but it has an insulated door. The forced air unit will heat the area up - FAST - to 65° on a single digit night. Nice to be able to work in a t-shirt out there in the dead of winter!

I use the tank top heater to keep things from freezing (paint mostly) when it gets cold and stays cold. Even on the lowest setting it will keep the garage at 55° when it is in the single digits outside.

We get some cold weather here (SW Missouri) but it doesn't stay long, so there are only a handful of times a year I worry about things freezing in the garage.

Insulation and a permanent ceiling mount heater are in the long range plans, but for now this is a fairly cheap, and economical to operate, alternative.

 

[Kevin54]

Pick up a couple of these if you want something on the cheap. All the box stores carry them along with WallyWorld. My wife has two in her 20'x20' building and can keep it anywhere from 55f-75f depending on the settings. They are oil filled and when th eoil heats up will radiate out the heat.
On th eother hand, check out some mobile home furnaces. If you are around anywhere that sells mobile homes, check with them as a lot of times they take the old ones in and part them out. You could grab a wall furnace for cheap, will more than likely be propane and would be more than adequate for your needs.

 

[NCCheesehead]

I got the Mr Heater MH18B Portable "Big Buddy" Heater from Amazon. It was $110, and heats my uninsulated garage great.

The caveat: I live in Southern California. So, for reference: it's an 18,000 BTU heater.

This is what I use and it does work great, very small but puts off lots of heat. I upgraded mine with the hose to run off a 20 lbs tank so no more little green bottles. Check Northern and Tractor Supply Co as these go on sale quite often. I picked mine up for 99.00.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I'd recommend you bite the bullet and make an investment. Get your ceiling insulated, if you would have bought it last year, you could have deducted it on your taxes. Is the garage door insulated too ?

If you don't have it fully insulated, you will be wasting heating dollars. It'll cost you more in the long run trying to get it warm and keep it warm.

When you pick your heat source, take into account how much time you plan on being in the garage. If you're only spending 30-60 minutes in it, something small will probably work fine. If you're working out there on the weekends, all day, you might want to invest in something better. I'd suggest a wall mount vent-less gas heater if you are already using Nat gas or a LP version if you don't have it.

Keep in mind power companies are raising elelctric rates and the elelctric heater may not be the bargain it was for the last few years.

 

[BPJOOP93]

Insulate your ceiling. find a furnace store in town and befreind an hvac installer, ask for a used standard efficency furnace, NOT a high efficency. its worth the time to install it. i got my 100k unit for free, well a case of beer and $50 for the plenum tube to be bent up, and works great in my 36x24x10'6.

 

[BADSIX]

insulating is the best bang for your money. i didn't see anybody talk about pellet stoves. you can find them cheep used and there easy to install, they vent through the wall. i have two shops the smaller one ( wood shop ) has a pellet stove. the large shop has an oil furnace

 

[odie]

I have a two car garage, and I am DIY'er on the weekends, and Ohio winters are not nice to us sometimes. My garage has drywall, but no rooms above the garage.

I am looking for preferably an electric heater for under $100. I would consider kerosene, but do these heaters put out any fumes in an enclosed non ventilated space?

Thanks in advance for any help on this

I'm like you. DIY'er, but usually only on the weekends. This is what I use. Takes the chill off my two car garage and the fumes aren't bad.

 

[fr0mastaj]

I'm like you. DIY'er, but usually only on the weekends. This is what I use. Takes the chill off my two car garage and the fumes aren't bad.

I thought those hot dog heaters put off CO, and require good ventilation? When i work in the garage, i keep all the doors closed...

 

[padstack]

Pick up a couple of these if you want something on the cheap. All the box stores carry them along with WallyWorld. My wife has two in her 20'x20' building and can keep it anywhere from 55f-75f depending on the settings. They are oil filled and when th eoil heats up will radiate out the heat.
On th eother hand, check out some mobile home furnaces. If you are around anywhere that sells mobile homes, check with them as a lot of times they take the old ones in and part them out. You could grab a wall furnace for cheap, will more than likely be propane and would be more than adequate for your needs.

I'm in Cleveland and use one of these. It easily keeps my 20x32 garage warm enough to work in jeans and a t-shirt in. Now, I have r13 in the walls and r49 in the ceilings, but it works really well. IMO, first spend to insulate and then to heat.

 

[Test Pilot]

If your garage is attached to the house be careful. Codes regulate what you can and can't do and by some sort of bad luck if you have any insurance issues you do not want to be in the wrong !!! And if you have a wife and a family the fume thing won't last long either !! JMO >>>>.

 

[josall]

I agree with the Mr Heater MH18B Portable "Big Buddy" Heater I have the 9k btu unit and 600 sq ft well insulated and it will do it, it just takes a little longer. I mainly bought because it is safe indoors for emergencies.

 

[rickycobra]

I have a two car garage, and I am DIY'er on the weekends, and Ohio winters are not nice to us sometimes. My garage has drywall, but no rooms above the garage.

I am looking for preferably an electric heater for under $100. I would consider kerosene, but do these heaters put out any fumes in an enclosed non ventilated space?

Thanks in advance for any help on this

I would look at craigslist. Or HD or lowes.

 

[dartman003]

How about a ventless wall heater, i heat my 1100 sq ft basement with a 30,000 btu and have no fumes, no exhaust vents, it stays about 70 degree's on #2 setting.

 

[drummingpariah]

Here's the link to my thread, by the way. Sorry I didn't have a chance to post it sooner:
http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=87447

 

[BUGTHUG]

Another possibility depending on how much floor space you want to give up. I used a downdraft house furnace out of a manufactured home (I actually traded an old refrigerator for mine). Very easy to duct, and can occasionally be found cheap.

Hey V-10, I was wondering about this trailer home furnace. When its a down draft, is that where the air trunks come out of, or are they trunked out the top? I don't know much about this. I know my home unit is a down draft, but it trunks out the bottom of the house in the crawl space. I also assume your unit is electric only?
I'm kindda interested in doing something like this and would like more input from you if you don't mind.
Now on a note to the original post, I paid more than $100.00 but I bought a dual unit from Lowes, it was around $500.00 , but its heat and A/C. I have a 30 X 40 insulated with the white styro foam, and it works very well. OK back to the scheduled program.

 

[V-10 Killer]

Yes, downdraft pulls from the front and discharges out the bottom. I just cut out some spots in the back and vented directly into my work area in the pic above. That unit is a LP/NG unit depending on which jets you use. Mine is a 80% efficient unit, actual heat into the room is up to 72k btu's. Takes me about 6-7 minutes to bring my garage from 45 to 62 for working.
I know the original post mentioned electric, but I just wanted to show other potentially inexpensive options.

 

[racerock]

insulated drywall, but no insualtion in the attic above....I was debating adding some R30 myself

Stop debating with yourself on this one - do it.

My 30 x 40 is extremely well insulated and it really helps in both the winter and summer. I'm in MD.

 

[RoadBeater]

Insulate the ceiling and use one of these:

http://www.shophmac.com/berko-huhaa1024.html

I got it used from a company that used them for temporay heat during construction.

I have it in my 24 X 28 garage, no fumes, no refilling, and hangs from the ceiling. As an added bonus in the summer I can turn the fan only on and circulate air.

 

[santagary]

I burn about a cord or so of oak in an air tight All Nighter stove with triple wall up through the roof and a ceiling fan to blow the warm air down from the upper level near the roof...crude, but effective...nothing like the radiating warmth of a wood stove in the winter...feels like the sun...perhaps you've sat up against a south facing wall on a bench in the winter with no breeze blowing...that's really nice.