Modine/Beacon Morris size. 2 Quick questions

[franksinatra]

Yep, post 3,753 about what size heater do I go with. Seriously though, would you guys give me your thoughts. Im in Minnesota and the temps routinely drop below 0. When I add that info onto a few of the online heating calculators, I get some crazy recommended BTU numbers. I have 630 square feet with 11Ft walls. Pretty good insulation and insulated garage doors. I had planned on going 60,000 BTU but interested in everyones thoughts on going with a 45,000. I spend lots of time in the garage and open the doors several times a day during the winter months to get the car in, snowmblowers out, etc. My concern with the smaller unit is not enough heat to keep up with the demand and continuous cycling on the bigger one.

My other question is about the two 60,000 btu models I had listed. Menards has the Beacon Morris for 639.00 with 11% rebate. I can pick up the Modine hot Dawg heater for 659.00. Is the modine a 100.00 better? I have had Hot Dawg Heaters in the past. I have been very pleased with the heaters and I know parts are easy to get. No experience with the Beacon Morris models. Thanks for your help.

 

[toyotadriver]

What do you mean by "pretty good insulation?

How many and what size windows?

Open rafters or insulated ceiling?

For a point of reference, I have a well insulated 30x40x10 shop building with open rafters and I put a 45k propane Mr. Heater furnace in there. It worked but took a little while to heat up the space...longer than I wanted. I replaced it with an 80k and it's perfect. We can get 0* where I live but not often and not for long. I think if my shop was where you live, an 80k would still work fine.

Your shop is about 1/2 the size of mine so I suspect a 45k would be perfect for you but without knowing the specifics of your shop's insulation, that's just a guess. I doubt I would go less but I think more would be overkill.

 

[franksinatra]

I have 1)2x4 ft window. I cant say what was used for insulation in the walls because it was done before I moved in. The ceiling as well but I can check to see what the insulation is like up there if needed. Most of the people I have spoke to and most of the online heater guides have said 60,000. I asked my questions here because rel world experience goes a lot further with me than a bunch of statistical B.S. I appreciate the feedback.

 

[Triman8654]

I run a Beacon Morris 45,000 but in my shop.. 33x48, 12' ceilings 4 windows, 12x10 oh door. Had it three years now no problems. 45btu is just fine for me which is 2/3 larger than you(1560 sq ft).. I was sold on the hot dawg cuz my friend has one. Menards was closer and I saved a few bucks.

 

[CKS1955]

You may have condensation issues with the heater if it is too large for your space. Which could shorten the life of the heat exchanger. I use a Beacon Morris.

Jay

 

[Stuart in MN]

Heat calcs should take into account what temperature you want to maintain inside, compared to outside temps...how warm do you need it to be? Keeping it at 50 degrees is one thing, it will be more difficult to get it up to 75.

Not sure where you are in the state; I'm in Minneapolis, and while it can get well below zero at night, we don't have too many days where it doesn't get at least above zero during the daytime - maybe for those real frigid days it's just as well to stay inside on the couch.

 

[Shop Specialties]

I would ballpark your BTU needs at about 30,000 BTU. At 45,000 BTU input should have an output of roughly 37,000 BTU so the 45K should work great for you.