Mr. Heater Big Maxx cheap

[MrSurly]

I bought my 80K at Menards for 353 plus tax after the 11% rebate

Can you guys get Menard’s to open up a Texas store, please?!
(They won’t listen to me)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[bobbyjean]

I'm glad this helped some of you out. I really dug around for the venting solution and decided to go with vertical. I bought the 4" kit from this site for $79:
http://www.greenhousemegastore.com/product/vertical-venting-kit/heating-accessories

Vertical will be a little harder install, but I couldn't justify the cost difference for horizontal. Hopefully this kit will cover everything I need for my short run.
I went with 4" because it looked like that was the only size Mr. Heater was offering now for both their 50k and 80k heaters. I know my 50k does call for 3" though. Anyone know if there's an issue there before I install it?

so...what's the leak-loc for? that is used for threaded fitting connection for water,or oil lines

 

[Crew Chief]

Greetings from the cold snowy north,
I live up in Canada, its -30 Celsius this morning (-22 F)
I was looking to install a unit heater in my garage, its 24 x 40 with a 12 foot ceiling.
I have a friend who is an HVAC Technician and we had a long talk. First he asked me if I was planning to leave the garage heated in the winter time, my response was yes. He then said why a Unit heater?? They are only about 80 to 85% efficient and only blow about 600 cfm of air. Besides with the Canadian Building code we now have to use a stainless steel exit kit if you are going out of the building horizontal. He talked me into a 95% efficient sealed combustion furnace with 1200 cfm of air flow and just a PVC vent pipe and intake pipe. The only issue is you need a floor drain or a pump and method of getting rid of the condensation. So I have a 14" round duct for 20 feet reduced down to 8 inches for another 10 feet, the ducting has 2 1/2 inch holes drilled in it and all in all so far works great. The cost of the unit heater and horizontal exit kit was going to be approximately $1600.00 while the sealed combustion furnace including ducting was just around $1300.00 of course this is Canadian Dollars.....so right now the difference is about 27%. So this is just my take on what I did and so far it has worked out pretty good.

 

[pbon]

Good idea where you have the floor space and need the capacity. My garage is 600SF and the heater was $250 and the horizontal vent kit is $300. I like the ceiling hanger since it takes up no valuable floor space. A vertical vent kit is only $100 if you can and want to go out the roof.

 

[pbon]

I agree it looks questionable. This info was not known when I bought. I figured they were being cleared out at wholesale to make way for a new model or something like that. But the multiple names and locations of the sellers suggests something else may be going on. Today I would buy elsewhere.

 

[machz]

I would disagree with your *absolute certainty* only because you can’t be Absolutely Certain with no more information than has been presented.
You’ve made multiple Statements of Fact that you can’t prove (none of us can) at this point in time. If the shipping docs were not included then we’d all have nothing to be suspicious about except the super price.
I’ll agree it surely looks fishy and I’d like to know what Northern says (if anything).
Is it possible that they have some volume deal with Northern and some reason for these documents? Reselling returns?
I guess it’s possible.
The real worry all of us should have *IF* these are stolen and they’re using stolen accounts, are they stealing OUR ACCOUNTS for use next week?

Is anyone going to try to call the name on the manifest to ask if they’ve been charged?




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

So the fact that they are using a different paypal account for every transaction, They are using a bill to of random people that I would bet are different people on each shipment. The heaters are shipping from NT and the invoice is for full price but they are charging us much less and doing some domain digging I found that the domain owner is trying to appear as a US owner but they are not and they are masking their identity. They have also changes the name of the site many times in a 2 year period. I can't be 100% certain but %90 is good enough for me and I can be %100 certain that I have never had a transaction like this before.

So those that have received a heater would you mind telling me who your bill to is or at least first name and state. Mine was to Michelle in Lansing KS.

 

[Showkey]

This is sounding and looking a lot like the too cheap Harbor Freight jack post that was fraud on Harbor Freight

 

[biggziff]

Good idea where you have the floor space and need the capacity. My garage is 600SF and the heater was $250 and the horizontal vent kit is $300. I like the ceiling hanger since it takes up no valuable floor space. A vertical vent kit is only $100 if you can and want to go out the roof.

I agree on the floor space issue. I don't want to tie up any of my floor if I don't have to.

Where did you see $300 for a horizontal vent kit? Some of the guys here were talking about this one:

http://www.greenhousemegastore.com/product/horizontal-venting-kit/heating-accessories

 

[Crew Chief]

I didn't use up any floor space. I mounted it on a shelf that was basically wasted space. It does work pretty good.

 

[Crew Chief]

What had me concerned about the Mr Heater Big Maxx, is that my neighbor has one and has had lots of trouble with I have another Buddy who bought the Rexnor Unit heater and has had no trouble with it.

 

[biggziff]

I didn't use up any floor space. I mounted it on a shelf that was basically wasted space. It does work pretty good.

Smart move.

I have a 150,000 BTU furnace in an adjoining shop and had planned to run 2 - 14" flex duct runs from that to heat the new space. By the time I bought the flex, take offs and new plenum I'd have spent more than the cost of the new heater...which should use less fuel than my old furnace. Just made sense to me.

 

[pbon]

I agree on the floor space issue. I don't want to tie up any of my floor if I don't have to.

Where did you see $300 for a horizontal vent kit? Some of the guys here were talking about this one:

http://www.greenhousemegastore.com/product/horizontal-venting-kit/heating-accessories

That one is galvanized. Today’s code requires stainless for horizontal. Acme tools has the Mr Heater one for $300.

 

[biggziff]

That one is galvanized. Today’s code requires stainless for horizontal. Acme tools has the Mr Heater one for $300.

Maybe code where you are requires Stainless, but we can use Galvanized here.

 

[finn]

Maybe code where you are requires Stainless, but we can use Galvanized here.

Your code likely defers to the manufacturer's specifications for vent material specifications.

As far as I can tell, most new hanging heaters built after a cut off date (2013 or earlier, I can't remember) require stainless for horizontally terminated vents.

That manufacturer's requirement would trump any lack of a local requirement.

 

[biggziff]

Your code likely defers to the manufacturer's specifications for vent material specifications.

As far as I can tell, most new hanging heaters built after a cut off date (2013 or earlier, I can't remember) require stainless for horizontally terminated vents.

That manufacturer's requirement would trump any lack of a local requirement.

That's pretty much the way it is most places, AFAIK. As a home inspector, we don't cite code, but we do rely on having a handle on it with regards to safety issues. If the vent is properly pitched, there isn't any reason to spec stainless, but I understand why they do in some places.

 

[MrSurly]

Of those who have received one of these, were you given any tracking info? How long did it take to arrive?




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[biggziff]

I got tracking info after it was delivered. Took about a week with the holiday.

 

[pbon]

Maybe code where you are requires Stainless, but we can use Galvanized here.

I don’t really care what you use. I was just explaining why there are price differences. Until a few years ago, galvanized pipe was fine. It is still fine. There is probably some concern about condensation and rust over time in horizontal pipes. As long as you are aware of the issues and monitor the pipe down the road, it should be fine. But I will follow the code that applies to my area.

 

[biggziff]

I don’t really care what you use. I was just explaining why there are price differences. Until a few years ago, galvanized pipe was fine. It is still fine. There is probably some concern about condensation and rust over time in horizontal pipes. As long as you are aware of the issues and monitor the pipe down the road, it should be fine. But I will follow the code that applies to my area.

Well, alrighty then! Touched a nerve.

 

[MrSurly]

I've ordered the 80K (50 wasn't available) and I'm wondering just how this compares to what would be "appropriate" for my space.
If this Maxx doesn't show, a local guy has a Reznor on Craigslist but it's a 100K(!)

My build is 30 x 40 x 14, 4:12 roof, open truss pole barn, fully spray foamed, R10~R14 walls, R20~24 roof. I have three sectional doors, all insulated and they are all quite tight-fitting. The place is surprisingly airtight. 1200 square foot, 19,800 Cubic Foot.
East Texas temperate climate, will be 21F in a day or so but that's likely the low for the year. Rarely will we stay below freezing for even a few days.

How many BTU can I handle?

 

[biggziff]

I've ordered the 80K (50 wasn't available) and I'm wondering just how this compares to what would be "appropriate" for my space.
If this Maxx doesn't show, a local guy has a Reznor on Craigslist but it's a 100K(!)

My build is 30 x 40 x 14, 4:12 roof, open truss pole barn, fully spray foamed, R10~R14 walls, R20~24 roof. I have three sectional doors, all insulated and they are all quite tight-fitting. The place is surprisingly airtight. 1200 square foot, 19,800 Cubic Foot.
East Texas temperate climate, will be 21F in a day or so but that's likely the low for the year. Rarely will we stay below freezing for even a few days.

How many BTU can I handle?

You should be able to get away with 40,000 BTU. You can derate that 80K unit by plugging one or more burners.

 

[Crew Chief]

Smart move.

I have a 150,000 BTU furnace in an adjoining shop and had planned to run 2 - 14" flex duct runs from that to heat the new space. By the time I bought the flex, take offs and new plenum I'd have spent more than the cost of the new heater...which should use less fuel than my old furnace. Just made sense to me.

For sure some of the ducting and connections can be pricey. If I get a chance I will ake some pics and show what I have set up.

 

[Crew Chief]

I don’t really care what you use. I was just explaining why there are price differences. Until a few years ago, galvanized pipe was fine. It is still fine. There is probably some concern about condensation and rust over time in horizontal pipes. As long as you are aware of the issues and monitor the pipe down the road, it should be fine. But I will follow the code that applies to my area.

Up here in Canada, at least in my area a vertical exit can be galvanized but a horizontal must be stainless and it can be quite a bit more money. It was explained to me that an emission called aldehydes lays on the bottom of the pipe and rots it out, this doesn't happen with the vertical because of straight out exit. Just the info passed on to me. In Canadian dollars a vertical kit is about 150.00 to 200.00 however the horizontal is 500.00 plus. I also believe that is why the manufacturers are also recommending the stainless kit for horizontal exit.

 

[Retlaw 66]

There are some 80k units on eBay for under $350, but those look fishy.... sellers only have zero to 5 feedbacks, and the seller that 'sold 16, 10 left' hasn't had feed back in over 12 months.
Buyer beware.

 

[D45]

$315 shipped (80K):

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mr-Heater-...481518&hash=item25e947d5c2:g:NqcAAOSwfVhaR1Yt

$310 shipped (80K):
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mr-Heater-...262392?hash=item2cccb96238:g:QPEAAOSwsBtaR1NR


$310 shipped (80K):
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mr-Heater-...088428?hash=item284b6c6b6c:g:4Z4AAOSwpzJaR1k4

 

[Showkey]

$315 shipped (80K):

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mr-Heater-...481518&hash=item25e947d5c2:g:NqcAAOSwfVhaR1Yt

$310 shipped (80K):
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mr-Heater-...262392?hash=item2cccb96238:g:QPEAAOSwsBtaR1NR


$310 shipped (80K):
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mr-Heater-...088428?hash=item284b6c6b6c:g:4Z4AAOSwpzJaR1k4

RED FLAG............zero feedback on EBAY, new seller, too low on price !!!!

Still sounds and looks like the HF too cheap floor jack sale ( drop ship scam). I am with RETLAW66 buy beware. Several variations with The scam on the drop ship seller being paid with stolen credit cards, eBay seller then pockets the eBay sale money before the drop shipper figures out the card in bad.

 

[SgtHawkUSMC]

You should be able to get away with 40,000 BTU. You can derate that 80K unit by plugging one or more burners.

I never thought about that, but it makes sense. So let's say I get my 80k installed and it's a little too big. I can just remove one nozzle, plug it, and that will drop the btu rating by 20%? Any drawbacks from doing that?

 

[biggziff]

I never thought about that, but it makes sense. So let's say I get my 80k installed and it's a little too big. I can just remove one nozzle, plug it, and that will drop the btu rating by 20%? Any drawbacks from doing that?

I did this with a big gas furnace years ago. It's been running in my garage for 15-20 years with 2 burners plugged without issue. A friend is a commercial HVAC tech and he was the one who suggested it. I'm assuming it'll be the same on these little units. I would have am HVAC tech assist you and check/adjust the pressure at the valve if necessary. I did mine by eye just watching the burn pattern then my buddy came up a few days later and put a gauge on it. It was close enough to not need adjustment.

 

[MrSurly]

Waiting to see if the 80K I ordered will actually show up (I’m feeling pretty skeptical) and today I actually received a tracking number(!) indicating it’s trek from Charlotte NC and eventual delivery scheduled for Thursday.
W00T!



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Retlaw 66]

$369 on eBay. Shows 5 available.
Looking at their feedback history, 3 people have purchased and received their heaters:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mr-Heater-...493000?hash=item2f122e63c8:g:JEEAAOSwh1paLN8x

Might be a safe(r) bet??

Wish I could find a 50k unit!

 

[biggziff]

$369 on eBay. Shows 5 available.
Looking at their feedback history, 3 people have purchased and received their heaters:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mr-Heater-...493000?hash=item2f122e63c8:g:JEEAAOSwh1paLN8x

Might be a safe(r) bet??

Wish I could find a 50k unit!

50K units are on ebay, but they're a lot more $$$
Buy an 80K and plug a burner.

 

[D45]

What do you use to "plug" a burner????

 

[biggziff]

What do you use to "plug" a burner????

You can derate almost any, non-condensing furnace by either plugging a burner tube with the appropriate sized threaded brass plug or by installing derated orifices (smaller BTU rating) It's very simple. Google it.

 

[D45]

Interesting info, thanks

 

[bobbyjean]

hmm, sounds ok to "derate" but dont plug the burner tube closest to any safety limit's . play safe

 

[TractorJeff]

Mentioning the 11% rebate at Menards, I wonder if Lowes sells a Heater that's comparable? Reasoning is that they offer an 11% rebate sometimes plus they offer year round Veterans Discount of 10%. I've bought stuff before and gotten a 21% savings.

 

[SgtHawkUSMC]

I did this with a big gas furnace years ago. It's been running in my garage for 15-20 years with 2 burners plugged without issue. A friend is a commercial HVAC tech and he was the one who suggested it. I'm assuming it'll be the same on these little units. I would have am HVAC tech assist you and check/adjust the pressure at the valve if necessary. I did mine by eye just watching the burn pattern then my buddy came up a few days later and put a gauge on it. It was close enough to not need adjustment.

Thanks. Makes sense. If I get any short cycling issues, this is what I'll do. I have a manometer, so it's easy to adjust the pressure valve if necessary.
As far as anyone that's worried about theirs showing up... It's the holidays, so give 'em at least a days break lol.
The site has been good about info. They send out two emails when you first order it. Then updates through the process.
Now if it would just get out of the single digits so I can run the line and install the chimney!

 

[SgtHawkUSMC]

And the 80k showed up today... Ordered 12/27. Email confirmation from both the site and Paypal. Received an update from the store & UPS yesterday morning with the UPS tracking info. Order was processed on 1/2 and shipped from Charlotte, NC the same day. So two business days to process the order with New Years weekend in between. I'd say that's more than ok...
Everyone that has gotten one happy so far? Any full installs since this thread started yet?

 

[biggziff]

And the 80k showed up today... Ordered 12/27. Email confirmation from both the site and Paypal. Received an update from the store & UPS yesterday morning with the UPS tracking info. Order was processed on 1/2 and shipped from Charlotte, NC the same day. So two business days to process the order with New Years weekend in between. I'd say that's more than ok...
Everyone that has gotten one happy so far? Any full installs since this thread started yet?

At least 2 friends have purchased and received 80 and 50K units. No issues so far.

Been a little cold here to work in the garage. Soon, tho

 

[SgtHawkUSMC]

At least 2 friends have purchased and received 80 and 50K units. No issues so far.

Been a little cold here to work in the garage. Soon, tho

Nice. Ya, the single digits and below zero temps here have been a bummer. It's pretty sad when it's too cold to install a heater... Doesn't Mother Nature know I have stuff to do in the garage?!? lol. I'll **** it up this weekend and do it I'm sure. I'm just worried about the cold when I cut the hole in my roof. I don't want to ruin the shingles past where I'm cutting.