Need advice on a Propane Heater

[Rich215]

I'm at the stage with the garage build that I need to decide on a heat source. I've been looking into Propane fired units and came upon this manufacturer.

http://www.sterlinghvac.com/products/indoor/residential-garage-heater.asp

The garage is 26 x 36 with (2) 9' x 8' garage doors, 2 36" Insulated entry doors, no windows, R38 in the ceiling and R15 in the walls, so it looks like a 75,000 BTU would be an adequate choice for that size. I've looked at Modine's Hot Dawg series also and the Sterling appears to be virtually the same for less money.

Anyone have any experience with the Sterling brand or any other that you can recommend?

Thanks

 

[oilslick]

I would go for it, why not save a little.

 

[dave67fd]

Don't have any experience with the Sterling but they are similar in construction/operation to the Modine Hot Dawg as well as the Mr.Heater Big Maxx series. I like the fact that the Steerling has options for stainless exchanger and fresh air concentric venting if needed or reqd.. But of course you pay for those options. Their installation manual is well detailed with good info but may be confusing to some.

Im not shure of your sources but the Sterling seems to be the most expensive and also seems to require expensive freight shipping. I know the Big Maxx is pretty popular here.(I own the 75k btu unit).

I bought mine from Northern Tool but i guess they can also be found or special ordered from some select Lowe's outlets.

Whichever model/manuf you choose make shure you check your local codes for requirements before installing. You may also need a permit.

 

[Rich215]

Thanks all for the replies.

I can get the Sterling with the concentric vent kit for about $820 compared to about $1400 for the Modine series.
If you compare the Sterling and Modine web sites the descriptions and specs for the 2 units are virtually the same. Makes me wonder if they are tied together somehow.

Oh well, I hate making descisions.

 

[Soldier]

Rich215,

Any update on your heater selection? I'm interested in one myself and was wondering how yours turned out. I'm looking at the GG60 which I believe is a Sterling.

Eddy in S.C.

 

[NXGTS]

I've been looking at similar heaters. Lowes carries the Big Maxx heaters in the 75,000 bTU for $469. Maybe a little less expensive option for you.

 

[bd8134]

I have the smaller, older, non-concentric 45k Sterling propane heater. It works great, wired up to my thermostat/timer. I also wired it up so I can just use the fan. The concentric model makes sense. Mine is now too small for my 44x22, 12h so it runs for a while when it gets real cold but I cant justify buying a larger one at the moment.
I bought it from http://www.littlegreenhouse.com/accessory/heaters4.shtml
I bought the piping also from them, very easy to work with, recommend.
Also the Sterling office is in MA, another great reason for me to buy this unit.
Also built in USA... Are Big Maxx?
http://www.sterlinghvac.com/

 

[Soldier]

bd8134,

I've been looking at the littlegreenhouse site too. If I get the Sterling I'll probably go there having not found any other site selling them, or at least that's the site that I keep going back to when researching. I'm first going to try and check into the Big Maxx that NXGTS mentioned above. Will let you what I decide. I've got a 26' x 30' building, insulated, except for the garage door that I hope to switch out soon. But here in S.C. I've been heating with a small one burner propane and it'll bring the shop up to a comfortable temp most of the time. I do lose some heat going up to my second floor but that can be blocked off with the door going into my reloading room.

Eddy

 

[Soldier]

bd8134,


Well I took the plunge this morning and ordered the GG60 propane heater at http://www.littlegreenhouse.com/accessory/heaters4.shtml. It'll be a while before I get it and installed but I'll try to get it in before my son comes home on his 14 day R&R from Afghanistan in Jan. He told his Mother he did not want to do anything but sleep/eat and work on one of his cars. So I'd like to have some heat for him if he does want to go down and tinker. During his Iraq deployement in 08/09 he wanted to go snow sking and we did but this tour has really warn him out and he wants to keep things simple. Whether you believe it or not our these troops are constantly engaged and are just tired. He has lost over thirty pounds in six months and he's not a grunt (those guys earn their pay) but just busy and working long hours. I'll try to update this when I get the heater and installed.

 

[W650Mike]

He'll likey sleep a couple of days, jet lag a day or two and then be ready for some wrench time with his toys and his dad in a nice warm shop.

Shake his hand and thank him for his service for us.

I look forward to your installed update.

 

[bd8134]

Great news Soldier and I hope you are pleased with your purchased. I had to order some additional pipes and return some that I did not use to littlegreenhouse and they gave me no grief. Rent a drywall lift from Homedepot or the like. It makes install so easy, I did mine on my own, then got the gas installer in and then inspected.
Good to keep everything 'legal' so no hassles later on.
All the best to you and your son.

 

[Soldier]

W650MIKE, you were right - a lot of sleeping. And your thanks extended.

Well got it installed, tested and fired up. Made a big difference in heating the shop compared to the old bottle mounted heater I was using. I haven't used it enough to see if the 100 pounder will meet my needs. If not I'll have to look at buying a larger tank but with my schedule and the weather we have here in S.C. I hope/think this is all I'll need. My son, home on R&R, was able to work on his car in comfort so that made it worth all the money and trouble it took to get it going. Plus the free help from the friend with the knowledge and experience.