Particular Heater Question

[GearHd6]

First off i'd like to say hello to everyone on here seeing this is my first post. I just happened to run into this site doing some research.

My question is about the Modine Hot Dawg heater. I've got a 20x20 garage with 8' ceilings and im wondering if this heater will do the job for me. Its not going to be used on a non stop basis, mostly just a few times a week on average.

Thanks for any input, Jeff.

 

[DaveL.]

The Hot Dawg comes in 30K,45K,60K,75K sizes. Is your cieling insulated? If so the 30K or 45K should do it. You can call Modine with all your specs and they will size it for you. My garage is 30 x 40 with 9' insulated (R32) cieling. I have the 75K model and I am very,very pleased with it. I keep the temp @ 55 all winter and turn it up to 60-65 when I am in the garage.

 

[mulepackin]

Welcome GearHD. Interestingly enough I stumbled onto this site doing web research on Hot Dawg heaters. There is alot of info on them here. Since then I installed a 75 BTU in my 24x36 with 9 ft. ceilings. I too have been pleased with it. I echo everything DaveL has to say. Also keep mine at about 50 deg. all winter, kick it up to 65 to work in and I'm good in about 10 min. I fully believe you burn less fuel this way also, with less warm up time. PM me if you have any specifics I might help you with.

 

[GearHd6]

Well the garage is bare studs right now but i'm in the process of getting a materials list together for insulating and ceiling and wall covering (sheetrock, chip board, not quite sure on that one yet.)
I've got 2x8 ceiling rafters and 2x4 walls. Im not sure on the max insulation I can get in those, (i've never done much insulating so im not sure on the particulars.)
I did a little searching on here about the Hot Dawg and most everyone seems to really like it. The only thing im nervous about is the possibilty of painting in the garage. My dad ran a Dayton ceiling hung propane heater for years in his garage and painted many cars with no issues so im not sure if this will be a major concern for me or not.
Also, do most Hot Dawg users horizontally vent them or do they go through the roof?
Sorry for all the questions but thanks for any and all answers.

 

[oldgoat]

I think that most of them have the option of either vertical or horizontally. I also know of a guy that paints his cars with a either a ceiling hung heater or in his later shop he had a downdraft furnace on a stand about three foot high. Don't know if I would really want to say that either is totally safe though.

 

[GearHd6]

I'm assuming i'll have to pull some sort of town permit for this in order for the propane company to drop off a tank. Is the 4" vent kit all thats required for a horizontal vent set up? I hate dealing with town people but I guess I need to contact to local building inspector for details.

 

[GearHd6]

Has anyone ever tried the Dornback heaters? They look identical to a Big Maxx or a Hot Dawg. Just weighing all my options here. Thanks.

 

[sdurgala]

Another heater to consider....

Hot Dawg -vs- Mr. Heater

I just purchased a Mr. Heater 75K BTU for my 28x40 (12 ceiling).
I my research, Mr. Heaters have a lower price.

Finally, Mr Heaters are on SALE at NorthernTool ( SAVE $50 ).

45K BTU
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200307959_200307959

75K BTU
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200316363_200316363