Portable Heater Opinions

[GAR64]

Hello. Finally finished my walls and ceiling and am very happy with the results. I am located in upstate NY and although it is 65 degrees here today, the cold is coming. I will probably install a hanging propane forced air heater next year but want to be able to go out there this winter. Building is 36 x 30 10 ft ceiling. R19 in walls, R30 in ceiling. I have a kerosene convection heater that might work ok, but I was thinking of getting a portable forced air heater. I have seen Master makes them in both propane and kerosene/diesel. I like the idead of kerosene so I don't need tanks, hoses etc. I saw a 125k btu one that seemed ok. Question for you guys is what brand do you like and will I be sorry I got the kerosene. I don't want to spend a ton as I will be buying something more permanent next year. Suggestions?? Thanks.

 

[TractorJeff]

Get the kerosene as you can Craigslist it or keep it for other uses for a year or two. Actually look on Craigslist for one now!
The naysayers will respond soon talking about moisture from fossil fuel burnt and they are right. As tight as that building is you'll probably be opening the door for fresh air as they do require oxygen to burn which deprives you of it!
Get one off Craigslist and run it for the winter, then put it back on Craigslist!

 

[theoldwizard1]

I don't want to spend a ton as I will be buying something more permanent next year.

And that is the problem ! A good portable heater that will warm a garage your size will not be cheap.

This one runs on kerosene and diesel (cheaper).

70,000 BTU Kerosene/Diesel Radiant "Sun Stream" Heater - Amazon $275 FREE shipping

 

[mark11]

I used a propane torpedo last winter and it warmed nicely. The smell, noise, and condensation helped me make the decision to put a Hot Dawg in this year though.

 

[Spareparts]

70,000 or 80,000 will probly run you out or at least down to a T-Shirt, just sit it by a door and open it a little. Just picked one up at HD 80,000 for $199. does a decent job. Will work until I get the wood burner installed in a few weeks, and will warm the shop up quick. It only holds about 4.5 gals of diesel and lasts 12 hrs. 1/2 throttle and is very portable.

 

[zcar751]

Get the Kerosene or you will see a moisture problem. I used a propane torpedo heater in my shop in Maine and it would build up condensation. Any time you use propane if it is unvented like the torpedo heaters you see higher condensation because part of the exhaust is H2O.

 

[finn]

Get the Kerosene or you will see a moisture problem. I used a propane torpedo heater in my shop in Maine and it would build up condensation. Any time you use propane if it is unvented like the torpedo heaters you see higher condensation because part of the exhaust is H2O.

Water is a product of all combustion.

High school chemistry.

Propane smells less than kerosene (and diesel) in my experience.

It also doesn't leave an oily film on everything.

Personally, I'd do whatever it takes to go directly to a vented heater and skip the portable heater.

 

[mp333]

I am going 240v electric 7500w.

 

[GonzoCSU]

I have been looking for the same thing. I am working on wiring, insulation, sheeting, and building my radiant system. I am working on the corner where the radiant system will go first but I also don't really want to keep that running before I get the insulation in. I want to just turn on the heat while I am working in there (like 3 hours a night).

This is what I am looking at using.
Mr. Heater MH80CV 80,000-BTU Propane Convection Heater

I prefer LP as it burns cleaner than kerosene or diesel. I have seen these in action and they will heat the garage fast, in fact you may have to turn it off for a while to regulate the heat. The bad thing about it is that it can go through a 20# tank in a couple hours on high, but most of the reviews say a tank lasts about 12 hours on low.

 

[tgj7]

I agree with MP333. Electric, you don't have to vent it and it should be an easy setup, just a few wires.


You can upgrade to a Mitsubishi split system, AC and heat in one package.

 

[nadogail]

With solar photovoltaic panels on the roof, electric becomes a great option.

My solar installation cost me $3000 out of pocket and cut my gas & electric bill from $350 per month to about $150. PM me for details.