Propane fixed heater for the detached garage

[IONH]

I am looking to place a 100# propane tank behind my garage and have it professionally plumbed into the garage.

Are there any suggestions as to what type of heater I should buy? I currently use a 40k BTP torpedo heater which does an okay job. I won't be heating the garage to 70, but could definitely see it up to about 50.

I live in Massachusetts by the way. The garage is fully insulated with the exception of the two garage doors, which I may add some foam board to this fall. Also, the garage is approx 27x35x8.5 and free span.

Thanks.

The style I am looking at is http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200316365_200316365 Mounting it to the ceiling will avoid taking up floor space.

 

[regguy1]

I have the 45K version of the one you're looking at in NG,
it heats my 26' x 30' very well. for the size of your garage a 75K is slightly oversized. Modine makes a Hot Dawg Heater in 60K version.

I bought my Mr. heater from these guys, they have Hot Dawg also, link below:

http://www.djsonline.com/modineunitheaters.htm

 

[IONH]

I was looking at a 45K version but the cost is barely less than the 75k, so why not go bigger.

 

[regguy1]

I was looking at a 45K version but the cost is barely less than the 75k, so why not go bigger.

It's more efficient to let the heater run longer than to reheat the exchanger more often as will happen with an oversized unit. The oversized unit might give you quicker recovery if you are opening the overhead door a lot.

 

[IONH]

http://cgi.ebay.com/Mr-Heater-45K-L...ultDomain_0&hash=item1e5e37edb5#ht_3056wt_787

This one can also be had from NortherTool for $20 more.

I won't be keeping the garage heated, doubt I'll go through a 100 pound tank per season. So the quicker initial heat up of a larger unit may be beneficial.

 

[regguy1]

That's the one I have in Natural Gas, it would probably work for your shop,
although a 60K would be ideal.

 

[IONH]

Sorry, I should have mentioned this earlier. I had questioned my building inspector about putting a wood stove in my garage a few years ago. He said I could not have an open combustion heater in my garage due to the other potentially flammable components ranging from automotive fluids to saw dust.

The above being said, the heaters we are talking about here, which I would love to get, do not appear to have a separate intake pipe for incoming air so I'm guessing that may not fly with my building inspector.

Thoughts?

 

[regguy1]

Sorry, I should have mentioned this earlier. I had questioned my building inspector about putting a wood stove in my garage a few years ago. He said I could not have an open combustion heater in my garage due to the other potentially flammable components ranging from automotive fluids to saw dust.

The above being said, the heaters we are talking about here, which I would love to get, do not appear to have a separate intake pipe for incoming air so I'm guessing that may not fly with my building inspector.

Thoughts?

I'd ask if regular OH heater is OK...he's thinking of something on the floor where fumes might accumulate, if it's a no go show him the seperate combustion unit......
make him an offer he can't refuse

The Modine hot Dawg has models like that but they cost more.
From this site, sealed comb. heater at bottom of page:

http://www.djsonline.com/modineunitheaters.htm

MODINE LOW PROFILE SEPARATED COMBUSTION UNIT HEATER - THE "HOT DAWG"

The Separated Combustion Modine HDS Hot Dawg model draws its combustion air from outside to ensure that the unit will always have plenty of fresh, clean air to breath. This fresh-air supply reduces common concerns about dusty, dirty or humid applications. In addition, by drawing the combustion air from the outside, the overall heating efficiency is increased. In short, the Hot Dawg separated combustion unit gives you the added advantages of:

Less Maintenance in dusty environments

Improved efficiency by using outside air for combustion

Greater durability in hostile environments (environments possessing substances that may deteriorate
the performance of the unit)

External thermostat and gas connections

Quiet Operation

Uses Natural or Propane Gas

Certified for residential, commercial and industry use

Low-Profile design and neutral color to blend in with decor

Lightweight, easily installs 1" from ceiling with only 2 brackets (included)

Install quickly and easily with field wiring connections and knockouts for quick access to gas and electricity

Standard power exhaust simplifies side-wall or roof venting with small-diameter vent pipe.

Versatile design allows for right or left hand controls and installation. Gas, electrical and flue connections
can be changed from one side to the other by simply flipping the Hot Dawg over.

Permanently-lubricated motor for trouble-free dependability.

Full 10 year warranty on the heat exchanger and 2 year on all the parts.

 

[IONH]

WOW, double the cost for those sealed combustion units!

 

[regguy1]

WOW, double the cost for those sealed combustion units!

Yeah....but after a day of working in a frigid garage....that evening while you're in the emergency room having your frozen toes cut off...a few hundred bucks extra might not look so bad

 

[RPH]

Only concern would be 100# tank suppling enough gas. I have a 30k running on a 100# tank and when it is fresh the heater will not stay lit. I have to burn some fuel off before enough gas is delivered. You might have to parallel two tanks together to get the needed volume of gas. It's worse when really cold outside, just when you need the heat.

 

[IONH]

No frozen toes, still have that torpedo heater when necessary to this point in time.