Radiant Tube Heater....Oversize?

[mustangcrazy77]

I am currently searching for heating options for my 24x38 garage and stumbled across a 100,000k BTU 20-26' long Gordon Ray tube heater for only $200. I am trying to stay on a $300 budget for a used heater....and this falls well below. My only concern is what the oversize will mean in both heating costs and safety? My ceilings are around 10'4" and have r13 in the walls with no wall-board and blown-in (~4-6") in the ceilings. I really only want to keep the temps in the 50-55* range here in mid-Michigan during the winters.

On a side note, how big of a comfort difference is there between a tube heater and a forced air unit? It seems like there is an abundance of FA units in my price range with the proper BTU ratings...but the lower BTU tube heaters seem to be MORE expensive (atleast used) used than their higher BTU counterparts.

Any and all input would be greatly appreciated...thanks!!!

 

[mustangcrazy77]

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[mustangcrazy77]

Anyone????

 

[krooser]

I heat 1100 sq. ft. with an 80K tube heater. I love the heat... much better than forced air in my opinion but a 100K heater is way too big for your garage. I really wish I had bought a 40-50Kbtu but I listened to the sales guys and obviously they didn't know. The price was the same.

Can you change the burner at a reasonable cost to decrease the btu's?

Safety isn't a concern. I have 10' ceilings and I hung my heater on a 45 degree angle to help heat the shop.

My heat bill is $60 to $90.00 per month. I keep the temp at about 72 when I'm working out there and turn it down to around 60 when I'm gone.

 

[Dragster Racer]

Way too big. I can take it off your hands for you so you can get a smaller one! Always here to help.

 

[mustangcrazy77]

Well, I talked with the tech department and they said no go on decreasing the BTU's as the unit is too old. I had planned on hanging it so the burner end is towards the middle of the garage closest to the garage door. I only plan on keeping the temps in the low 50's most of the time and perhaps crank it up a hair when I'm working. If it's too big it's too big, but if it will work I'd prefer to pick it up. It's either that or pick up a used lower efficient forced air unit with ~ 75k BTU's. I'm afraid though by going with that route my heating bills are going to be insane! Again, I'm only able to buy used at this time as the funds simply are not there to go new. I'm planning on dabbling in some flipping of vehicles this winter to supplement my unejoyment....so I need something to go in soon.

 

[Dragster Racer]

Now, I was only kidding with my above comment. It may cycle a bit short, which is less efficient, but it will recover nicely when you open a door. Speaking of which....Do NOT put it above where your garage door will be when open. Accidently leave it on and raise the door for a few minutes, and you are looking at a ruined door.
I don't think that the tube is all that much more efficient, but they are very nice heat. Insulation and sealing will make all the difference with heating costs.

 

[krooser]

Well I understand having a budget... I'm so broke I can't pay attention. You can always sell it in the future and buy a smaller one when funds are available.

BTW.... I think my Superior Heater is about 82% efficient.... and, since everything in the shop (including the floor) holds the heat it's recovery time is pretty quick.

Check out this site... lots of good info.

http://www.superiorradiant.com/default.asp

 

[mustangcrazy77]

Now, I was only kidding with my above comment. It may cycle a bit short, which is less efficient, but it will recover nicely when you open a door. Speaking of which....Do NOT put it above where your garage door will be when open. Accidently leave it on and raise the door for a few minutes, and you are looking at a ruined door.
I don't think that the tube is all that much more efficient, but they are very nice heat. Insulation and sealing will make all the difference with heating costs.

I know you were kidding for sure lol. If I do get it, the burner end will still be short of where the garage door is (opposite corners). There will be no chance for it to overheat it. I also had planned on throwing it up in the corner aimed at a 45 for the best coverage.

Krooser, thanks for the link....will check it out.