Recommended BTU Unit Heater or Radiant

[crooklyn]

Hey,
I'm looking at eaither a 50,000 BTU Unit Heater from Princes Auto or I found a used and working 20ft Radiant Heater rated at 80,000 BTU for the same price.
My concern is if the 80,000 BTU is over sized for my garage.
Garage dimension are 28x20 with 13 foot ceilings.
R16 walls and garage door with R40 ceiling.

The contractor that installed my gas line mentioned that if the heater is under rated for the area it wil stay on all the time and if its over rated then it will cycle more often again causing excessive heating bills.

Opinion needed please.

 

[Slowgsr]

I have a 45kbtu schwank, 10' radiant heater. Draws combustion air from exterior.

30x30x14
2 roll up 10x12 doors (r9) new weather-stripping etc
R13 walls
R50 ceiling.
Airtight 6mil poly vapor barrier done properly
5/8 type x - 3 coats finished & painted.

Most of your heat is lost by air leaks - second is through the ceiling.
I do agree that you want a heater sized properly, and radiant ones are great. Schwank makes a nice stat that measures object temp & air temp to optimize heating & has a motion feature to turn down the heater when not in use.

 

[fury9]

Try to find a heater calculator online. I'd imagine it gets pretty cold up there. Whatever you do a fan or two to blow the warm air around would be a good idea. I have one moving the air around and it makes a really nice difference, especially down by the floor. I keep mine at 45-50 degrees