Reznor UDAS-30 Heat Exchanger Material

[ABusDriver]

I'm planning on installing a Reznor UDAS-30 in my 2 car garage. Any thoughts as to whether upgrading from the standard aluminized steel heat exchanger is worth the extra coin? I realize longer life of the exchanger is probably to main benefit. 409 stainless would be an additional $394 and 316 stainless $585. That's a large percentage of the price of the standard version at $1,179.00

 

[finn]

If you're using the heater for low temperature freeze protection, it's probably worth upgrading to avoid heat exchanger corrosion issues. If you plan on full time working temperatures, probably not.

The Beacon Morris heaters sold at Menards have aluminized heat exchangers and the manual warns against using the unit for freeze protection. From memory, 50 or 55 is the minimum recommended thermostat setting.

 

[ABusDriver]

Ok, thanks for the info. I do plan to use it for keeping the garage at a somewhat lower temp during the winter. I'll have to consider forking over the extra dough.

 

[CNGsaves]

OP . . . . . what Size is your garage, and what Location are you ??

UPDATE GJ Profile with a Location.

Those prices sound high for such a small heater. Do you really need Separate Combustion ??

I'd shop around for other brands, and specifically look on Greenhouse websites as often they carry Hot Dawg (Modine) and Garage Guy (Sterling) heaters at reasonable prices. These brands are every bit as good as the Reznor you are looking at.

 

[ABusDriver]

Thanks, I've updated my profile.

I'm in Minneapolis, MN with a standard 2 car attached garage. By standard I mean big enough for 2 cars and not much else.

From what I've read the Reznor heaters have a good reputation. I also prefer to have the air for combustion come from outside to keep the moisture down. While price is important it's not the main factor in my decision.