Sell Gas Heater for Electric?

[BQuicksilver]

I'm looking to heat my soon to be fully insulated 400sq ft garage to to small jobs on our cars.

I purchased a 30kbtu ventless gas wall heater for the job, but after looking at the difficulty that would be involved in getting lines out to my garage I'm thinking that electric might be a lot easier to install. The run would just be extremely convoluted through lots of brick and concrete. The concerns about ventless heaters was less important to me, but another reason to consider the switch.

My question is about how much more it would cost (relatively) to run the electric heater vs gas? I'd try to keep the garage (attached) to be within 10-15 degrees of the house at all times.

Can you recommend some good wall-mounted electric heaters? I'm happy to run a 220V if needed. I'm guessing I won't need the 30kbtu once I get the insulation done.

 

[CraigFL]

I think the cost per KW should also influence your decision. You would need to compare the gas cost with the electric cost in your area.

 

[mhoffm911]

Maybe I am missing something but wouldn't the "run" be just as convoluted either way? I'm guessing that either way you will need to go through the brick and concrete you mentioned?

By the way, what are the "concerns about ventless heaters"? I have had one in my basement for at least 7 years with zero problems what-so-ever.

 

[BQuicksilver]

No, the run will be MUCH easier with a wire. You'll have to trust me on that one, but I already have a path for wiring from when I added 2 circuits to the garage. Unfortunately running a gas line would require visible line in the corner of my kitchen and gutting a wall.

Google "ventless heater danger" or something similar. I've never used one, but I did get pointed to lots of people who removed them when I was researching my initial purchase. I went ahead and bought the heater just b/c the garage not an very airtight space, but I think after reading some of the stories I may not have been willing to put one in the basement. YMMV, and I don't want to get too off topic.

 

[BQuicksilver]

I think the cost per KW should also influence your decision. You would need to compare the gas cost with the electric cost in your area.

That's kinda my question, but from looking at my bills the gas company quotes CCF or therms, and the electric company uses kwh. Do you know how to make a direct comparison between these units?

 

[CraigFL]

Here's the place I use:

http://www.onlineconversion.com/energy.htm

1 therm = 29.3 kwh

Just for comparison, here in Panama City, FL, they have priced gas at 90% of the electric cost. This means, the typical 90% gas efficiency furnace will cost just about what electric heat will cost.

 

[Vicegrip]

Panama city is prime heat pump land. Way cheaper than gas or resistance heat at the normal temps you see in your zone.

BQuicksilver where do you live?

 

[BQuicksilver]

I live in Indianapolis...a tad bit cooler (temp wise) than PCB.

 

[CraigFL]

Panama city is prime heat pump land. Way cheaper than gas or resistance heat at the normal temps you see in your zone.

....

Exactly... with a heat pump COP (Coefficient of Performance) of over 2.0, your electric bill would be cut in half.

 

[HoosierBuddy]

Power costs in Indiana are roughly 2 to 3 times as much as electricity on a BTU vs Kilowatt basis. Resistance electrical heat has a COP of 1.0, while your ventless heater is 99% efficient...really a wash...so you're back to the base cost of the fuel.

Phil

 

[6768rogues]

Check the UL listings for ventless heaters. I bet that it is rated for supplemental heat, which means a little boost on a cold day. It should also have an oxygen sensor to keep it from using up all the oxygen. Following the manufacturer's instructions and listing requirements for ventless heaters usually means a small heater in a large space. No matter how you cut it, you still will be breathing the products of combustion (oxides of nitrogen and sulfur, carbon dioxide, etc.), although in small quantities, and using oxygen. I personally would not use one.
I would expect electric heat to cost 3 to 5 times as much depending on your local electricity cost.