What size gas heater?

[howdo]

What size natural gas heater is a good fit my my garage?

* Live in Chicago area
*Detached garage
*Occasional usage 1-2 times /week, so I plan on turning it on before I go out there
*Insulated
*22x30x10

I like the beacon morris from menards (good price and appear to have a decent reputation). However, they only have a 45k btu and a 75 k BTU. I get the sense that 45k btu might be too small, but I also don't want to oversize it with the 75k btu.

Thanks,

howdo

 

[Motofixxer]

Well my used 95% furnace that I paid $100 for from a HVAC shop is a 75k and it has no problems at all with my 800'. You could easily use the 45k.

 

[Shop Specialties]

The 45k will be more than enough.

 

[Shocker]

+1. My shop is just a bit bigger at 24x32x10 and I heat it with a 45k btu unit. No problem.

 

[colt340]

My garage is 650 sq ft with 9'6" ceiling. I heat it with 45k unit. It should be fine.

I forgot to add garage ceiling is insulated with R-30 and walls are spray foamed.

Al

 

[FlameOut]

My garage is 28x34 with 10' high ceiling and no problems at with a 45k natural gas heater

 

[ptgb]

Ok, I am officially confused...

I just bought a 75K Beacon Morris for my 24x32x10 in NE Ohio and the garage will be well insulated. Gonna keep it at 50° when not in there.

I am second guessing myself and thinking about driving the 70 miles (that's the closest Menards) and exchanging it for the 45K unit.

Am I over thinking this??? Will it be harmful to use the 75K in 768sqf? In other words, do the cons outweigh the pros of having the bigger unit? Or is it pretty much a wash?

Thanks.

 

[Jackfre]

Ptgb, I think you would be better served by the 45. Everyone thinks that bigger is better in anything heat related. My experience is the exact opposite of that. You will get better run times and efficiency from a unit that has to work harder to keep up. Short cycling is what kills equipment. If you can, swap it.

 

[ShumanSS6.0]

Howdo,
My BIL has a 22x28 with 10ft ceilings and installed the 45k version. His is poorly insulated and manages to get it to 80 in a hurry, even in cold MN nights. This is the 3rd winter for it and no problems to report. I have the same size garage and will be blowing in the ceiling, I purchased the 45k unit when they had it on sale a couple weeks back.

PTGB,
Are u over thinking this? - yes. For the temp u want to keep it at and the size of the space, I think the 75k will be fine. Wouldn't hurt to call a few HVAC shops and see what they suggest to put your mind at ease.

 

[skulldrinker]

I am close to you I use this Modine 50,000 BTU model number PD 50AA0111. My detached garage is about 22x24. I have 100% drywall but no insulation. I keep the temp at @50 when I'm not in there. I crank it up to 70 when I go out there. Believe me the gas bill is next to nothing and keeping it at 50 keeps all the tools from attracting corrosion. I'm out here right now enjoying a cold one just got a sweat shirt on and what it's like 28 outside. I am sorry i didn't throw some bats of pink up when I drywalled it would be even more cheaper to run. The main thing is to have the big door seal as best as you can. If you're near Bolingbrook you are welcome to stop by and check it out.

 

[hackbagger]

if you over size it you will shorten the life of the heater due to the effect that corrosive condensation will have on the various metal parts. Especialy the heat exchanger. Go to http://www.ultimategarageheater.com/garage-heater-calculator.php
they have the calculator you need. Sterling recommended that I use it when I contacted them for help in sizing mine. BTW 45K will work fine. You're better off with that one.

 

[Angelfire]

Do a proper load calc. The link posted above knows nothing of your doors/windows/etc... situation. There are plenty of resources out there to do a proper load calc so you know exactly what you need. The biggest risk is putting a bigger unit than needed in as has been mentioned above.