Garage heater recommendations

[JVH944]

Looking for a heat source to use in the garage so I can get a little more done over the winter. Garage is a detached 1 car that is slightly deeper than usual but still fairly narrow. Don't have a lot of extra floor space. Cinder block walls and no insulation, so getting a little cold in there.

Was looking at a few oil filled versions at HD yesterday, but curious if there are any better types/brands out there. Dont think i need a heavy duty industrial version. Just an effective and affordable home version. Any suggestions are welcomed.

Thanks.

[tdatk]

I have on of the Big Buddy type, puts out 18k BTU and can use the little LP bottles or with the optional hose, can bet hooked to large LP tanks. Can be used indoors as well.
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200307957_200307957?cm_mmc=Google-pla-_-Heaters%2C%20Stoves%20%2B%20Fireplaces-_-Propane%20Heaters-_-173635&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=173635&gclid=CJ6H66W13bsCFW0V7Aodb2YAYQhttp://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200307957_200307957?cm_mmc=Google-pla-_-Heaters%2C%20Stoves%20%2B%20Fireplaces-_-Propane%20Heaters-_-173635&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=173635&gclid=CJ6H66W13bsCFW0V7Aodb2YAYQ

[type954]

I was looking at a unit that fits on top of a propane bottle like the ones used for grills. $40 at Harbour-Fr. today they have a 25% off coupon but don't think it can be used in conjunction with a sale item... don't know. Passed as SO reminded me I have a kerocene (sic?) heater ...

[hobiecat]

Yeah - those propane heaters work pretty good. A big propane tank will last a while too.

[Dr K]

I have one (free from a very generous Dorki - thanks!) that fits on top of a heater like Jim mentioned in my 23 x 24' 2-car garage. 2 round radiators. Great radiant heat when relatively close to the unit, which I rarely am. I use my box fan on lowest setting about 4 feet behind the heater, and that heats the garage well. Need to leave the door or window open a bit when heating with Propane, though. Jazz has a nice Kerosine heater, which can be used with doors/windows closed (or indoors during a power outage), and it doesn't smell like the Kerosine heaters of old. My unit doesn't heat the space to 72 degrees, mind you, and I still need to wear a sweatshirt or light jacket and maybe a hat, but I'm comfortable working out there for hours like that and with regular mechanics gloves.

Old Tee had one of those bullet-shaped ones with a fan, and that heated his 2-1/2 car garage very well and quickly. Not quiet.

Some have put in small heat pumps (do the little AC units do heat, too--I'm asking you, Hoophead), and you can mount the interior unit with the bottom 4-5' up from the floor so it doesn't take up valuable floor space.

[hoophead]

...do the little AC units do heat, too--I'm asking you, Hoophead....

There are combo units, but mine is only A/C. This is the heat/cool version of mine: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Haier-14-000-BTU-Portable-Heat-Cool-Room-Air-Conditioner-CPN14XH9/202675401?N=c4m4Z1z0ze64Z1z10dqc# . The cooling capacity is disappointing, but it's better than nothing and helps with the humidity.

[Jazzbass]

Like Peter mentioned I have a kerosene heater, which is great for both garage heating and emergency heat in a power outage (the model I have needs no electricity, unlike some). I've recently gotten lazy, however, and gone with a 17k BTU 220V electric heater - it's just easier to plug in and go vs. getting kerosene, getting the heater off the shelf (its not heavy but awkward), letting the wick soak, etc. I've tried propane heaters in the past and hate them - they make me sick. Even being well ventilated I still get sick, so they're a no go for me.

Two things I did that made a big difference in my garage were installing insulation in the ceiling (there's a crawlspace above my garage that's accessible) and installing an industrial type ceiling fan. In the winter I put the fan on low and it does a good job of circulating the heat.

[Trak Ratt]

I have a nice propane heater that attached to the top of the standard propane grill bottle. Shop is 24x24 with cathedral ceiling. One morning last year it was 22F when I started it. Within an hour the temp was up to 50. Very comfortable for me w/long sleeve shirt. I shut it off and the temp stayed steady at 50 for several hours as the warm air settled. Unlike Jazz it doesn't bother me but I do leave a window open for ventilation. While propane does burn clean it will use up all the O2 in a closed space so be ware. BTW I've read that the petroleum heaters can cause issues w/anyone that has heart problems. Did some research after my father bought one and it dam near killed him before we figured out what was going on.

[Dr K]

This is the heat/cool version of mine: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Haier-14-000-BTU-Portable-Heat-Cool-Room-Air-Conditioner-CPN14XH9/202675401?N=c4m4Z1z0ze64Z1z10dqc# . The cooling capacity is disappointing14,000 BTU cooling should be plenty[/p] for a 1-car garage.

I shut it off and the temp stayed steady at 50 for several hours as the warm air settled.Not all of us can generate as much hot air as you can, TR... fortunately and as you know, [i]I CAN!

[Trak Ratt]

14,000 BTU cooling should be plenty[/p] for a 1-car garage.

Not all of us can generate as much hot air as you can, TR... fortunately and as you know, [I]I CAN!
Don't worry boy-o you out perform all when it comes to BS so all the world stays in sync!

[JVH944]

Thanks guys. Very helpful. The sole window doesn't open and would like to keep the door down to keep weather and leaves out - so will likely pass on the propane (and maybe kerosene too) variants. Will look into the others and report back.

[APKhaos]

Thanks guys. Very helpful. The sole window doesn't open and would like to keep the door down to keep weather and leaves out - so will likely pass on the kerosene variants. Will look into the others and report back.

Maybe I'm misreading your post but just in case.......
Kerosene is OK for use in areas with limited ventilation. Propane is not.

[ducatithunder]

I have a couple 1500W eletric heaters in my garage. ITs 25x25 concreete with no insulation and 20ft ceilings. They seem to take the edge off very well. I let them run 247 as I dont have to pay the bill. I usually wear a sweat shirt and always very comfortable. They have a built in thermo that and tilt over switch for added security. They were ~$70 at target. The thermo can be set at 60-80+ deg at 10 deg incriments. Works well for me and no fumes. If Im working at the bench I turn it towards me and it gets hot. They have a built in fan and circulate the air. I beleife they were meant for a 600SF apartment or similar space. IF you have any sort of insulation Im sure they will work very well for you and you might not need two. I can dig up some info if your want. GL/.

[Trak Ratt]

Maybe I'm misreading your post but just in case.......
Kerosene is OK for use in areas with limited ventilation. Propane is not.

Really??? I thought it was just the opposite?

[Jazzbass]

Kerosene is OK for use in areas with limited ventilation. Propane is not.
^ This is correct. I have a kerosene heater that I've used in limited ventilation settings with no issues. Propane, OTOH, made me feel like this: :vomit:

[DaveInMD]

You didn't indicate if you have electricity in the garage. But, I found the 120 volt home electric units to be poor. My garage is reasonably air tight, so I was wary of "burning" anything. After asking around, I ended up installing a 240 volt plug in the garage and got this a couple of years ago:

http://www.globalindustrial.com/p/hvac/heaters/portable-electric/fan-forced-portable-heater-2

It has a thermostat and took about 30 minutes to knock enough cold off to be able to work in my 2 car garage today. It brought it up to 68 in about an hour or so. I spent much of the day today rearranging tools into the new tool chest I got for Christmas. :)

[Trak Ratt]

I guess neither is actually "safe" to operate without proper ventilation. Both produce CO, so both can kill w/impunity. For me the propane is easier and less messy and smelly. I gotz 240 in the shop so the BIG electric heat/cool units mentioned before look like pretty good alternatives. The near $600 entry fee is kind of off putting but propane ain't free, and L pays the electric bill :roll:

[JVH944]

Maybe I'm misreading your post but just in case.......
Kerosene is OK for use in areas with limited ventilation. Propane is not.

Thanks. Edited post accordingly.

[Vicegrip]

Take care of what chemicals you use while heating with resisteve electric, unvented propane or oil. You can make some real bad for you chemicals bu passing vapors through the heater. This goes for any unvented heater regardless of fuel.

Unvented gas heaters put out low ph water vapor that can condense on the cold walls and equipment.

[Drscope]

I have a torpedo heater that really heats up the garage FAST. Only problem is its really noisy.

I got a thermostat for it and that helps to maintain a constant temperature. But that introduced another issue. I’ll be out there working and the heater will shut off. It will quiet for maybe 15 to 20 minutes and you get used to that. Then that thing fires off and you pee your pants. I need a thermostat that has some sort of warning buzzer before the heater blasts off again.

[Vicegrip]

Depends might be cheaper.

[Potomac-Greg]

I use a 220V electric. It's basically a steel cylinder 1 foot in diameter with fan and heater element inside. It has a rudimentary thermostat. It needs about 30 minutes to make the garage habitable, but it is all I need. I think I got it from Northern Tool.

[Cliff Claven]

wood stoves are quiet and efficient. work great if you are spending long periods of time there.. and low cost if you have access to a good supply of free wood.

[Len 911]

Has any one tried a heater from an RV or camper. I realy need to get some heat that will not kill me. I have a kerosene heater now, works ok but puts moisture in the air.

[BlackTalon]

Depends might be cheaper.I'm sure they ARE cheaper then installing plumbing/ a bathroom in a garage, but I don't understand how wearing Depends would negate the need to heat the garage. Is it the warmth generated once they get filled?

[cmartin]

Sure makes me miss my old place

http://littletonac.com/modine-hot-dawg_2.jpg

Sealing up the leaks and insulating the door was a big help too. I dont mind being a bit cold but grabbing a freezing wrench is not fun.

[blipshift]

http://dorkiphus.net/porsche/showthread.php?t=4905&highlight=heating+garage

[Vicegrip]

Wow, thats an old one.

[Vicegrip]

Unvented gas, nat or propane and regardless of heater type or brand will produce lots of acidic water. Not good for metal stuff.

[Vicegrip]

I'm sure they ARE cheaper then installing plumbing/ a bathroom in a garage, but I don't understand how wearing Depends would negate the need to heat the garage. Is it the warmth generated once they get filled?No plumbing to freeze. ;)

[cmartin]

Wow, thats an old one.

Yeah, great stuff. Thanks for the refresh. What happened to me 30's??? Too much time in a cold garage lately.

[Vicegrip]

Ended up putting a minisplit on the taj. Works great without a single problem from day one.

[JmuRiz]

mine hasn't missed a beat either, but I don't use my garage even 1% as much as you :D

[Len 911]

What is a mini split on the taj....sorry I live a sheltered life

[Vicegrip]

The taj is a nickname my backyard shop got a while back. A mini split is a type of ductless AC or heat pump.

[cmartin]

Mini split heat pump

http://www.daviddarling.info/images/ductless_heat_pump.jpg

[Len 911]

Ok I feel better now. Thanks I will look into one.
Thanks

[trytryagain]

+1 on the mini-split heat pumps. They are hyper efficient, nearly silent, and work at very low temperatures without resorting to resistant heat backup. We use a mini-split as the primary heating/cooling source at our house. In a garage you could keep it running at a low setting all the time to provide a conditioned space for the cars and "stuff".