Replies

1. 
   JMadson | Nov 05, 2005 04:11pm | #1

   Relevant discussion already in progress...

   http://forums.taunton.com/tp-knots/messages?msg=26571.1

2. 
   Jfrostjr | Nov 05, 2005 04:16pm | #2

   Depending on the overhead clearance, I would recommend a radiant heater suspended overhead. I installed mine 10 years ago, first fueld with propane, then converted to natural gas when that came available.

   I purchased my components from W.W. Grainger - one heater (for a long, single stall section of my garage - my wife won't leave her car outside so I can have more space). I installed a thermostat at midpoint and interlocked a very small exhaust fan, high on the far-end wall. When the heater clicks on, the fan starts so there is no odor (which is minimal, at best).

   My guess is that I spent less than $300 back then.

   Jerry

1. 
   WillGeorge | Nov 05, 2005 08:02pm | #4

   Dang guy build her a Garage for herself!

3. 
   arw01 | Nov 05, 2005 05:24pm | #3

   If you can swing it an overhead propane or natural gas heater is all the best solution. However with the increasing cost of both, a 240volt construction heater might be less to use per hour. take your latest electrical bill and figure out your cost per killowatt hour. Use the highest rate on the bill and multiply it by 4.2 or 4.5 and that will be your cost per hour when the heater is on full boar. IN my area it would be about $0.28 an hour. Since a 20 pound propane tank takes approx 5 gallons of propane at over $2.09 a pound + sales tax and I don't think it lasts 24 hours on full boar 15K btu, it might be less expensive to run electricity if you have the available power.

   Alan

4. 
   lostcreek | Feb 03, 2010 02:51pm | #5

   I have a Modine Hot Dawg gas heater in a 2 car garage (was), and it is fantastic. I live in the Northern Utah mountains and I work in a short sleeve shirt after about 45 minutes of turning the heater on. Modine has a chart of recommended sizes for a given space.

   lostcreek

5. 
   KiddervilleAcres | Feb 03, 2010 07:16pm | #6

   I prolly live north of you in NH and I use a trailer furnace w/thermostat that works quite well. It burns kerosene, simple to get working and cost me $100.

   Another $100 for tubing, connectors and a 55 gal. drum and I'm good to go.

   Regards,

6. 
   RexJ | Feb 04, 2010 02:19pm | #7

   I prefer electric heat for two reasons, its cheaper to operate, and the heat is "dry". I have a propane fired 100,000 BTU "trash can" heater which will heat my 24' x 50' shop pretty quickly even on the coldest days, but it puts a ton of moisture in the air. So much so, that cast iron table tops begin to sweat on really cold days.

   I talked with my electrician buddy who ran the electric service to my shop and installed the circuit panel for me, and he suggested a Dayton forced air electric unit. See http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/electric-unit-heaters/heating-equipment/hvacr/dayton/ecatalog/N-8ypZ1z13ntg/Ntt-heater?Ns=List+Price|0&op=search&sst=All&xi=xi.

   These units hang from the ceiling. They're easy to install using threaded rods. I think mine is a 5 KW if I remember correctly. It's quiet when running. I don't have an air cleaner, so I blow the dust out of heater with compressed air every so often. It works great for me.

   RexJ

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Feb 04, 2010 05:25pm | #8

   In most parts of the US electricity is considerably more expoensive to operate than gas, though it is quite a bit less expensive to install.

   The deal with gas is the particular way it is installed the quick non-vented gas heaters do pump lots of moisture into the air, but a vented installation,puts all the combustion products outdoors, adding zero additonal water, and when the combusion air is also drawn directly from outside means the heater is little influenced by dust or fumes in the shop.But direct vent heaters do cost quite a bit more initially.

   The other thing to remember when planning on heating the shop is insulation. Good insulation can really pay for itself both in the amount of energy needed to accomplish the heating but in comfort as well.

7. 
   Buster2000 | Feb 04, 2010 08:05pm | #9

   While tempting I'd avoid the
   While tempting I'd avoid the construction heater. I was using one... Until it nearly burned my shop down. I left it on one night and it blew. Woodworking isn't cheap, but I don't regret the money I spend on it. Look at a good heater as an investment into yourself and you house.