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Heating The Garage

Gospel Runner

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Location
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I would like to know what you guys are using to heat your garages? I was thinking about using one of those gas radiant heaters, but the reviews are saying you must open a window or have a vent installed. It seems counter productive, but the fumes can overwhelm you or cause the CO alarm to go crazy. I heard the best way to go is radiant floor heat, but it is too late for that, as my floor is already in. The electric units are out of the question due to expense, unless you found one that is super efficient? Let me know your thoughts and what is working for you? Thank you!
 
I run a 6kw x 220v heater to keep the shop at about 52F and have my grandmothers old parlor stove for when I really want heat. My shop has R52 in the ceiling and insulated Garaga doors.
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Is it possible to get a gas line to your Garage? We used a wall mounted gas heater ran a line out to the garage set the thermostat to 60 and it’s perfect for the winter.

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I run a 6kw x 220v heater to keep the shop at about 52F and have my grandmothers old parlor stove for when I really want heat. My shop has R52 in the ceiling and insulated Garaga doors.
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We also have one of those wood burning heater in our pole barn it has a fan on the pipe to blow out the hot air. Works decent.
 
but the reviews are saying you must open a window or have a vent installed.

There are a lot of radiant heaters that catalyze the CO, but the vent is needed in many cases because of the humidity..... you need to let the vapors out, so your garage wont become a wet mess. I know some of you have loose garages, and your results may differ. Anyway, a lot of folks enjoy decent efficiency and good comfort from HotDawg style heaters. My favorite are the higher intensity long overhead tube heaters, if you have the cieling hgt to use one. Either should be vented though, and pull in outside air for combustion as well. HTH, Lefty71
 
Reznor UDAP.
 
I have a Mr Heater 'Modine' 50k'ish BTU unit in one garage and the same unit 80k BTU in another. Unit run on LP or Nat Gas. Best bang for the buck IMO.
 
Down flow gas furnace, heat blows across the floor.
 
I've been in the propane business now for 32 years. There's a reason unvented wall heaters are strictly forbidden in bedrooms and in my opinion, I would not recommend them period in any room unless it's for temporary heat.

The best heat for a well insulated, tight garage would be floor heat from a water heater or boiler. The problem is, it's very expensive, recovery is slow if you open your doors alot and most of us already have our floors in place.

Next would be, as Lefty71 said would be the overhead tube heat. And also as Lefty said, you have to have the ceiling height. It's economical to run, quiet and it's sealed, so it's safe with chemicals such as paint. Recovery time is quick too. It penetrates into everything in your garage including your floor so it gives a nice toasty feel. But, it will melt the vinyl top right off your car if your ceiling is too low.

That leaves either a hanging VENTED unit heater hung in one corner aimed at the opposite corner which is what I have. The problem is, they are noisy and not as efficient and in my garage (which is a converted corn crib), the heat never makes it to the floor. I freeze on my creeper! Or, you could install a high efficient house furnace and be creative with some ductwork and plenums.

Woodburners are great too if you have time for all the work involved and have access to firewood. There's nothing like wood heat and it smells great outside!

Whatever you install, National codes require the burner of any appliance in a garage to be at least 16" off the floor.

Or.... we could all take our muscle cars and move south!
 
This propane fueled tube heater works well and is rated for lower ceilings like my 8.5'. Floor heating with hot water was great in my other shop though.

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Before I installed a boiler I was planning on using a propane unit heater. You can get high efficiency ones but they require an external exhaust and a drain since they create condensation but to me it's worth it if maintaining a certain temp. What do you hear your home with, might be wise to set up the garage to share the same source if it's gas? Another thing to consider is whether or not you may like A/C, you can pick up used home furnaces for cheap that would allow for central air too which is what I'm doing.:thumbsup:
 
Glenwood, I wasn't aware of tube heat for lower ceilings. Where did you get yours? I'd like to look into it.

I love your Polara BTW!!! I was born in '64. I'm hoping to have one someday.... Big Block of course... with three pedals! What size tires are you running on yours? I also like the stance... just right.

Thanks for posting that.
 
All you fellas w fuel burning heat - remember the flue or chimney is taking air out, it has to have make-up air from somewhere. Most garages are not super tight around the doors, but newer places w tight fit everything should keep that in mind.
 
My garage is a whole 2 car with insulated door and ceiling. I went with a Farenheat 7500 watt max (overkill) electric and very happy with it. No glowing coils, no flames, no fumes, and it's made the states.
Northern sells the 5000 watt.
https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_595_595?cm_mmc=Bing-pla&utm_source=Bing_PLA&utm_medium=Heaters, Stoves + Fireplaces > Electric Heaters > Electric Garage + Industrial Heaters&utm_campaign=Fahrenheat&utm_content=17303&msclkid=c10ff0af369d1a7861d8ab77c33d4708

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What is your Electric rate and delivery charge from power company?
 
They make all sorts I installed one the called a chicken brooder heater
first section was lined with stainless second was aluminiumized and third steel with a turbator to scrub more heat as the normal units dump most of the heat at the burner end
the instructions tell you minimum clearances
 
Propane heated water with 2 unit heaters, a ceiling mounted cabinet heater in the bathroom, and 6' of fin tube in the office.
Mike
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