Looking at heaters for my garage

White95Max · 12-11-05, 08:08

I've come to the decision that I need an electric garage heater. I was searching http://www.Lowes.com and I found a bunch of them. Most of them are pretty inexpensive too.
Here are the search results:

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?actio...rs&N=0+5000407

I found this one that I liked:

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?actio...0UH&lpage=none

Any advice on electric heaters? I'm looking to heat a 1-car garage with it. I plan to block off any gaps in the wall today and tomorrow with some thick cardboard and duct tape. I know it's not the greatest insulation, but I mainly just want to get rid of the drafts. If I could heat the garage to 45*F, I'll be very happy.

holland_patrick · 12-11-05, 08:12

DeLonghi
Oil-Fill Radiator Heater with Timer

that is the one i would get. no fan and it will keep heating even after you turn it off so you have a more even heat

LightngSVT · 12-11-05, 08:20

That looks like a nice heater. This is going to sound wierd but when it comes to heaters you guys with normal sized garages, Im having a very hard time finding a heater for my new garage that doesnt cost a fortune and require venting. I can heat my current 2.5 car garage with 2 electric heaters from Sears.

White95Max · 12-11-05, 08:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by LightngSVT

That looks like a nice heater.

Which one? The oil-filled one that Patrick mentioned, or the B&D one?

And Patrick - why would you prefer one without a fan? Wouldn't it take forever to feel the heat away from the heater if there's no fan to move the heat around?

White95Max · 12-11-05, 09:18

Do I need to worry about plugging the PC or my lights into the same circuit as the heater? Let's say it's a 1500W heater.

Reflections · 12-11-05, 09:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by White95Max

Do I need to worry about plugging the PC or my lights into the same circuit as the heater? Let's say it's a 1500W heater.

It's likely. I used an extractor with a 1600W heater with a 500W halogen last night and it tripped the breaker while the unit was preheating. So I ran a cable inside the house for the extractor--I have an outlet right by the door to the garage. I had no problems afterwards.

Although, I can run 4x500W halogens and a PC on the same circuit and have no problems. I really don't understand electricity.

White95Max · 12-11-05, 09:41

Well running an extension cord into my apt isn't an option. I'd need a lot of extension cords! If need be, I will only run the heater when I'm washing, and then I'll just unplug the heater while I use the PC. Chances are, I won't be using the PC much at all anyway during the winter. But I'd like to have my 26W bulb and 2 36" flourescents on while I'm working (with the heater on).

Aurora40 · 12-11-05, 09:45

I also like the oil-filled heaters. They don't get that hot, so they won't accidentally burn the place down. They do take a little while to get cranking, though, so advanced planning is necessary. This is probably true of forced air heaters too, though.

White95Max · 12-11-05, 10:30

Another question:

Do I need to bring my heater inside anytime I'm not using it? Or will it be OK to sit outside if it gets to -20*F? Unfortunately, that's a realistic temperature around here in the winter.

shumax · 12-11-05, 10:34

I don't think you will be that happy with an electric heater. Then again, you're the guy washing at 24 degrees

I would suggest a very small torpedo heater that runs on propane, or kero. For $100, your garage will be easily warmed and you won't have to worry about waiting. Depending on your ceilings, I bet it give you 40 degrees. I.E., if it's 10 outside, the heater will raise it to 50.

Shumax

White95Max · 12-11-05, 10:43

I don't like the idea of fumes from combusting propane or kerosene. That's my reasoning for looking at electric heaters. If I have to turn the heater on for 20 minutes before I go out to the garage that's not a problem.

theeloved1 · 12-11-05, 10:44

I would also recommend getting a torpedo heater. I have a relatively small one...30,000btu I believe...and I can easily heat my 20'x20' 2 car garage to the point where I shut it off and work comfortably in a long sleeve tshirt. I would suggest propane because the kero ones smell funny. I think I paid like $70 for mine.