Heating a NYC garage during winter.

JohnN · 11-15-01, 11:28

OK - when I mentioned I'd like to buy a heater to heat the garage during winter, so I could work on my cars, my wife told me I was crazy.

Don't be insulted - but when I heard crazy, I thought of you guys

Anyone here heating their garage, either electrically or via propane/kerosene? It's a detached, two-car garage, but fairly well insulated. The wiring running to the garage supports 30A, so I think I should be OK for most electrical heaters (except anything industrial, which would be out of the price range anyhow).

Any recommendations?

Thanks
-J

Short Cut · 11-15-01, 12:28

Keep in mind that anything with a flame like a propane or kerosene heater will use up the oxygen in the room is being used and therefore requires ventilation. I wouldn't go the kerosene route I've used them before and they get fumey and can make you feel sick. Propane is a little bit better. Both will work better if they are ignited and brought up to temperature outdoors then brought inside. That cuts down on the fumes from fuel which isn't completely burned.

I currently use a propane heater in my garage but of course it doesn't get as cold here as it does in NY. Typically I use it on high to just take the main chill off then I shut it down. If I need it again later I'll take it back outside to start it then repeat. A good way to monitor the fuminess (is that a word) of the garage is to occasionally go to another room or outside. When you return to the garage you will be able to monitor the air quality better than if you just stay in the garage.

With that said an electrical heater will be the best for cleanliness and safety but certain kinds of electrical heaters really suck up the electric juice and are therefore expensive to operate. I've also seen electric radiator style heaters. They look like and old fashioned boiler radiator heater but they are self contained and the fluid inside is oil.

BradE · 11-15-01, 12:51

A friend of mine has one of the electric heaters that look like a radiator. They are sealed with oil, so the never need refilling. His has a bunch of setting for the temp, and saftey features. It works pretty well, and I think you can find them for around $50-$60. If you have a big garage, you might need 2.

I don't know if I would use a propane or kerosene heater for the reasons Short Cut described. You must have proper ventilation or you can have a dangerous problem on your hands.

YoSteve · 11-16-01, 06:37

Also anytime you have combustion or burning of any kind, carbon monoxide needs to be considered and since you can't detect it a detector would be advisable.

Brad · 11-21-01, 11:12

I installed a gas/electric heat/air conditioning system in my garage. The same system found in most houses. Routing of the ductwork was simple and the unit cheaper than you would think. I have an electronic thermostat that allows me to keep the garage as low as 40 degrees in winter to give some cost savings but keep the cars from freezing. It will heat up to 65 degrees in less than 15 minutes. The system is safe, even and efficient.