sgo
New member
Have you priced propane lately?
Thinking about a space heater for garage this winter...
- Thread starter White95Max
- Start date
mgm2003
New member
Maybe this is a dumb quesion, but do you hook up a gas grill tank to this propane heater, take it to a service station that fill propane tanks, etc...?
BookemDano
New member
SteveOst said:
Steve,
Yes, I agree that they are noisy. Doesn't bother me much though.
Regarding the condensation, I've heard that about similar kerosene heaters, but not propane.
Regards,
Dan.
As curiosity. If a big garage (31x26 ft) is not insulated at all, would it be a total waste of money to have a space heater? Electric seems to be more expensive to run, and propane is quite a clean burning fuel. Would the added horsepower of the propane help more even in a non insulated garage?
It's definitely less efficient if the garage is not insulated. You'll use more fuel and it will cool off quicker. Would it be a waste of money? That's for you to decide. If it's too cold to work in there otherwise and you could warm it up to a bearable temp, I think it's worth it. Electric is more expensive, but their intial cost is usually a little cheaper too. Also, the type of heater will affect the outcome (space, radient, etc).
LightngSVT
New member
I have a few problems, I cant run the torpedo units because Ill always have 2 cars in the 2.5 car garage (only one fo the projects is moving into storage this winter). Also that big, gas, radient unit says it needs to be 34" from the cieling, I only have 12'-ish cielings in the garage (master bedroom above part of the garage). I think if I get the cieling mount radient heater AND the Costco unit I should be fine, my garage is half isulated. Or is there a better solution?
imported_The Uncle
New member
I have a much different set of priorities than most of you. I live a bit North of Los Angeles. It rarely gets too cold for me when I am detailing my car. So, I don't have to worry about keeping a sub-freezing garage comfortable for me to work (btw, what do those extreme temps do to your collection of detailing supplies, which tend to live in the garage?).
However, I live in a three-level townhouse, with the bottom floor partially underground. The bottom floor does get fairly cold (and a bit damp) and it is the only floor that is not heated.
I investigated a few options. The propane thing is not practical, because it is a close in space. So, I looked at a few electric heater types of options.
I looked at a oil-filled Honeywell radiator, which could be had for only $35 - $40 at Target or Wal-Mart. Main problem for me with those was safety. The outside of it gets pretty hot, and I was worried mostly about my pet. In a garage, working on my car, I'd worry about accidental rubbing up against it.
Incidentally, that very issue might make the roof mounted heater more desirable. There is less risk that somebody will burn themselves on it because it is out of the way.
The Costco heater seems like overkill (much too fancy for my needs). This is a high tech unit that was originally sold at the Sharper Image for $150. It now goes for $100 at various places on the web. It was a good deal at $65 at Costco. The main appeal is that it has a outer grate that reduces burn risk. Even when it is running full tilt, the heat coil is not accessible and the unit can be safely touched or moved. It easily heats up my downstairs office but, again, it doesn't get to cold here (my office sometimes goes down to about 45 degrees).
Another option would be to get some that is more focused:
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=10035033&whse=&topnav=&cat=4262&hierPath=89*4262*
The idea would be that it is hard to heat your entire garage, but you can keep yourself warm while you detail your vehicle.
However, I live in a three-level townhouse, with the bottom floor partially underground. The bottom floor does get fairly cold (and a bit damp) and it is the only floor that is not heated.
I investigated a few options. The propane thing is not practical, because it is a close in space. So, I looked at a few electric heater types of options.
I looked at a oil-filled Honeywell radiator, which could be had for only $35 - $40 at Target or Wal-Mart. Main problem for me with those was safety. The outside of it gets pretty hot, and I was worried mostly about my pet. In a garage, working on my car, I'd worry about accidental rubbing up against it.
Incidentally, that very issue might make the roof mounted heater more desirable. There is less risk that somebody will burn themselves on it because it is out of the way.
The Costco heater seems like overkill (much too fancy for my needs). This is a high tech unit that was originally sold at the Sharper Image for $150. It now goes for $100 at various places on the web. It was a good deal at $65 at Costco. The main appeal is that it has a outer grate that reduces burn risk. Even when it is running full tilt, the heat coil is not accessible and the unit can be safely touched or moved. It easily heats up my downstairs office but, again, it doesn't get to cold here (my office sometimes goes down to about 45 degrees).
Another option would be to get some that is more focused:
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=10035033&whse=&topnav=&cat=4262&hierPath=89*4262*
The idea would be that it is hard to heat your entire garage, but you can keep yourself warm while you detail your vehicle.
White95Max
New member
To answer your question about the detailing supplies in the cold months, I don't keep them outside. They have a big shelf in the basement for storage. Also I have to take my Showtime bottle out of the car. 
In summer I am well-armed with a bottle of Showtime and two MFs in case any birds decide to bomb my car while I'm away from it.
In summer I am well-armed with a bottle of Showtime and two MFs in case any birds decide to bomb my car while I'm away from it.
White95Max
New member
I didn't realize that many of these heaters were propane/gas operating. I would prefer an electric one. The oil-filled ones run off electricity right?
I am definately getting a heater for the garage this winter...Chicago....nuf said!!
I have had the smaller "torpedo" style propane unit, and just like Bookem Dano said...you crack the bottom of the garage door open and let the fresh air in that way....letting the flame get its oxygen, along with yourself. But since I have a new garage..I mean house....I need a new heater. I now have a three car garage, so I need more BTUs. I am still on the fence between a propane and a fuel heater. Propane burns cleaner, but the convience of a multi fuel heater (use K1 kerosene and diesel fuel) is a big draw. Also...the liquid fuel ones will run alot longer on a tank. Anyone got any advice/ experience with which way to go.
What I will be doing (dont know why I didnt think of it before)...Is to put a CO2 detector (like the ones you get for inside your house) in the garage. Might be a good idea for all of us to do!!
That way you can concentrate more on the job at hand...a CLEAN CAR!!!!
I have had the smaller "torpedo" style propane unit, and just like Bookem Dano said...you crack the bottom of the garage door open and let the fresh air in that way....letting the flame get its oxygen, along with yourself. But since I have a new garage..I mean house....I need a new heater. I now have a three car garage, so I need more BTUs. I am still on the fence between a propane and a fuel heater. Propane burns cleaner, but the convience of a multi fuel heater (use K1 kerosene and diesel fuel) is a big draw. Also...the liquid fuel ones will run alot longer on a tank. Anyone got any advice/ experience with which way to go.
What I will be doing (dont know why I didnt think of it before)...Is to put a CO2 detector (like the ones you get for inside your house) in the garage. Might be a good idea for all of us to do!!
That way you can concentrate more on the job at hand...a CLEAN CAR!!!!
Eliot Ness
Active member
White95Max said:
Yes they do.
White95Max
New member
chaotik said:
They make CO2 detectors? Are you sure you aren't confusing CO2 (carbon dioxide) and CO (carbon monoxide)? Seems to me that a CO2 detector would go off anytime you exhaled near it.
imported_The Uncle
New member
White95Max said:
Yup. Electricity heats up the oil, and the oil radiates the heat slowly.
Those type of heaters work well. My main concern with them, again, is that the outside gets hot and I think there is a safety issue. But, if you are using it in your garage and have no fear of brushing up against it or having it touch a wall, you should be fine.
I've been using that fancy radiator from Costco for the last few days. It suits my needs, but I think the standard $35 oil-filled one from Target would have been fine too.
Corey Bit Spank
Active member
My garage is insulated but not heated. I think I'm going to buy a small heater just to get the temp up a bit when I'm washing.
White95Max
New member
I think I'll probably end up with an oil-filled one from a local store. I'm not worried about brushing up against it or anything, and my dog definitely won't be in the garage while the heater is on.
Hey guys, one more question: If 2 heaters have similar BTU rating, one of them being forced air ("torpedo" style) and the other one convection, which one would you take and why?
I assume the "torpedo" heater would heat quicker, but it would create space spots with large difference in temp.
I assume the "torpedo" heater would heat quicker, but it would create space spots with large difference in temp.
sgo
New member
granntl is right in his assesment of the dangers. That is why I will only use the one that hangs from the ceiling. At least nothing can get close enough to it to ignite.
Having said that, if you are going to do it any way, my preference would be for the convection because you're not kicking up the dust and depositing it all over yoyr car. - and everything else-
Having said that, if you are going to do it any way, my preference would be for the convection because you're not kicking up the dust and depositing it all over yoyr car. - and everything else-
White95Max
New member
I am definitely concerned about the fire hazard. That is why I like the ceiling-mounted heater. I won't bump it or drag a cord in front of it so it will provide safe heating.
I find it difficult to believe that any unvented gas heater will produce levels of ambient co in the single numbers. Before anyone bets their life, and that of any pets I would have the area rechecked for co after a lengthy period of operation and most importantly ask to see the calibration certificate for the instrument being used. Pay particular attention to the levels at which the device was tested and certified, ideally there will be a very low, under 100ppm test, an intermidiate level test and a high level test.
I am not saying that a 1 ppm (u?) is not possible but that level of carbon monoxide coming from an unvented methane or propane applicance would be astounding to me.
In fact the only co readings of that level that I routinely see are from flue samples of modern residential oil fired equipment, go figure, and by the way it is usually a 0 ppmu, and of course my instruments are certified yearly at a cost of approx $300 USD each.
I am not saying that a 1 ppm (u?) is not possible but that level of carbon monoxide coming from an unvented methane or propane applicance would be astounding to me.
In fact the only co readings of that level that I routinely see are from flue samples of modern residential oil fired equipment, go figure, and by the way it is usually a 0 ppmu, and of course my instruments are certified yearly at a cost of approx $300 USD each.