• Hello there guest and Welcome to The #1 Classic Mustang forum!
    To gain full access you must Register. Registration is free and it takes only a few moments to complete.
    Already a member? Login here then!

Garage heaters

RapidRabbit

Well-Known Member
Donator
Anyone with a heated garage?

I'm sick of running out for propane constantly and freezing my butt off working on the cars.

I've been using a torpedo heater but it takes to long to warm up the garage.

Anyone have any recommendations?

My garage is around 1300 sqft. I'd like to keep it heated all winter around 50 degrees.

I'm thinking a celing mount heater. Maybe 80,000 btu?



Sent from my moto x4 using Tapatalk
 
Yes, it is in insulated and drywalled. But that only goes so far when it's below zero most of the winter.

I do plan on adding a new layer of blown insulation in the Attic above as well.

Sent from my moto x4 using Tapatalk
 
Anyone with a heated garage?

I'm sick of running out for propane constantly and freezing my butt off working on the cars.

I've been using a torpedo heater but it takes to long to warm up the garage.

Anyone have any recommendations?

My garage is around 1300 sqft. I'd like to keep it heated all winter around 50 degrees.

I'm thinking a celing mount heater. Maybe 80,000 btu?

Sent from my moto x4 using Tapatalk

Out here the building code contains a section on calculating the heating and insulation needs for new construction. Within the building industry it is known as "Title 24". Not sure what you have where you live but there is a lot of information which is helpful in figuring out the best way to achieve your goals. A mechanical contractor in your area might be able to point you in the right direction as well.
 
I was more just looking to see if anyone has any heater brands that they have used or recommend or suggestions on installations.



Sent from my moto x4 using Tapatalk
 
We just had this conversation on the SAAC forum. Several folks mentioned the value of computing your garage insulation value and sizing your heater to give you the most efficient solution. That's fine if you want to keep the room at a constant temp all the time.

I wanted to be able to quickly heat my garage only when I wanted to use it. I have a 1200 sq-ft garage with a 9' ceiling. Since it's attached to the house, the coldest it gets is around 40F. I have a 60K-BTU Modine ceiling-mount natural-gas heater that warms up the room to 70F in about 20 minutes. Obviously all the garage contents are still cold and it takes several hours for everything to warm up, but I can work there. Cost was about $1400 10-years ago, including a powered-exhaust fan.
 

Attachments

  • Modine garage heater.jpg
    Modine garage heater.jpg
    285.9 KB · Views: 27
I am in the middle of this project myself. I have insulated and thrown up plywood on the walls and am currently installing plywood on the rafters and insulating above them. I also ran 2 sets (1 for heater and 1 for compressor/ect) of 10g wires to the breaker box and added fuses. The heater itself was ordered from Home depot, cost around $270 shipped I believe. Got it a couple weeks ago.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Fahrenheat-5-000-Watt-Unit-Heater-FUH54/202043073

Forgive the mess, I need to clean up the garage.

20181118_132029 by Brett, on Flickr

20181124_185048 by Brett, on Flickr
 
I use something similar to what Brett shows. I have a three stall attached garage (you've seen it, Pat) with 10'+ ceilings. I set mine to keep the garage just under 50F all winter and crank it up to be warmer when I intend to work out there. If I give it a couple hours to increase the heat before I head out it works out for me. If needed that little guy can get the whole garage north of 70 fairly easily and keep it that way. It should be noted that my garage is fully insulated and drywalled. My garage doors are also 1.5" thick and insulated as well. They are also externally clad with 1/2" cedar for looks but that also adds to their "R-factor".
 
We just had this conversation on the SAAC forum. Several folks mentioned the value of computing your garage insulation value and sizing your heater to give you the most efficient solution. That's fine if you want to keep the room at a constant temp all the time.

I wanted to be able to quickly heat my garage only when I wanted to use it. I have a 1200 sq-ft garage with a 9' ceiling. Since it's attached to the house, the coldest it gets is around 40F. I have a 60K-BTU Modine ceiling-mount natural-gas heater that warms up the room to 70F in about 20 minutes. Obviously all the garage contents are still cold and it takes several hours for everything to warm up, but I can work there. Cost was about $1400 10-years ago, including a powered-exhaust fan.

I also have a 30,000 BTU Modine Hot Dawg natural gas heater for my 12x25 / 12 foot ceiling garage. I only use it when working in there. Installed it a few years before insulating, blueboard and plaster. I honestly didn't see much of a difference between insulating and not, but then again, my garage door is not insulated. I did however notice a huge difference sealing up a few seemingly small air leaks around an entry door and older window. Even the smallest drafts will have an impact on keeping it warm. I'm sure insulation would have a bigger impact on long term temperature maintenance, once the heat sinks into the gypsum board and concrete floor, cars, tools etc...

I'm in the midst of building a new garage/workshop and may be running pex tubing in the concrete slab for future radiant heating. My biggest concern with the pex is accidentally drilling into it if I want to install a lift. I suppose if we keep a square grid, it shouldn't be too bad. Since the initial use is just occasional, probably going with another Modine forced hot air unit.
 
I have a Heile furnace in my insulated shop with a 1,00 gallon propane tank. I have set it to 55 degrees and it is wonderful.
 
I know a couple people with Standard house furnaces in their garage. That might be a bit of Overkill.

I even thought about doing one of those Mitsubishi in wall units with AC too. Sure would be nice in the summer too. $$$$

Sent from my moto x4 using Tapatalk
 
I have 650' of PEX tubing in the floor of my 25x26 shop .
Unfortunately ,it's not hooked up to anything and I still need to get the ceiling drywalled and insulated.
 
We install these mini split systems on some of the units we build. Getting real popular down here.
mass_65347_600.jpg
 
Last edited:
Pat, don't overthink this. It really just comes down to how much time you expect to spend out there during the cold winter months. I go into each winter thinking I will be out there a couple nights a week and a lot on the weekends. It never happens that way. Life and all. If you had a dedicated shop it would likely be different. You would have projects in all stages and it would be a real full time endeavor/hobby. Get a small electric unit like Brett or I have and see how it goes. It more than keeps the garage warm enough (easily 70+ in my case) and doesn't cost a fortune to buy or operate. Plus it is safer than some portable units that use a fuel source.

Then after this winter you can reassess how things went and during the summer months make improvements or purchase something more substantial when prices are at their lowest.
 
The last couple of years I've actually been parting out a few cars for a little extra mustang funds. It's kind of fun tearing down a car to the base shell.

So I've been out there a lot. Every time someone wants a part I go out and pull it.

Plus with our 3 cars, there's always something that needs to done. Brakes, oil changes, etc.

I think I'm going to go with a natural gas unit. Trying to decide which brand now. They are really not much more. $500-800 for an 80,000 btu.

Sent from my moto x4 using Tapatalk
a0b64a1c98d9d0d15f3b00b10b44f946.jpg
 
Last edited:
Pat I have a oil furnace in my shop. I like it and would go the same route again. I have it on a lyric thermostat and can access it from the web to turn on, off, up or down as needed. Remember any furnace needs to be elevated off the floor according to local codes. This is to prevent any ignition issues if you have a fuel leak in the garage as the fumes stay low to the ground. I built a frame out of angle iron to elevate mine. I'll try to remember to take a picture of it this evening and post it.

_____________________________
Never argue with a Moron. They'll just drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.

If the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy.
 
Back
Top