Heated Garages???

[Burg Boxster]

After going thru the whole evaluation process and trying little torpedo units, etc, I decided to go with this and finally have a heated garage!

Reznor UDAP45 - 45,000 BTU Nat Gas unit:


I looked at the Hot Dawg (too much $ for what it is), Mr. Heater (can buy thru Northern Tool - great value - but read more than a few complaints about fan noise and mis-fires/no heat) and Reznor (known leader in industry w/ great warranty on unit - parts/labor and heater core/burner unit). Picked it up for ~ $530 + tax (since it was local). I almost bought it from an outfit in IA which had a special of $518 but w/ frt to me, it would have been same/more than local. Since your in IL you might want to check them out: http://www.denniscoinc.com/special.pdf

I looked hard at IR units but the recommended min height was 12-14' and mine is only 10' and w/ 700+ sq ft, it would have required multiple tube runs which I did not want.

Good luck!

[chitowndad]

Thanks for the idea, I'll look into the prices here and ask my heating buddy.

How many square foot is your garage? Mine is 30 foot wide by 24 feet deep and 13 foot ceiling.

-Steve

[Burg Boxster]

There are a # of online calculators but cubic feet is the # you need (not sq ft) as well as type of construction. Your buddy will know and should be able to calculate your needs based on avg temp and the temp rise you want. Anyhow, mine is the same as yours except I only have 10' ceiling. At 13', you should look into and consider radiant heat. Cheaper operating costs and "instant" recovery from door openings.

[Paul]

I don't like any fire in a garage. A sealed combustion chamber with an outside air intake is the only type of gas or oil unit that I would use.

I installed a $399 Electric unit that hangs from the ceiling. I installed it myself on a 30 amp 208V circuit. Quiet, safe, and 100% efficient.

My garage is small (about 400 sq ft with a 9' ceiling) and is fully insulated including the door.

[70Sixter]

Last fall I asked my HVAC provider to estimate adding a third heat pump to service my 1200 sq garage with 12 ft ceilings. $4500.00 complete with exposed ducting and elevated outside unit was the answer.

I will do this when I can afford it, just not until I finish insulating the walls. Already installed insulated and hurricane resistant garage doors.

I want cooling and dehumidifying in warm weather, not just heat in cold weather.

[chitowndad]

I'm going to stick to the natural gas units... I'm thinking of starting to plumb the gas and electrical this weekend and if my taxes forecast ok and I don't owe anything I'll pick one up in Feb.

[Rick V]

My house is heated with an oil fired boiler, I had it replaced a couple of years ago, when the old one exploded, not a joke, exploded. Well I requested that the smoke pipe be a single layer type, like what is used on a wood stove. Between the heat from that and a small electric heater at the other end, my garage stays nice and warm. It was 70 this morning while the outside temp was 4. Makes a very nice place to hang out. I also have cable tv and internet down there. I should mention it is a one car garage with an 8 foot ceiling so it is easy to keep warm.