Portable Heater For Garage?

EDCeeker

EDCeeker

Joined
Apr 9, 2006
Messages
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I've a 24x24 garage, open rafters, hip roof, ridge vent. There's 3/4" Dow-Corning solid foaminsulation under the siding. Insulated garage door and back door. Double-glazed window. I'm in S.E. Michigan. I'd like to extend the usability of the garage a bit. Other than the comments in this thread, where the Mr. Heater Big Buddy appears to be the winner, any recommendations?

Thanks!
 
I have a Big Buddy that I have used in my garage (similar size in NW Indiana) and since it's a RADIANT heater, not a space heater, it heats up what it's pointed at most significantly, not necessarily the air although the air does get warmer over time.

I also have a barrel stove that I use for primary heat which is by far the best even though it takes a while to heat up when it's cold. My garage is not insulated any better than yours. I like the idea of the radiant heaters, especially when working on vehicles but I'd go with something bigger than the Big Buddy. Check out their portable and permanant installation radiant heaters.Mr. Heater Web Page
 
I had the heater buddy, the one that uses two 1lb camp fuel. I took it back, it was ok, but I am trying to heat my 48 x 28 garage it just didnt cut it for me. It took a while on High to get warm. And on high it went through the tanks too fast. Now I am getting an 30k BTU LP Blue Flame with a 100LB tank installed next week. I want it to be a sauna in there LOL


http://www.vmisales.com/radiant_blueflame/bf-30.html
 
Quite frankly the biggest improvement in garage heaters is to improve your insulation. If you were to spend 300 dollars and properly insulate the garage, the cost savings in fuel and heater type would pay for the insulation in a couple of months.

We have found that solid insulation works better in areas that are temp heated, and suffer periodic warm and cold sessions as there is less likely hood for moisture to collect in the solid insulation rather than the batt type.

Either sprayed foam or rigid sheet insulation is best. My shop is heated by a small wood stove and I can keep 65 degrees in the shop almost steady with just cut offs and planer shavings going into the stove. I have 4 inches of Dow Blue board insulation throughout, and this spring i am planning on adding another 2 inches to the roof.
 
Guntotin_fool said:
Quite frankly the biggest improvement in garage heaters is to improve your insulation. If you were to spend 300 dollars and properly insulate the garage, the cost savings in fuel and heater type would pay for the insulation in a couple of months.
Click to expand...

As an HVAC engineer I concur. I worry more now about oversizing AC units because with insulation you don't have any outdoor load to speak of.
 
HomeBru,

Thanks for the feedback on the Big Buddy and the suggestion. I would prefer to avoid the hassle and expense of installing something permanent at this time.

ericb445,

I'm not trying to make the garage like a sauna, toasty warm, of anything like that. I worked out there several times in the last two weeks when the outside temps were no more than in the mid-40's with no problem. I'm only looking to make it a bit more comfortable and perhaps extend usability to when the outside temps are down into the 30's or so. Thanks for the suggestion, tho.

akivory,

Would prefer to avoid a permanent installation at this time.

If I was going to do something permanent, I'd go for getting my natural gas line run out there and something hung off the rafters, so it wouldn't be taking up scarce floor space.

Guntotin_fool & gbaker,

Yeah, I know about insulation. Problem is the three walls are currently loaded/covered with "stuff." It'd be hell trying to insulate them right now. As far as the roof: Between the floor being mostly occupied and half the rafter space having storage in it, insulating the roof would also be a major undertaking. Had I had the forethought, I should've done all that when I moved in--when the garage was nice and empty :p.

I dunno... maybe I'll reconsider the insulation thing and give it a go, anyway. I only have to do two walls, come to think of it, as the 3rd wall is shared with the house. If I attack it in bits, instead of all in one go, I s'pose it wouldn't be that bad. The roof, OTOH, that will be a serious PITA. I think I'd be better-off hiring pros for that one.

/me thinks... Yeah, I bet with the two walls and the roof insulated, that Big Buddy alone would probably be sufficient?

Maybe I'll start a separate thread on insulating the garage.
 
I have a detached garage that is not insulated and we use it to entertain three seasons out of the year. I have had parties in there when the outside temperature is near freezing. The big buddy just doesn't get ours warm enough. Like someone said before it is only a directional heater. I had a friend bring over a big propane heater but the problem is it sounded like a jet engine when in use. The best heating source is a good kerosene heater with good quality kerosene. That thing will heat the whole garage and then some. I actually have to turn it down. My garage is 26'X26'.
So my vote goes with the kerosene heater. If you maintain it properly it will not put out that putrid smoke. Plus if I fill the tank it will burn for the entire evening and I can watch the fuel gauge. Unlike propane which you ususlly don't know is low until it runs out. Let us know what you end up with.

Jon
 
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