How much heat for shop

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RockDoc

RockDoc

10 Year 15 Year
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Jun 3, 2007
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SW MB CA
I have a small garage that I use for storage and workshop space. I'd like to heat it to work on some truck projects this winter and would like advice on how much heat I should be looking for in a propane or kerosene heater.

The space is ~300 square feet, not insulated but it does have a drop ceiling and interior paneling on the walls. Looking to be able to raise the temperature up to 30*C or 90*F above outside temp. How much heat should I be looking for?

I'm thinking about a propane convection heater, and from what I've seen I can either get a 15 000 - 25 000 BTU unit or a 30 000 - 80 000 BTU unit. Comparable price, I'm thinking the larger one would be far too much for the space I'm talking about. Found a 13 000 BTU kerosene heater in the local classifieds I'm considering too.

TIA,
Curtis.

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With paneling on the walls already you might be better off drilling holes in each wall bay and having foam sprayed in. not sure if you have fire blocks or not which makes it more work. Blow in some insulation in the dropped ceiling area. then a small heater or pellet stove would be a good option. Just check the heater you choose to see if it needs ventilated to the exterior and then a carbon monoxide smoke detector.
 
I'm renting so it's not going to get insulated. I'm not looking to keep it heated constantly, just warm it up and go to work on odd days.
 
I can't see spending time out there when it's colder than -20*C (-5*F). I think those torpedo heaters are usually >100 000 BTU, likely a little much for my little space.
 
Keep in mind you may have to have a window or door cracked as some of those salemanders put out some fumes
 
You can buy small one of the torpedo heaters, you do not need one that will melt the snow off the roof.

I would find a used door and make it fit the walk in door. Cut a hole in the bottom of the spare door with a locking flap like a doggie door. Set the heater outside and blast the air in through the hole when you are in the shop. When you are done renting, put the original door back on.
 
D'Animal said:
I would find a used door and make it fit the walk in door. Cut a hole in the bottom of the spare door with a locking flap like a doggie door. Set the heater outside and blast the air in through the hole when you are in the shop. When you are done renting, put the original door back on.
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Slick, I like that. :) Would that keep the exhaust out (does the exhaust vent separate from the heated air or does it come out the end with it)?
 
It is a great idea, the rear of the unit sucks/draws in air and exits out the other end. I would think it would be back from the door a bit to keep from burning down the place.
 
Okay, now I'm debating between this kerosene/diesel torpedo heater and this propane convection heater.

I think the liquid fueled one would be more versatile, but the propane one is considerably cheaper and would be smaller to store. Are the torpedo heaters adjustable, or they just run at full tilt? Guess I should hop in the truck and go look at some.
 
Enough to spend the evening doing engine assembly or painting and rebuilding an axle....

Those tank top radiant heaters are very cheap in comparison, and don't take up much space.... Bah, I always over-think things. :bang:

I'll go visit the Home Depot and likely come home with something.
 
I've used kerosene torpedo heaters and propane heaters on the job. They heat up great but really put out some nasty fumes. I broke down and got a 40,000 btu Mr Heater for my garage and it works great with no fumes.
 
He would/should cut a hole for a chimney and buy a chain saw, buy a wood stove and then spend his available wrenching time cutting wood.


splitshot said:
Have you thought about a wood or even a pellet stove?
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If it is to cold to squeeze 90w out of a jug, I generally am not working on my stuff. :D
 
There is a chimney and an old beat up coal stove (like deformed beat up, not salvagible) in the garage. A woodstove and a good dog are pretty much all I want out of life right now, but given that we're renting and I expect I'll have moved before next winter I don't think wood is right for now.

Change oil in the garage :lol: even on 29s my truck won't fit through the door, and there wouldn't be much space left to get around it if it did fit. As it is, about 1/3 of the garage is taken up with spare drivetrain stuff, and there's lots of things like bikes and kayaks being stored in it.

I ran by a few hardware store type places, and only one had anything....... Tank top propane radiant heater and a propane convection heater. I see online another good store has a propane torpedo style (35 000 BTU) for $140 Canuckian Dollars..... I also remembered my folks have an old kerosene convection heater they don't use..... if I hold out till Christmas, bringing that home would be a free option.

blah blah blah blah. Poop or get off the pot, right? (or does that just apply to Spook?)
 
those radiant heaters work good if close to it, they don't all have fans to move the heat unless you buy one and place near the heat source
 
D'Animal said:
He would/should cut a hole for a chimney and buy a chain saw, buy a wood stove and then spend his available wrenching time cutting wood.
Click to expand...

Lol...

Something got to be said about wrenching in the shop and keeping a third eye on the fire.;)
Seasonal thing, it's all in the planning..:D
 
Not quite as ballsy as some of the heaters already mentioned, but I have this one in the shed (10'x14'). I aim it at me and the area I am working and it does a great job of keeping me warm and toasty.

Edit: just saw that it has sold out until January :doh:. I have seen similar ones elsewhere though.
 
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