12/2/14 6:38 AM

As Kerry said, watts are watts. Cycling a large heater on and off is probably LESS efficient than running a smaller heater continuously, due to the frequent heating and cooling of the element. This assuming that each one is producing the same net amount of heat. Additionally, a steady stream of heat that maintains a constant temperature is generally more comfortable that frequent heat blasts followed by cooling.

FWIW, the only advantage I've found to 220v is with large power tools, such as my band saw and table saw. The primary advantage there is that they don't trip the existing circuit breakers, since the amperage draw is half of that when the same tools were run at 110v.

Last edited by Brian Nystrom on 12/3/14 6:38 AM; edited 1 time in total

12/2/14 11:32 PM

Suggest Mr. Heater Big Buddy Portable Heater
Lowes, TSC and many other stores carry it.

12/2/14 11:40 PM

That reminded me, we had a Mr Heater, Buddy. Apparently there is a Little Buddy, a Buddy, and Big Buddy. The middle one we had put out some heat, but kind of only if you where right in front of it IIRC. Elaine seems to recall the same thing.

Now these that mount atop a BBQ size Tank I have seen on drywall jobs in different iterations, singles and doubles. These put out some serious heat, like as in you do not want to be too close to the thing. Mr Heater makes these as well. Someone mentioned this type early on... Top double unit for BBQ tank @ Harbor Freight 50-70.00 depending on sale situation.




One review on the HF web site: "The garage I use it in is around 15x25 and uninsulated. With this heater, the temperature in the garage stays around 60~65 degrees while it's 30 degrees outside. In case you were wondering, you can light just one side at a time."

12/3/14 12:04 AM

Home depot propane fired 15k BTU tank top $44.00.

I think the infrared propane fired are OK inside, Where the other tank mount may not be OK for inside.
Due diligence of course..

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Dyna-Glo-15k-LP-Single-Tank-Top-Infrared-Heater-CSA-TT15CDGP/202895385

Say indoor/outdoor in the spec. And 15' radius heat.


Wall mart has on for under 40.00: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Dyna-Glo-9-000-15-000-BTU-Liquid-Propane-Heater-Single-Tank-Top-Match-Light-TT15CDGP/17032827

Mentions indoor use in text.

12/3/14 7:02 AM

So whay happens when the tank runs ddry?

12/3/14 8:18 AM

a tank is good for 12 hrs or so. I really think thAt type of heater is the best solution

12/3/14 8:43 AM

But what do you do when the tank runs dry?

Unlike electricity, which comes over on the wire, I can't figure out any easy way to deal with replenish the tank

12/3/14 9:12 AM

Any home supply or convenience store. Keep a spaee and swap out the empty,the stores exchagr the tanks.it will last quite a while if you dont run steady. An 110 heater in a garage will be a joke by comparison.

12/3/14 10:10 AM

the tank looks quite heavy...

12/3/14 10:30 AM

It's not that bad. I and millions of others use them for grills. A guy at a hardware store or whatever will probably put it in your car. Then you just need to get it from your car to the garage. If you can handle a kayak I suspect you can handle a propane tank. :)

12/3/14 10:52 AM

Hmmm...

1st, it's another thing to monitor and buy when needed, so the hassle factor.

2nd, at 30+lbs, it's a heck of a weight to drop on one's feet (while my kayak weights more, II don't pick up the whole boat, EVER. Only one end at a time)

3rd, I'm not looking to turn this heater thing into a full blown hobby!

12/3/14 11:17 AM

If you want heat, you are gong to have to deal with the shiz.

IMO no 110 heater is going to really work effectively. So I think you are dealing with having a 220 line and heater, kero heater, or one of those tank top units for being able to heat up the space without tuning the heater for hours before going out there.

You could run your bike on the trainer for 45 minutes first. ;)

Is your furnace in the garage? If yes, your simplest most effective and lowest cost solution will be putting a register out there if a forced air unit.

Or if there is an electric dryer out there, one of these for under 20.00 might work depending on proximity.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006IEMUK/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_2?pf_rd_p=1944687442&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B00004YWK2&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0MHXYVG1TZCC6KQF8E51

<img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51mnkltjF4L._SL1000_.jpg" width=320>

12/3/14 11:56 AM

quote:

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if you want heat, you are gong to have to deal with the shiz.

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12/3/14 12:08 PM

quote:

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I just want the 'space' to be warm'ish...

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12/3/14 12:18 PM

quote:

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Why not just place a heat lamp above where you work in the garage?

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12/3/14 12:18 PM

Why not just place a heat lamp above where you work in the garage?


A $6.00 heat lamp bulb is way to simple. ;)

12/3/14 1:10 PM

April, I think you may be overthinking this thing. It's a garage, you're going to be working off and on, and what you need is something that can get it up to a workable, not a livable, warmth. Any heater that puts out X watts and blows the result around is going to heat the space pretty nearly the same. You can put a non-rotating fan near a corner, or aim it more or less at where you're going to work, and it will keep you from freezing as well as a fancier one. If you have more than one outlet, you can get more than one heater and turn on the second one when it's extra cold.

I would not use a radiant or infrared heat source for this. These heaters work well for heating a specific object, perfect for a sensitive plant or a freeze-prone pump, but poor at creating circulating hot air.

The floor will always be cold, heat loss will always be an issue, and if you don't have the heat on all the time, objects in the garage will soak it up fast. You'll be dressed for outdoors when you work there in winter. Keeping your heat from leaking out the garage door will be more of a challenge, I think, than making it.

12/3/14 1:30 PM

Or install radiant heat in the garage floor. Your car will greet you with a smile every morning.

12/3/14 1:46 PM

Mathew, thanks for reemphasize my original request. You listed all the reason why I Iwanted a fan-driven electric heater.

I do want to see if I can find one that has a rotating fan,which will cover a larger area more evenly, even if at a bit lower temperature.

Parkin, talk about overkill. My car is perfectly happy in my unheated garage. I'm pretty sure Westchester is colder than Brooklin.

Last edited by April on 12/3/14 3:10 PM; edited 2 times in total

12/3/14 1:56 PM

Nutone 154 Ceiling Heater, Surface-Mounted Fan-Forced Radiant Heater $54.00

Mount above work station/area?? I dunno...

Broan-Nutone 1250W Wire Element Ceiling Mount Heater, Chrome Alloy, Wire Element For Instant Heat, Low Profile Housing With Satin Finish Aluminum Grille Extends Only 2-3/4" From Ceiling With 11" Diameter, Built In Fan Disperses Heat Evenly, Automatic Overheat Protection

http://www.westsidewholesale.com/nutone-154.html?keyword=Google_Shopping&mr:trackingCode=51D9683A-0A1F-E311-B773-BC305BF933C0&mr:referralID=NA&mr:device=c&mr:adType=pla&mr:ad=56682935485&mr:keyword=&mr:match=&mr:filter=89350025365&gclid=CP_q9eLSqsICFcqVfgod-40AUw


<img src="http://www.broan.com/common/productimagehandler.ashx?id=d84929d0-77a0-4db5-bf5e-22c7d70c422c&type=large" width=320>

12/3/14 2:12 PM

Nah, I think a portable one will be more flexible

12/3/14 2:28 PM

quote:

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A $6.00 heat lamp bulb is way to simple. ;)

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12/3/14 2:42 PM

Sandy, you're quite right. I only need to heat one spot. Though that spot may change within the garage. Hence the portable heater.

Fan makes it more comfortable if I'm moving around that spot.

I got a few candidates through online search. Some of them available in stores nearby. I'm going to go take a look on the weekend.

12/4/14 8:22 AM

http://www.walmart.com/ip/17038558?adid=22222222227009856003&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=42531464312&wl4=&wl5=pla&wl6=81188453072&veh=sem&www=true&productRedirect=true
Found by googling "rotating portable heater"

12/4/14 10:36 AM

Yep, that's one on the candidate list.

Sam's Club has it for less.