Garage heating

[dodge man]

I have a LP fires forced air unit. It is basically just a box that hangs in the corner. Its pretty cheap, I also keep it about 40 or 45 degrees and bump it up to 60 when I'm working in it. It heats the place up in 10 minutes and its a 28x30 shop.

 

[ray66v]

They have heat tape kits for plastic pipe.

However, if you are worried about heat tape on plastic pipes, change the parts you want to heat to copper.

 

[PILOON]

I am also in Quebec, up north in Laurentians.
I hang a 4000 watt construction heater but re wired to have the thermostat in the colder area.
Keep the setting kinda low just enough to work without gloves.
Ceiling is R 28 and walls R 12.
Frankly my cost is rather minimal for the comfort available. If too cold I crank up the control if I will work there.
Mainly I do this to deter condensation on my tools and to enjoy a hospitable work environment (if I'm so inclined).
Our hydro power in PQ is quite affordable as we have decent rates.

Don't believe you could do better than with electric.

 

[jack707]

Outside boiler house and pole barn.

 

[moriboy]

I have a LP fires forced air unit. It is basically just a box that hangs in the corner. Its pretty cheap, I also keep it about 40 or 45 degrees and bump it up to 60 when I'm working in it. It heats the place up in 10 minutes and its a 28x30 shop.

Same setup here. I love it.

 

[Cat_Driver]

I use ...LP/NG Dual Fuel Tent Heater 350000 BTU quiet operation and fuel efficient direct-fired design
LB White Premier 35-DF LP/NG Dual Fuel Tent Heater 35, BTU

 

[Zerk]

Heating the pipes is an option but I have not figured out a safe way to do that (all plastic pipes).

By oil heater I meant an oil filled electric heater, sorry for the confusion.


I'm wanting to stay electric because I could set it and forget it, unlike wood that needs to be added every couple of hours or days etc.s.

I have never used heat trace at home. Does it say not for PVC pipes on it? Is there a version that it can be used on? PVC does bend if you get it really hot, and could droop.


I wouldn't rule out supplementing with heat. But I understand not want to attend to it all the time.

Ceiling fans push heat back down, with can help. I don't bother in my house. I was in a place with tall ceilings, and when I turned the fans on it made an incredible difference. Plus you have them for summer.

Heating oil with electric may be most efficient. Since you are heating a mass, which will stay warm. Boilers are more efficient then forced air. But with all these small heaters, there are going to be a few variables. Manufacturer, placement, ect.


Since it is not attached have you thought about freeze alarm that would make a light come on?

 

[Zerk]

If the pipes are mounted low, you may want to put t-stat low.


If I was building a new garage, my dream would be infloor heat. A boiler or even a water heater. You need to insulate under slab.

 

[jack707]

If the pipes are mounted low, you may want to put t-stat low.


If I was building a new garage, my dream would be infloor heat. A boiler or even a water heater. You need to insulate under slab.

No I didn't insulate the floor the outside boiler keeps it warm inside all walls are insulated with 2"spr form

 

[shui5612]

I decided to not do infloor heating as it was too cost prohibitive for a garage that I only use for storage. The one I work in has it (detached garage). The slabs were isolated with 2 inch rigid foam.

I was thinking that the infrared could heat the car and things inside which would build on a heat mass.. the electric oil heater is oil for mass...

Guess that I'll buy one and try it out. Maybe plug it into a wattmeter and the big fan and compare their consumption over a week period next winter seeing how winter is close to being over here