Big Buddy Heater

[oldballs]

In a 24 x 24 attached garage (9 ft ceiling) would the Mr Heater Big Buddy propane do me any good? It's 25 deg F in the garage today and I'd like to get a little more comfortable out there. Old age is making these chores less and less desireable under these conditions. Any comments would be appreciated. Usually I would only be out there 2-3 hours with the Kubota or truck etc.

 

[SpringHollow]

If nothing else, it warms up right where you are working. I have the double infra red setup and I do not think it would make the garage 50 degrees.

Ken

 

[MichMan]

I tried my big buddy a few weeks ago. It was about 35 deg out, and it raised the garage temp 8 degrees after a couple hours, so I would not rely on one to make it comfortable in the garage in the dead of winter. My attached garage is 24 x 24 x 10, well insulated.

 

[Nissan197]

I just purchased a Mr. Heater convection heater, which hooks up to a 100 lb propane tank. I have not used it yet, but it states it will heat an area of 4,700 sq ft. I will let you know how it does when I start it up.

 

[Oldstuff]

How many BTU's is the big buddy? I ask because I have found that a dual burner BBQ grill heats my 24 by 26 insulated garage really good. Takes about 40 minutes maximum to warm it up to where I only wear a heavy flannel shirt. When Laying on the floor you can feel that most of the heat is about waist high and up. I remember looking at the BTU rating once and it was either 20,000 or 25,000 BTU.

Oldstuff

 

[oldballs]

The catalog says it (Big Buddy) will do up to 18,000 BTU...on sale for $120 bucks. My son sent me some info on a double burner propane heater that is suppose to put out 30,000 BTU (propane) but the ad says it is to be used in an "open garage" among other places. So, what about a closed garage? I'm still a tough old bird, and don't expect to get real warm.... don't want to gas myself ... just want to take the edge off out there. Suppose to go down to 13 deg tonight. Thanks everybody. Mike

 

[SpringHollow]

Make sure you have enough ventilation for whatever you use. Also be careful not to have explosive/flammable fumes around.

Ken

 

[Rustywreck]

part of the problem is the heater not only has to heat the air, but all of the objects in the garage as well, including the floor - it could take a while.
Make sure the heater you are using is good for indoor use. You can get some nasty headaches and worse from the fumes.

 

[oldballs]

:thumbsup:Thanks for the tips TBN'ers. Flamables would be a no-no, but I don't quite understand how one can have ventilation in a closed garage since it would be cold outside. I guess one could leave a door cracked open if it wasn't down around zero....in which case I'd probably not be out there anyway.

 

[Rustywreck]

a cheap way to add ventilation if you have a window is a twin window fan. Turn fans on exhaust. You surely have enough air leaks in the garage for the fans to pull in fresh air. If not, turn one of the fans to intake.