Garage/Shop Heater Installs?

[dragoneggs]

I have a Reznor unit . Possibly 6500 BTU and they go for about $1000 around here plus install. Just another idea on how to hook them up . I have the thermostat just inside the main entrance door and a lighted when on, off/on wall switch beside it and when I leave it's easy to turn off if needed. I also have a small 'bullet' type LED light mounted on the outside of my shop that I can see from my house that is on when the furnace is so it's an instant reminder that the furnace is on or off. To hook this up I just installed a receptacle on the wall and powered it so that it is on when the furnace is on. Then I just used a plug in charger from a rechargeable tool and powered the LED light with a low voltage . I also have Google Home and since I'm somewhat lazy, I bought a compatible receptacle/ switch for the furnace and now I can turn my furnace on /off from my house or anywhere there is WiFI with my phone. Hope this makes sense. I also have a another building that I can't see from my house and sometimes leave the door open by mistake. I have a contact switch on the door and it powers another LED light that I can see from my house as well. I know you can buy a unit from the hardware store that does the same thing but the LED light is much brighter.
al

Some good ideas, thanks. I plan to mount the heater in the far corner and the thermostat in the opposite corner near the door. A switch and an 'on' indicator light will be added to the plan!

 

[ultrarunner]

Do you know the Btu output?

Went over to the shop yesterday and couldn't find at data plate ..

 

[gstrom99]

I'm planning a 28x54 shop, to be sectioned off inside my 72x54 pole barn. The heat loss calc's I've used call for about 80-90k btu. I was thinking of two 45k units or one 90k unit. Probably Hot Dawg LP units.

Which choice should I go with (one or two units, in opposite corners)?

 

[dragoneggs]

I'm planning a 28x54 shop, to be sectioned off inside my 72x54 pole barn. The heat loss calc's I've used call for about 80-90k btu. I was thinking of two 45k units or one 90k unit. Probably Hot Dawg LP units.

Which choice should I go with (one or two units, in opposite corners)?

What is the difference in price for 2 45s vs 1 90K? Got to factor in venting, and thermostats. Might have competing issue with two thermostats?

 

[MoArk Willy]

Might have competing issue with two thermostats?

That won't be an issue if both heaters are heating the same space. As long as the thermostats are satisfied it doesn't matter which unit is doing it.
Of course the thermostats need to be positioned to sense the temperature of the area the heater is conditioning.
But purchasing one heater will be considerably less than buying two, in cost of the heater and venting.

 

[PEJ5]

I'm planning a 28x54 shop, to be sectioned off inside my 72x54 pole barn. The heat loss calc's I've used call for about 80-90k btu. I was thinking of two 45k units or one 90k unit. Probably Hot Dawg LP units.

Which choice should I go with (one or two units, in opposite corners)?

90K BTUH? Wow, I would invest in more insulation and then heat with one 45K unit.

 

[gstrom99]

My bad... 90k is not available. $630 for each 45k unit and $875 for a 100k unit. $760 for a 75k unit. Plus the double venting kits, gas pipe, t'stats... I think I need to back up and rethink this,

 

[MoArk Willy]

My bad... 90k is not available. $630 for each 45k unit and $875 for a 100k unit. $760 for a 75k unit. Plus the double venting kits, gas pipe, t'stats... I think I need to back up and rethink this,

Actually you can get them up to 125,000 BTU.
But as PEJ5 said you would be much better off insulating and downsizing the heater.
It may cost you more upfront but the energy savings will take care of the additional cost of insulation.

 

[gstrom99]

Yes. I know. It's getting R19 walls and R30 in the ceiling. One heating unit will be simpler, but I was concerned about spreading the heat all around as even as possible. It's in North Central Iowa, so it does get cold there...

 

[KennyG]

Yes. I know. It's getting R19 walls and R30 in the ceiling. One heating unit will be simpler, but I was concerned about spreading the heat all around as even as possible. It's in North Central Iowa, so it does get cold there...

With the size and cost you are talking about, what about an 80K or 100K home 95% furnace? That would be an easy install and you could add basic ductwork to get good distribution.