Tis the Season - some heat for your garage

[Tim]

Well, I've been debating getting some heat out in the garage, and with the pending assembly of my 650 looming, I decided to take the plunge.

After some reading, I concluded that an infrared electric heater would be more efficient and less expensive to operate (not to mention safer) than a propane heater.

Costco (Canada) has a 110v heater designed to mount up high. And it's on sale right now.

http://www.costco.ca/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=10303847&search=infared%20Patio&Mo=1&cm_re=1_en-_-Top_Left_Nav-_-Top_search&lang=en-CA&Nr=P_CatalogName:BCCA&Sp=S&N=0&whse=BCCA&Dx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntk=Text_Search&Dr=P_CatalogName:BCCA&Ne=4000000&D=infared%20Patio&Ntt=infared%20Patio&cm_mmc=CNEmail_EN_153-_-Focus-_-17-_-InfraredPatioHeaters_CNEmail_EN_153&No=0&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Nty=1&topnav=&s=1

I'm going to do some more searching to see if I can find a better deal, but $157 shipped (+ tax) is about as good as the cheapest propane heater I've found. Not sure if my circuit to the garage will be up to the task, but as long as I'm not running my compressor etc. at the same time, it should be ok with a couple flourescent lights on the same line. Shouldn't be using any powertools in the reassembly anyhow

 

[Tim]

Hmmm, just found this one for 1/2 the price at Crappy Tire

http://www.canadiantire.ca/browse/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524443249094&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=1408474396672700&bmUID=1195091686061&deptid=1408474396672676&ctgrid=1408474396672677&subctgrid=1408474396672700

Not sure what the real diffference is - need to do some reading up on infrared heating.

 

[CanadaDan]

This what I use...

http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=1&p=44590&cat=1,43456,43465

$59 with 100w halogen light, $49 without

"Convection heaters rely on heating the ambient air to transfer heat energy. Radiant heaters do not. They emit infrared heat waves that, like the sun, warm objects directly (people, workstations, tools, etc.), without drying the air or circulating dust and other particles in the workshop.
For hard-to-heat workshops, garages, etc., these ceiling-mount versions are particularly convenient. Capable of warming objects in an area measuring 14' x 14', the heat intensity of the quartz elements has two settings – 750W and 1500W, producing 2560 and 5120 BTU/hour respectively. The housing rotates and swivels to let you aim the heat where needed and a pull cord keeps the controls conveniently within reach.

Lightweight (about 6 lb) and easy to install, the heater is also available with an integral 100W halogen lamp. The lamp, which can be used alone or in combination with the heating elements, uses a standard T100 halogen bulb (included).

Silent, clean and efficient, the heaters operate on a maximum of 15¢ an hour based on 10¢ per kWh. Each measures 23" wide by 3" deep by 11" high. For indoor use only."

 

[Tim]

Even better. $60 I can handle, and if it keeps a Winnipeg garage warm enough to work in, I should be able to have a beach party in mine. Will get one this weekend. I especially like the 750/1500 settings so I can avoid tripping my breaker everytime it kicks in.

 

[Tim]

Well SHOOT - the Lee Valley site says the heaters are no longer available! Looks like it may cost me an extra $20 and have to give it to Crappy Tire for their version.

 

[bluemetaldog]

if it keeps a Winnipeg garage warm enough to work in, I should be able to have a beach party in mine. Will get one this weekend.

woot!!!

beach party in tim's garage!!!!
;D

 

[Fear My Twin]

I would be careful with putting your heater above any live tropical plants it will most likely wilt and die being that close to a heat source. ;D

 

[Ease]

You guys find theese good? I have a large garage that is too expensive to heat with electric and the furnace ain't cuttin it (really high cielings).

I was thinking that the lack of a fan would make em a bit crappy... Am I wrong?

 

[CanadaDan]

i have mine right over the bike lift... it's there to warm the metal up enough that I can work barehanded... but I completely give up in January & February... nothing helps when it goes past -35 at night.

 

[Yellowducky]

This is what I have been using, its sufficient but I would like to have a bigger one. I will no longer have a garage in a month so no point buying a bigger one.

Specs are:
Adjustable heat output
Instant outdoor heat
No electrical connections required
Quiet, easy to use
Use with any 20lb cylinder

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

8,000 - 14,000 BTU
0.38 - 0.6 lbs of fuel consumed per hour
20 lb propane tank required
Electrical power required: none
match light
10" wide
12" high
7 1/2" deep
Weight: 3 lbs

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Clearances to combustable items: above: 30"
sides: 30"
below: 24"
Ventilation Required: yes
Flame Saftey feature: yes
Maximum Altitude: no limit

 

[fugue]

I've been thinking about getting a heater for the last couple years. This year being the first year in many that I can actually move around in the garage during the winter, I think it's time to actually pick one up. I will probably also grab that CT one in the next week or so. My hands are starting to get numb out there.

I'd rather go electric than gas though - I have a bad habit of setting things on fire.

(What is it with me and senseless destruction anyway?)

 

[Tim]

The infrared ones apparantly work on radiation vs. convection heat. So, they basically microwave cook whatever is in their path The radiation isn't effected by air movement etc, and with no fan, it doesn't kick up a storm of dust.

According the to Lee Valley site, they run about $0.15 an hour to operate at max-output, which is silly-cheap (based on a $0.10 kwh rate). You could heat all day for $1.50.

Unfortunately Lee Valley isn't selling theirs anymore. They couldn't tell me why on the phone, just said that sometimes if they have too many problems with a product they stop selling. Too bad, as it's $20 less than the comparable CT version.

Electricity is a much better option IMHO over LPG or kerosene. No exhaust to worry about, instant on, no filling tanks, and cheaper to boot. For a smaller space, I think one of these would be just fine. At $0.15 per hour, I can turn it on a couple of hours before I go out and work.

 

[Tim]

Word on the street is a Scratch & Save event at CT Sunday and Monday this weekend. 10-100% off. So, at minimum you can save $8 off the heater. I'll buy one on Sunday, and then another, and then another, and another, untill I get a decent discount Then return the others

 

[Tim]

Oddly enough, the heater I picked up at CT today (with the help of a $10 off coupon) is the same make/model as the Lee Valley heater. Scans in as Airworks, but is Marvin branded.

Cost me $10 more than the Lee Valley price, but then again, I didn't have to go to Lee Valley (and they don't sell it anymore). Seems to work pretty well.

 

[Jim]

I currently have one of these that I am not using. Bought it from Lee Valley at start of last year, then got a good deal on a woodstove and have insulate the heck out of my workshop. I only used this thing about 10 hours total, so if someone wants a deal drop me a line. Mine is the unit without halogen light, and the original cost was more like $79.00 when I bought it. Anyway, $35 bucks sound fair?
Let me know.

Jim.

 

[Tim]

SURE Where are you located? I'll take it.

 

[Jim]

sent you a PM. consider it yours.
Jim.

 

[fugue]

FYI in case anyone else is shopping for one, the CT Airworks heater is going to be on sale for $65 starting tomorrow until next friday (30th) - that $15 off. I'll be picking one up. Good timing, eh?

 

[excessive650]

so has anyone used this heater, how does it work ?

I have one wating to be picked up, if it isn't that great I will try something else.

 

[fugue]

I find that it actually works fairly well. It doesn't heat the air in the garage, though - remember it is a radiative heater. It heats up the objects that it is pointed at. The closer the object, the warmer it gets more quickly. It makes working in the garage tolerable for me, as long as I close the door. And I am distinctly averse to wrenching in the cold, so at least I am able to work on stuff this winter.

I'd rather heat the air in the garage, but with the big garage door the only way in and out and the lack of insulation, air heaters (propane, kerosene, ceramic, electric, etc.) would just be a waste of energy as I'd chill the place every time I had to walk back into the house. So for me the CT heater works well. It emits enough heat for me to feel my hands burning if I hold them up close to the grille.

And that's my review.