Heating Options

[PTownSubbie]

I know there have been a ton of questions about shop heat as we get into the colder weather.

I was at the store tonight and looked at the single element propane tank heater. It says "outdoor use only".

Despite what it says, does anyone use one in their shop and have you had any problems? Is the concern CO or what? My shop is in no way totally air tight....

I would only use it no the coldest of days or when doing CA finishes. I think my finishes are very temperature dependant on quality.

 

[hunter-27]

I would not use it indoors because:
1 needs ventalation
2 dusty shop is no place for that kind of element
3 ca vapors and propane heater just do not sound good in the same sentence.

Just my opinion.

 

[johnnycnc]

Fred,
My shop is a one car garage in a late '50's home and it has enough air infiltration to keep the fumes from being an issue.They could be an issue
for sure! I notice a slight odor, but not objectionable. NOTHING like a Kero heater.
I have burned a LOT of propane and use this heater for two years now now, it works great, and has kept me warm. I run off a 20lb cylinder;
http://www.amazon.com/Heater-MH18B-...ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1259632154&sr=8-1
It also has a blower, but I don't like feeding it D cells, and have yet to get the AC adapter;
http://www.amazon.com/Mr-Heater-Optional-Adapter-F276127/dp/B000HE6OAE/ref=pd_sim_k_2
but probably will on my next Amazon order.
I did have a time finding a hose to fit the heater, and the 20lb tank, but the guy at menards where I got the heater helped me find one.It was an extra cost.


I used one like this before and it was noisy, ate a lot of fuel and left me half cold;
http://www.amazon.com/Mr-Heater-Sin...ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1259632321&sr=1-2
this one was a give away from a friend, I would not buy one knowing how they are.It was more of an annoyance than anything.:biggrin:

hope that helps!
FYI, I am considering a ventless NG with thermo and blower, but need to do some research. I get tired of lugging the propane tanks to exchange.

 

[PTownSubbie]

Unfortunately the last link was the one I was looking at. You said it didn't work really well?

Does the first one say only use outdoors? I didn't see it in the description.

 

[johnnycnc]

Yeah, the last one that looks like a big car headlight..frankly it sucked..
...a lot of propane for the heat generated. And the noise was like a big opossum hissing, really annoying.
I looked again at the "big buddy" description on amazon, and it says
"From the Manufacturer
With its newly integrated hot air blowing system, the Big Buddy Heater now takes portable heating to a new level. Ideal for use indoors, the safe Portable Buddy Heater features an automatic low-oxygen shut-off system that automatically turns the unit off before carbon monoxide fumes reach dangerous levels in your tent, camper, or garage. "

Now, how true all that is, i have no idea, but I've used this one for two years,
and no accidents, fires, or funny humps growing out of my back.:highfive:

 

[PTownSubbie]

I saw the big buddy at Wally World also. I will have to look closer to that one also.

Thanks for the info!!

 

[MesquiteMan]

I use a 55,000 BTU forced air propane heater for my shop and it works great! Actually, it is this one: http://www.amazon.com/Desa-TB100-30-55K-Reddy-Heater/dp/B000KH9BKI

It heats my 25x40 shop quickly and has not killed me yet! I do leave the door open a little, though. The owner's manual calls it a construction heater for use in heating buildings. It does have precautions about having adequate "make up air" but does not say to not use in inside a building.

 

[PTownSubbie]

I use a 55,000 BTU forced air propane heater for my shop and it works great! Actually, it is this one: http://www.amazon.com/Desa-TB100-30-55K-Reddy-Heater/dp/B000KH9BKI

It heats my 25x40 shop quickly and has not killed me yet! I do leave the door open a little, though. The owner's manual calls it a construction heater for use in heating buildings. It does have precautions about having adequate "make up air" but does not say to not use in inside a building.

Curtis,
How fast do you go through propane with it? I would be using a 20lb tank.