Shop heater. I need some advice.

[Endo]

I am looking for a shop heater. I am considering two types, a Natural gas radiant heater or an Automatic electric heater.
Both heaters have a built-in thermostat.
I don't want to install garage/shop furnace because that would require a vent to the outside.
The shop is already plumbed for natural gas and I already have 220V installed.
So either of the heaters I am considering should be a very easy install. Here are the two I am considering:



I used to think natural gas was the cheaper way to heat but nowadays I'm not so sure.

So what do you guys use? Which one would you choose?

I am leaning towards the natural gas one because I presently use my 220 outlet for my welder, but I do like the electric heater because it has a blower.

The heaters are on clearance right now at Northern Tool.
25,000 BTU natural gas heater $254
17,065 BTU electric heater $229
25,600 BTU electric heater $459
Are these good prices?? Anyone have a better source?

I currently use a portable propane heater that I hook to a 20LB tank. Yes it works but it does smell up the garage
a little and is somewhat of a pain to go and refill/exchange the tank.

[apratt]

I had a body shop with infared heat, using nateral gas. I really liked it, the thing I liked most about it, it didn't create a draft or blow dust around. The only problem I did have was if I didn't leave the heat on though the night and come in the morning and turn on the heat 30 miniuts later I had to go put a hat on. Because my bald head would be burning up before it got the room up to temperature. Infared heat actully heat up objects not the air, so the floor would feel nice and warm keeping my feet toasty.


Sorry I reread your post, the heater I had is different than what you are looking for. Mine did require a small vent to outside. Gas for my shop was way cheaper than electric was and my heater heater the floor upward not the ceiling downward ( even though the heater was up in the ceiling, it still heated the floor ).

[Et Cetera]

Remember, a gas appliance still needs combustible air exchange, so you'll need to open a window a little bit so you still get enough oxygen.

[Woodbutcher]

I agree with Aprat. I have a radiant gas heater in my shop. Mine is made by Detriot Radiant. It uses outside air for combustion so it's safe for dust and spray finishing. It does heat up everything is the room and stores heat that way. You can use a smaller unit because of it. Mine required a 4" hole at each end of the shop for air in vent out but thats all. If you want more info of a picture let me know.

[billydj]

my neighbors put one of those electrics in their basement.....couple months later....busted.......cops and power and light show up cause they thought they were growing dope due to the big increase in electric use........they took it out....cost too much to use it.......

[Endo]

Thanks for the replies. Well so far it sounds like natural gas radiant heat is the way to go.

Woodbutcher more info/pics would be great! Any idea how many BTU's your unit is? Cost? So if I understand you correctly the heater is not directly vented but you have two 4" holes for air exchange?? Or is the unit directly vented via one of the holes?

[Woodbutcher]

I believe that it is 40,000 BTU's. Very cheap to run. I put this in myself about 9 yrs ago. The cost was about $800.00. The air is drawn in through the 4" tube that runs thru the outside wall. It is a sealed unit so no worries about shop air combustion. Runs the length of the shop and exhausts out the end wall. Real simple install. I could not be happier with it. They may make a smaller unit I don't know. This heats the whole shop evenly.







Hope this helps. Any other questions let me know.

[Endo]

Thank you That helps alot.

[TRAIL-OF-TEARS]

Endo,
I would go with the gas if you can vent it. use electric as a last resort. that 25.6 Kw heater will cost a lot to run. plus running #4 copper wire to it would not be cheap.