Portable heat

[Aowner]

Got a 25 x 25 garage and was looking for something to provide temp heat in the afternoons. What do yall think, a torpedo heater ?

 

[flying belgian]

yep.

 

[Ecnerwal]

They work. You need ventilation. They make it wet.

There are vented torpedo heaters available, which don't make it wet and don't need as much ventilation, since they blow the exhaust gas outside. Of course, they cost more.

Another thought, since you specifically are interested in the afternoon, is some cheap solar collectors on the south side of the building, if it gets sun. Can't beat the running cost - if cobbled up from greenhouse supplies, can be pretty cheap and large.

 

[showcrop]

torpedo units will use up your Oxygen so depending of course on building tightness and length of running time you may need ventilation. So far as wet, the air around here sucks humidity up before it gets made. We run a humidifier 24-7 and it never catches up

 

[Gun guru]

The best bang for the buck is a torpedo heater, maybe 75,000btu. You will need to crack open a window so you dont get carbon monoxide poisoning.

 

[CCer]

I work in an unheated warehouse. I have a 250w light from an old ballfield that I work under. It provides light and enough heat that I work without gloves on. (I can't stand the fumes of any "salamander" heaters.)I also lay down several layers of cardboard to walk on.

 

[Tom in TN]

Aowner,

They're a bit more expensive to operate, but I have two heating units that I bought years ago at Home Depot that sit on top of a small propane tank (like is used on a barbeque grill). They put out a goodly amount of heat, are easily portable, and are prety cheap to buy.

I keep them near me when I'm doing bench work and I use them to warm my hands when I'm doing mechanical work.

Tom in TN

 

[BigMarvfromGa]

I think since you are from Ga, you probably don't need a permanent type heater. Just something probably in the afternoons and maybe on the weekends. The torpedo will get you buy. Most people I hang with use them with diesel fuel.

 

[buickanddeere]

A couple of 4800W milkhouse heaters.
Cheaper than kerosene and the tanks don't run empty. No flammable fuel, no flame, no stink no carbon monoxide, no carbon dioxide, no water vapour and no having go out and purchase fuel.

 

[JMS/.MN]

We call them "sunflower" heaters here. Many use them in ice fishing houses. Heats up a small area quickly, like a tool room or small shop.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Most torpedo heaters for kerosene will burn diesel or jet fuel which is cheaper. If they're working properly, they shouldn't have much odour unless they run out of fuel. Then, there can be some black smoke. Using a propane torpedo heater will cause a lot of moisture. Using a kero/diesel one has a much drier heat. You need a door or window open a bit for fresh air with any type of heater that uses a flame. Dave

 

[Uncle Ernie]

Bought a Remington propane portable heater from Sportsmans Warehouse. Works REAL nice for $75.

 

[Russ from MN]

I also have a Remington propane heater, works well, doesn't stink, but they put 3 quarts of water in the air for every gallon of propane that they burn! That is what will rust your tools and form condensation on everything. Also at 14-15$ to fill or exchange a tank electric is cheaper. When you exchange a tank I think you only get 15lb of propane, but when you refill them you can get almost 20lb in them, so I only exchange when I want to get rid of an old tank. Does anyone know any more details on this?

 

[rustyj14]

I use a kerosene heater-the round, vertical type, with a blower fan on top, made for it. It warms the shop up good. I never notice any fumes or smell, but, i can't paint when it is operating, as the oil in the heat will gice great big Goose-eyes in the paint. Other than that, it works good for me.