For cold weather... Fortunatly that means less yard work and more time on the Camaro.

So question for those who live in areas where the temp runs in the teens in the winter. If you had to choose between Kerosine and propane garage heater which way you go?

any recomendations appreciated, BTW electric and wood are out,
My garage is 24 by 20 not insulated

kerosene in a homemade heater.

55 gallon barrel cut in half. I did that when I rebuilt the trans and rear ends in a D9 outside in a little leanto just big enuff for the dozer. altho, the way the building was built, both ends where North and South. oops.

I poured kerosene or diesel in the barrel and threw in something lit. worked good. after awhile at night I would add bridge timbers.

kerosene in a homemade heater.

55 gallon barrel cut in half. I did that when I rebuilt the trans and rear ends in a D9 outside in a little leanto just big enuff for the dozer. altho, the way the building was built, both ends where North and South. oops.

I poured kerosene or diesel in the barrel and threw in something lit. worked good. after awhile at night I would add bridge timbers.

Dont think that is a direction I would go in unless I move back to the third world. Any other ideas appreciated:beers:

see if you can get propane Infra-red... heats objects instead of air, more efficient in small area Ive heard... and insulate that attic .

propane for sure.

I used to use a torpedo heater, on kero if I could find it, diesel if I couldn't. Nasty stinking thing, yuck!

Move your shop to Texas, and then you have an opposing problem (need a/c)

kerosene in a homemade heater.

55 gallon barrel cut in half. I did that when I rebuilt the trans and rear ends in a D9 outside in a little leanto just big enuff for the dozer. altho, the way the building was built, both ends where North and South. oops.

I poured kerosene or diesel in the barrel and threw in something lit. worked good. after awhile at night I would add bridge timbers.

Dont think that is a direction I would go in unless I move back to the third world. Any other ideas appreciated:beers:

Looking for a little humor more than giving advice. :D

Propane, definately. Kero is OK unless you plan on painting stuff. My buddy used a kero "torpedo" heater when he built his truck. When they painted it in the early spring they left the heater on to help cure the paint. That thing had some HUGE fish-eyes in it!! It was a shame cuz he really did a nice job on the rest of the truck.

I use a small propane torpedo heater I pivcked up at Lowes for $100. It does a good job heating my 22'x31' garage, which only has insulated walls. Insulating the attic and walls would help tremendously.

I would use propane.

I used a ventless heater from NorthenTool.com part#173955 supplement my home and it cut my fuel use in half.

I think its your best bet, but it depends on what your looking for. I can only give you info from my experience. But its the best thing ive ever used!

Doesn't smell, and it works at a fair price...at least take a look!

The overall cost of ownership is what I'd look at.

Overall cost of ownership = equipment + installation + lifetime energy cost to operate + maintenance

The biggest cost will be lifetime energy cost to operate.

Lifetime energy cost to operate is depends on how much the heater runs and what energy source is used. To make the heater run less, insulate the garage well. As far as energy source goes, see below.

FUEL ENERGY CONTENT UNIT PRICE HEAT CONVERSION EFFICIENCY COST PER MILLION BTU COST PER HOUR

Cost per hour is based on 100,000 BTU/Hour heat output.

Kerosene 134,000 BTU/gal $4.00 /gal 85 % $35.12 $3.51
#2 Fuel Oil 138,000 BTU/gal $4.00 /gal 80 $36.23 $3.62
Waste Oil 153,000 BTU/gal $0.00 /gal 80 $0.00 $0.00
Propane 92,000 BTU/gal $3.00 /gal 80 $40.76 $4.08
Natural Gas 100,000 BTU/therm $1.54 /therm* 80 $19.25 $1.93
Electricity - Resistance 3,412 BTU/kWh $0.10 /kWh** 100 $29.31 $2.93
Coal 13,200 BTU/lb $165.00 /ton 75 $8.33 $0.83
Firewood-Hardwood 25,000,000 BTU/cord $160.00 /cord 60 $10.67 $1.07
Wood Pellets 8,200 BTU/lb $300.00 /ton 80 $22.87 $2.29
Shelled Corn 6,800 BTU/lb $2.50 /bushel 75 $8.75 $0.88

45,000 BTU natural gas works well in my 22x28 garage

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i86/dparks69/camaro1009.jpg

I have a forced hot air propane system that I put in my 20x24 garage that only takes aprox 20 min to get the garage up to temp. It's nice to be able to go out there in the dead of winter and work on projects. When I had a 500 gal tank installed for my house I had the company tap into it and feed the garage. Not looking forward to shovel the white stuff.....TOOO early to even think about it.

How do the vent-less propane heaters work? How can you burn anything in an enclosed space? Do you just wait until you feel faint before leaving the garage? Dumb-a$$ minds (like mine) want to know.

I would use propane.

I used a ventless heater from NorthenTool.com part#173955 supplement my home and it cut my fuel use in half.

I think its your best bet, but it depends on what your looking for. I can only give you info from my experience. But its the best thing ive ever used!

Doesn't smell, and it works at a fair price...at least take a look!

Great heater.... Thats what I have.


ProCom Blue Flame Vent-Free Liquid Propane Heater — 28,000 BTU, Model# ML300TBA

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99% efficient heater features easy, economical insulation with no vent or chimney required. Oxygen depletion sensor shuts off gas flow if oxygen levels fall below safe levels. Heater is free standing (with optional base Item #173958, sold separately) or can be mounted on wall. Has matchless pushbutton starter. Order optional blower (Item# 173957, sold separately).


Kev

How do the vent-less propane heaters work? How can you burn anything in an enclosed space? Do you just wait until you feel faint before leaving the garage? Dumb-a$$ minds (like mine) want to know.
Same way you can use you oven and range in an enclosed space. Properly adjusted gas burning appliances don't produce a lot of CO. I have a natural gas vent less furnace like the one from Northern tools. It's way over-sized for the space it is in, but I've never had a problem with CO or it shutting down from oxygen depletion.

Jeff