Garage Heat

[Dustin4185]

If it’s 1980’s unit heaters look into fixing them if someone hasn’t, get on a ladder at the front of the unit, inspect the heat exchangers for cracks.
They’re simple tech with generic parts so the bill to repair them isn’t bad.
I have a preference for tube heaters because 1.-they’re a radiant heat
2.-the heads can be removed and cleaned easily if it’s a dusty/ dirty environment
3.-they’re usually cheaper to install/ repair then unit heaters
And at 12’ ceiling it should be enough headroom, you just can’t park something 10’ high underneath it.
But both do the job well, I work in a lot of auto shops, body shops and machine shops so I’ve seen enough of them.

I think that’s the issue is cracked heat exchangers. Ive been here 14 years and I’ve had a few folks look at them. Especially if they can get them working it means more gas to buy, lol. I’ve been in some shops that had the tube heaters and they seem to work well.

 

[Dustin4185]

If it’s 1980’s unit heaters look into fixing them if someone hasn’t, get on a ladder at the front of the unit, inspect the heat exchangers for cracks.
They’re simple tech with generic parts so the bill to repair them isn’t bad.
I have a preference for tube heaters because 1.-they’re a radiant heat
2.-the heads can be removed and cleaned easily if it’s a dusty/ dirty environment
3.-they’re usually cheaper to install/ repair then unit heaters
And at 12’ ceiling it should be enough headroom, you just can’t park something 10’ high underneath it.
But both do the job well, I work in a lot of auto shops, body shops and machine shops so I’ve seen enough of them.

Any recommendations on brands?

 

[Bill G]

It’s the homeowners insurance. Any good insurance company around says no solid fuel source in accessory structures. I have an oil tank and wood stove in my basement that is a drive in basement so sometimes there is also a vehicle in there. No problem. They never inspected the stove, oil tank, boiler, anything. As far as they know it’s still the old fisher and an oil tank from 1979. The chimney on the garage gave it away and they said they could possibly come back and check. My options are Erie or State Farm if I want something with a local agent.

Well State Farm is horrible to put it nicely. You have a few options. The easiest is to ask for a rider on fire to the auxiliary structure caused by solid fuel. The next is to purchase a farm policy or business policy. The third is to purchase a separate structure policy from a independent agent. After that there are other options also.

 

[beaglebriar]

These ceiling mount heaters work excellent. I have a wood stove and wall mount gas heater in my shop but I’ll be adding one of these before the next heating season.


https://search.app/f723Mo8YMCndTn7XA

 

[Philbert]

Is outdoor wood burner (OWB) an option? Not located in the structure.

Philbert

 

[Hoser]

I can’t really recommend brands as there’s a difference I'm sure between borders. Just go with the contractor that gives you the best feeling/ product warranty.
Tube heaters and unit heaters both are really simple units, if unit heater look for ones with a stainless steel heat exchanger. Both honestly do a good job properly sized and installed.
I put a Mr.Heater unit heater in my dads shop 5 years ago, installed Z vent so it doesn’t rot out and it’s been a good unit

 

[furb]

Well State Farm is horrible to put it nicely. You have a few options. The easiest is to ask for a rider on fire to the auxiliary structure caused by solid fuel. The next is to purchase a farm policy or business policy. The third is to purchase a separate structure policy from an independent agent. After that there are other options also.

State Farm is horrible. My wife kept her own auto policy for years being stubborn. Her car got hit and they tried telling us there isn’t any adjusters in our area and we need to use the mobile damage app. That was the end of it. We have Erie now. There was a barrel stove in the garage but it still took hours to get it warm. At least with electric it’ll be somewhat warm and I can run the bigger heater if I need it warmer fast. It’s 21 out and 54 in the garage so it feels warm.

 

[Bill G]

I have had to deal with insurance companies more than anyone should have to.
Anyone ever been standing in what was left of the upper story of a house that had the top blown away by a tornado when your phone rings and it is a fire call saying one of your houses is on fire 35 miles away.

It tends to put a damper on the day.
Ya folks I have been there and done that......2017 was rough