Garage/Shop Heater Installs?

dragoneggs · Feb 14, 2020

I am about to finally install a heater in my 2 car garage converted to a shop. Pretty much settled on Reznor 45kBTU sealed combustion unit. Plan to do the install myself after receiving a quote for $7K installed. My materials for the same thing will be $2K.

Looking for any do's/don't's kind of advice for installation.

texasranger556 · Feb 14, 2020

You've ruled out a mini split?

dragoneggs · Feb 14, 2020

texasranger556 said:
You've ruled out a mini split?

Uh oh... what's a mini split? Electric heat pump? Not sure I have the juice nor the need for A/C.

MoArk Willy · Feb 14, 2020

Good choice on the sealed combustion.
A bit quieter, safer....well you know the rest, you bought one. :thumbsup:

dlctcg · Feb 14, 2020

Just wondering if this is a attached or detached garage / shop? Is this a NG or propane install?

texasranger556 · Feb 15, 2020

dragoneggs said:
Uh oh... what's a mini split? Electric heat pump? Not sure I have the juice nor the need for A/C.

Yes, they don't take a ton of power, but if you don't have enough to run a welder it would be an issue. If you don't need AC or have very cold weather, the benefits are less.

grsthegreat · Feb 15, 2020

A mini split for a small space would only need 20 amp, 240 circuit. But not cheap.

MoArk Willy · Feb 15, 2020

I installed a unit heater (hanging) in my two car attached garage.
My garage is 28 X 28 and is attached. It is also well insulated.
The heater was around $400 and the vent pipe and gas pipe was about another $100.
It is not a sealed combustion, but my garage is just a garage that I work / play in from time to time.
It seems to me that you are spending a lot more than I did for the same results.

metalbender · Feb 15, 2020

Some years ago I had a low profile 40k Modine heater installed in my two car. Cost around $2 k CDN. I dug the trench, permit, gas line etc was supplied by the installer. Vented through the roof. Heater crapped the bed shortly after warranty. Bought a Mr Heater and replaced it myself. Worked great, did need a board while under three year warranty. Wasn't a sealed unit, garage isn't sealed that well anyway.

dragoneggs · Feb 15, 2020

I have been going back and forth in sealed vs not. Probably not necessary and overkill but am hoping it will result in lower humidity which is an issue in my shop.