What's the best electric heater fro garage?

[Stickjiggler]

I am looking to put an electric heater in my garage. Looking for a permanent mount hard wired. Just looking to keep it @50 degrees or so. The garage is 22 x 22 Insulated and rocked. Whats out there thats worth a look. (brands, prices, size)

Thanks for input

[Redlantern]

I have to ask, why are you thinking electric instead of gas? I think gas would be cheaper to operate.

[BobT]

At full price per Kwh electricity is probably the most expensive means to heat a room. If your power company offers a dual-fuel alternative it can probably be the least expensive.

[MNice]

Yes, make sure you check into a off peak program. If you are with an electric co-op, they may have a heater at a good discount.

[Stickjiggler]

I thought electric would be easier to install and less hassles.

Andy

[loosegoose]

I've had a natural gas Modine Hot Dawg in my 24x28 detatched garage for years. I keep it at 40 all of the time and 60 when I'm out there. Costs me about $20 per month.

[Redlantern]

Stick, I was just wondering. The others brought up some good points about off peak. Not sure if that would benefit you but it sure would be worthwhile looking into.

[Nordern]

I also am running the Modine Hot Dawg in my 24' X 28' garage and it works great. I intially had an electric heater but it basically ran continously and never really got the garage up to a comfortable temperature. Sure there will be a little bit of work running the gas line and cutting a hole in the wall but in my experience it was well worth it. Good luck.

[BobT]

As far as electric heaters go, don't be fooled by claims that one will save cost over another. Electric heaters are 100% efficient or extremely close to it and it doesn't matter how pretty the package. What will make the biggest difference in comfort is the controls. Thermostats vary in quality and design and this is where the heater may blossom or get dull.

[BoxMN]

You mention the garage is insulated and rocked. Then IMHO make sure you go with a vented heating option. Otherwsie con-den-sa-tion... I used my old home furnace (got a new high eff. one 5 years ago) in my garage, works great. Easy to install, just need a plenum for it - tin bender charged $60 for mine, and proper venting supplies. Those hanging ones are nice and take up less room, but my garage is pretty big so no biggie. I gotta say, if you are going to spend the time and money doing it, you might as well do it right.

Otherwise I do have a shack heated with 220 electric heater that works good, but condensation builds up due to no venting, and it spins the meter like crazy! But you can get it warm in there. Good luck.

[BobT]

Ventilation is a good point to think about. Every time you bring a vehicle inside the ice and snow will melt off and that water will evaporate as it gets warmed causing moisture problems.

The meter spins on the electric no doubt. That's why it might be good to consider a dual-fuel option if it's available. My regular electric rate is $.086 per kwh. My dual-fuel rate for my home heating is $.042. At that rate it is less costly to use than LP, natural gas, or fuel oil but there is a catch. The electric heat is turned off during periods of peak demand. Typically this is from about 6:00pm to 9:00pm during the week, especially during the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas when all the lights are lit up. Something else to keep in mind.

At full electric price, electricity is probably the most costly way to heat a room.

[rmk600]

I am on off-peak heat and heat both main floor and full basement. Main floor is 1450 square feet and I pay $.032 per kwh. When they peak me they are on a 20 min off and 20 min on cycle. My back up gas furnace has not run in 5 to 6 yrs. I had my city print off my usage for the last 4 yrs and figured out that it costed me $650 a year average to heat my water and house.

[kitchy]

I have a Farenheat ceiling mount electric from northern in my 16x24 shop and I am quite pleased with it. Any larger of a shop though and I'm guessing I would have issues. Don't like the integrated thermostat but I deal with it. Keep in mind this is a shop so I don't have the issue of a garage door opening and closing all the time. And snow/ice melt is limited to my snowblower and 4 wheeler.

In my garage I have a propane unit similar to the Hot Dawg mentioned previously. It works great also. I haven't run the calcs but I'm sure my electric would have issues in my garage due to heating area and doors opening more often.

[Stickjiggler]

Thanks all. I was thinking condensation would be a mojor issue.

[Stratosman]

Is it a major isssue? It makes sense that it could be, but I have a non-vented gas heater in my attached tuck under garage which is fully and properly insulated, I keep it about 50 degrees in there and have never noticed any condensation or moldy corners, I think that how well it is insulated would have a impact on this... or not? I just know I have no issue with high humidity or condensation