Ready Heater Size For Workshop

Anonymous-0 · Dec 18, 2010

I am thinking of getting a propane ready heater for my shed/shop. The building is 35ft x 90ft with concrete floor. I use one end for my workshop area and there is a wood loft above at 11ft high. I am thinking of using plastic tarps to curtain off the end for an area of 35ft by 20ft. The walls are not insulated. How large of heater do I need to get up to 50F? This is only used for tractor hobby stuff so I don't need a great system. Just enough to get the chill off for a few hours on the weekends. I live in Wisconsin so outside temperatures would be 10F or so. Thanks for any advice.

Brad Buchnan · Dec 18, 2010

I have a 40' x 60' shop which is a steel arch building which is non-insulated (for now). I have a 155 salamander and I can get it up to 45-50 if the outside air is 20 or so.

We recently did some work when the oat was -10 and whippin' wind. We couldn't get it above 25 degrees. But much better than working outside.

In addition if there is snow on the roof it rains inside from the condensation.

paul · Dec 18, 2010

There is a discussion over at Newagtalk on the infared heaters - cost a lot more but use regular diesel fuel - they heat up objects a bit more than air, run quieter, and some fellas have a pretty good temp rise and feel warm with them. But be sitting down on he cost, they seem super nice way to heat, but you pay initially for it. They say Ace hardware can order a good knock-off brand for a fairer price....

If you go propane, perhaps a tube heater from above will give you more bang for the buck - again costs a bit at first, but saves floor space & easier to flip on, let it heat you some, cheaper in the long run.

I think the propane torpedo's give off a little more water vapor if that is a problem in your building?

Not answering your question, just offering other ideas.

--->Paul

Haywood · Dec 18, 2010

60,000 btu or higher

C.R. · Dec 18, 2010

just got a 75,000 btu kersene from fleet farm it was $190.00 out the door that might do it

Paul from MI · Dec 18, 2010

My shop is 24' x 322', not insulated much. My 85,000 btu propane heater will raise the temp about 15-20 degrees depending on the wind. Still a lot better than nothing. I'm thinking about an over head heater and a lot more insulation. Wood heat would be good but I'm not there very long at a time.

M Nut · Dec 18, 2010

I'd spend the extra and go with something about 110,000 btu or so. I have a 40,000 and a 110,000 and there is a huge difference in the amount of heat they put out. 40,000 works good for throwing a canvas over a tractor and such, but for a building I always use the larger one.

Geo-TH,In · Dec 18, 2010

There is a formula for calculating heat loss in a building, however you need the R value of your walls and ceiling. I doubt if plastic will provide an R rating of 1. If it did, you will need 66,800 BTU's/hour to bring the temp from 10 to 50. It is always nicer to have too much horsepower when it comes to a furnace than too little. This does not factor in air leaks or raising the temp of the floor. Trapped air is an insulator. If you used 2 layers of plastic with as much air space between them as possible, it should take less heat. However, plastic can catch on fire, be careful. Try it and let us know how it works out.

George

Anonymous-0 · Dec 18, 2010

Brad - have a metal building similar size to yours and was looking at a 170K btu multi fuel torpedo heater. Wondering how quick you can feel some heat in the building, not just in front of the heater. Plan is to get a big one and be able to work pretty quick.

Brad Buchnan · Dec 18, 2010

I originally bought 2 of the 155 heaters and that worked pretty good (one of them grew legs)

The one I have heats the shop up within 10 minutes or so..as long as it stays above 20degrees or so. It stays about 40 and that is good for me mosttimes.

If I were going to buy one heater for the size building I have it probably would be a 225,000.

Hope this helps,

Brad

VicS · Dec 18, 2010

My shop is 27X36X14' has 1/2" of insulation under the tin. I have a 30000 btu LPG ventless hanging heater. plus a 55 gal single barrel stove also a fan to circulate the air. If I leave the heater on 24-7 It will raise the temp 25 degrees. My barrel stove kit says it is 75000 btu but I think it is more than that. Running it hard plus the Gas heater When it was 4 above the shop was 65. I also have a 150000 portable LPG heater but it is so loud I can't stand it. Would never buy another one. Before you buy listen to it run.

Ready Heater Size For Workshop

Anonymous-0

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Brad Buchnan

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paul

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Haywood

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C.R.

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Paul from MI

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M Nut

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Geo-TH,In

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Anonymous-0

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Brad Buchnan

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VicS

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