does the unit come with information on the correct regulator, connections, etc to run it off the 100# tank? I will research it anyway but it’s nice to have the info from the manufacturer.
Garage Heater
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Gearhead660
Minister of Fire
I honestly can't recall. I've had mine for over 10 years, and through a move. The company that supplies the tank set up the regulator.
that heater from northern tool is the same heater that i did a no heat call last week. the only difference between that heater and the one that i worked on is the one i worked on was 80,000 btu. nice heater. also the one i worked on has the sterling name on it and costs way more. runs on a regular house type low voltage thermostat. the guy heated his garage 24/7 and it was his first trouble in 12 years.
Eureka
Feeling the Heat
I have my 1000 sf garage in floor heat offline and drained while I’m remodeling it, and I’m using one of these Big Buddy heaters to keep it warm. I got it for fishing but I use it all over now. Set on low once in a while is all it takes and hardly any stink. Takes the chill off and up to 70+ in no time on high. Not to say it’s your best bet but for just over $100, and with how versatile it is, might be worth considering something like it if your needs are brief and supplemental. Has wall mount screw pockets on the back too.
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yes savings as in less fuel... the shops i know that use it are super warm and their heating bill is cheap... Cant remember what one of the shops told me they saved by switching over but it was massive and worth the expense. One shop i visit installed 4 units 1 in each bay and said they payed for themselves the first winter. Running on propane is just a matter of changing the orfice and it usually comes with multiple for different fuel configurations. The units i seen the vents were noting special
Just ordered the Mr. Heater 50,000 from Northern Tool. The price dropped again and including tax a $55 for shipping, I got it for $383.00. I have some other things to work on in getting the building ready but I will update once I have it installed and working. Thanks for all the advice.
I have the similar Modine Hot Dawg model in my shop. Works great for a 20x30 area. Wall are insulated and ceiling has 2" foam board. Still have to wear boots as the concrete never warms up in the time I'm in there.
Wood1Dennis
Burning Hunk
I too have a similar 50,000 BTU garage heater that I put in years ago. It works great to heat my 36' x 28' work garage. I have 9' ceilings, 6" fiberglass insulated walls and ceiling. The circulation fan is a bit noisy, but otherwise it works perfectly. I have the thermostat wired in series with a simple toggle switch. When I plan to work out there, just flip the switch and it fires up, runs to the set temp.
CaptSpiff
Minister of Fire
You'll be much happier than running an open flame heater, and so will every piece of iron in your shop/garage. I used to run a pair of propane torpedo heaters back in the day when working in an un-insulated airplane hanger, and I was amazed at the condensation (dew) that would form on every piece of cold metal in that hanger. Got to where rusty water drops would fall from the metal rafters. I shake my head at all the dumb things I got away with in my youth.
i agree with the capt. lots of moisture with a propane torpedo. i have a 265,000 btu unit even with the moisture on tools and windows it would still feel like it was to dry to my nose.
Wood1dennis (or anyone else with a heater like this)...
Did you run steel line from your tank to your unit or some type of flex line? My 100# tank is going to sit right outside the garage wall from where the heater is going to hang. It will be less than a 10' span.
Did you run steel line from your tank to your unit or some type of flex line? My 100# tank is going to sit right outside the garage wall from where the heater is going to hang. It will be less than a 10' span.
Not sure what the code is there in Ohio but in PA (or could) you can run flared copper directly from the regulator to the heater.
Mine is buried flex until the regulator on the shop wall. Black iron from there to the heater.
Gearhead660
Minister of Fire
Wood1Dennis
Burning Hunk
My building has an LP furnace that heats the space upstairs. The building gets it's LP from a 350 gallon tank, from the regulator all of the gas is plumbed in black iron pipe. The garage heater gas line is black iron pipe that is teed off of the main line feeding the furnace. The iron pipe ends at the wall behind the heater at a shut off valve. From the valve the last three feet or so are connected to the furnace with a flex line.
I have a 135,000 BTU salamander heater that will burn diesel or kerosene. It works well and will heat the air up quickly. Problem is everything else in the garage is cold, including the concrete floor, and it takes a long time to heat up. Not sure where you are getting $11.00 a gallon for fuel, but around here it's $2.79 a gallon for diesel.
Are you buying it at the pump or a 5 gallon can from the store? That has always been very expensive.
I want to make it steel pipe so I am going to start watching youtube videos and talk to the old guys at the hardware store. They are youtube and google before youtube and goole existed.
Do you plan to run the steel above ground? I don't know code verbatim so please fact check. I don't think you can direct bury iron pipe and pretty sure there can be no threaded joints under ground. You can wrap the pipe with a protective wrap that allows burial but the joints all have to be welded.
I just seen that you are using a 100# tank. I think tanks less than 125 gallon can be closer than 10 feet to a building. Like 3-5 feet or something. If you can get it closer you can probably run copper tube from the the tank to the wall then transition to iron pipe.
Yes I plane on putting just outside the garage wall. I have considered copper flex line but would prefer steel as something a little more permanent.
Gearhead660
Minister of Fire
Recommend copper from the wall to the regulator/tank. Copper is bendable and more forgiving if the tank moves or when swapping/refilling tanks.
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