Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] OT: Intro + Q:Selecting workshop heater

Tim Goldstein wrote:

> I am in the process of relocating my workshop from the basement to the
> garage. I don't have my heater installed yet, but have already gotten the
> lines put in for a natural gas unit heater. I am planning on going with a
> 45,000 BTU unit. This is just a guess as to the proper size. Can anyone help
> me understand how I would determine the correct size furnace to heat an
> insulated 2 car garage in Denver, CO?
>
> Tim
> [Denver, CO]

I think that natural gas or propane is the way to go. At $1.35/gal though you are getting close to the cost of electricity at
least in some places.
Propane is 93000 BTU/gal. so do the figures.

My house... living room, kitchen, etc. is a 17' ceiling with 11,000 ft3. volume. R 36 walls and r45 ceiling...and I heat it with
13000 BTU propane (93% eff). propane and calcs say 100% point is 6 F. In reality it doesn't run all the time at -20.

Shop is R21 or so walls and R35 ceiling and about 600 sq ft. Right now I'm using 2.2 Kw to heat it but am planning on going to
propane. So that looks much like the propane heater for the house but it runs only when I am in the shop. I like the idea of
exhausting the combustion products outside the work area. Also a friend of mine burned down his shop by using propane space heaters
in it. Naturally he is a bit careful about trying them again.

This area is in the range of 5500 degree-days so is equivalent to Billings, MT.

If I had my choice I would go natural gas first (methane is lighter than air and therefore won't settle and also difuses faster.
Most places is is about half the cost of propane.

Look at your choices, run the math and then go for it.

Lots of luck,

Dave