• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Radiant gas heat in garage

RedRooster

RedRooster

Diamond Member
I'm looking at figuring out a way to heat my attached, uninsulated 20x24 garage this winter. Electricity is over double the cost of gas here, so I'm curious about the natural gas radiant heaters.

Is it possible to run those things in an unventilated garage? The reason I ask is, I don't want to start cutting holes in my walls for one season, since I'll probably insulate next year and it should be a little warmer in there and I might not even need the heater. I've read that garages are nowhere near as airtight as the home, and should allow enough air leakage to get cycle a certain amount of fresh air in. I don't use my garage as a workshop anyways, so passing out while working on my car isn't an issue really.
Or do those heaters need a lot more fresh air cycled than what the normal leakage in the walls/under the door would allow?
 
Tear up the floor and put in a *true* radiant heat system in a new poured floor. Usually done with running hot water through piping in (or under) the floor.

But that's probably a bit more expensive than you were looking for 😉
 
Originally posted by: vi_edit
Tear up the floor and put in a *true* radiant heat system in a new poured floor. Usually done with running hot water through piping in (or under) the floor.

But that's probably a bit more expensive than you were looking for 😉
Click to expand...

Ya, I find out those systems even exist AFTER I build the house and pour the cement. Or I would've. 😀
 
Originally posted by: oldsmoboat
I wouldn't try to heat an uninsulated garage. I'd insulate first.
Click to expand...

Yeah? Probably TOO much air cycling, eh? And the heater would have to just run steady.
 
Originally posted by: Quixfire
Pellet Stove is what I use in my uninsulated garage and its only cold near the door.
Click to expand...

That's interesting, never heard of those either.
Do they have significantly lower emissions from normal wood stoves? I'd hate to blacken my ceiling. 😉
 
Originally posted by: RedRooster
Originally posted by: Quixfire
Pellet Stove is what I use in my uninsulated garage and its only cold near the door.
Click to expand...

That's interesting, never heard of those either.
Do they have significantly lower emissions from normal wood stoves? I'd hate to blacken my ceiling. 😉
Click to expand...
Yes, all you need to do is run a exhaust pipe through the wall to vent the gases.
 
Yeah I'd definitely insulate first. Otherwise you'll be wasting loads of energy... ever look in a thermal camera to compare an uninsulated wall to an insulated one? It's not pretty...

And, I also would argue with your assumption that once you insulate it's going to stay warm in there.... It will be a bit warmer than outside of course, but it's not going to be comfortable. It depends on where you live of course... but I'm in the North East, and my garage is attached and insulated and it's still too damn cold in there to change my oil during the winter unless I heat it. Luckily there's a giant hot water radiator in my garage from the previous owner, so when I need to do work I can get it real nice and warm. I don 't bother trying to keep it warm all the time though
 
Originally posted by: lozina
Yeah I'd definitely insulate first. Otherwise you'll be wasting loads of energy... ever look in a thermal camera to compare an uninsulated wall to an insulated one? It's not pretty...

And, I also would argue with your assumption that once you insulate it's going to stay warm in there.... It will be a bit warmer than outside of course, but it's not going to be comfortable. It depends on where you live of course... but I'm in the North East, and my garage is attached and insulated and it's still too damn cold in there to change my oil during the winter unless I heat it. Luckily there's a giant hot water radiator in my garage from the previous owner, so when I need to do work I can get it real nice and warm. I don 't bother trying to keep it warm all the time though
Click to expand...

I agree with you, it'd still be cold in there with insulation. I could live with it being -10C to -15C in there in the winter, but that's where it's at now already. So it'll probably get into the low -20s once we get into the bitter part of winter.
I'll probably just wait then, good advice from everyone. Thanks!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top