Home heating with radiators

Propane heaters are perfect of workshops and detached garages.  They are available in several different sizes and can be purchased at most home improvement centers, department stores, discount outlets, and even through the Internet.  Most propane heaters are quick and simple to install for the experienced do-it-yourselfer.

Although there are numerous sizes of fan-forced propane heaters, which are perfect for heating large areas the average workshop and garages the smaller, radiant heaters are perfect.  These heaters use a ceramic heating face, and reflectors to direct the heat out into the room.  In addition, many of these heaters have added features such as electronic ignition systems and thermostatic control.

With all heating systems, safety should be the number one consideration when selecting and installing the systems.  Therefore, selecting a heater, which is right for the type of workshop you have.  You’ll also want to consider how the system is mounted, such as if it is a ceiling, wall, or floor mount and how this will work with your shop or garage.
For example: if the heater requires a clearance of 68 to 70” from the floor, and clearance of 34 to 36” from the ceiling, then you will a minimal of a 10’ high ceiling.

The majority of radiant style propane heaters do not need to be vented to the outside.  However, because the do consume oxygen in order to maintain combustion, the room must have proper ventilation.  Therefore, make sure that you carefully read and check the manufacturer’s requirements and instructions to determine if you will need makeup air introduced into the room to maintain safe oxygen levels for you and your workers.  Some propane heaters require a small vent installed in an exterior wall to supply proper ventilation.  In addition, when selecting your heater, make sure that you purchase one that has an automatic safety shutoff.  This safety device will shut off the heater if there is insufficient air in the room.
Propane heaters are rated in British thermal units (BTUs), and are generally from 10,000 to 50,000 BTUs.  However, larger propane heaters are also available.  To determine the correct size of heater that you will need, will depend the square footage that is to be heated, the height of the ceiling, how well the workshop or garage is insulated, the number of windows in the workshop or garage, and the constant maintained temperature you desire.  For the average 500 square foot workshop, a propane heater of 20,000 to 25,000 BTUs should be sufficient.  However, because every workshop is different, please consult with the distributor of the propane heater to let then help you calculate the exact size you’ll need for your workshop.

Propane is usually sold by the gallon, and is stored in a tank.  Tank sizes will vary depending on the anticipated consumption, and can be either rented or purchased from your propane supplier.

Your dealer will be able to help you calculate the amount of propane you’ll need for the size of heater you have or are considering, and the amount of hours you intend to operate your heater.  You will discover that it is considerably more convenient to lease a tank from your dealer, than to purchase one.

If you plan to install your heater yourself, you will require a building permit in most locations.  Depending on your local and state laws, you may also be required to have your system inspected prior to use.  You will also need gas-rated threaded black pipe, a shutoff valve that’s immediately accessible at the heater location.  This is in addition to the shutoff valve at the tank in case of a flare-up.

You can use the Internet to locate a propane heater distributor in your area who will be more than glad to help you in your selection.