Garage heat - learn me about propane - Page 2

lm6y · 11-27-2008, 02:58 PM

ouch Dave.

Jim Bremner · 11-27-2008, 05:34 PM

to a cozy 60 degr.

**** ! that's when we turn the heat up here in Soul-cal!

911Rob · 911Rob's Garage

Jake,
I've got one of those exact diesel heaters; works great fyi.

notfarnow · 06:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slodave

How about a Samurai? Looks like they put out a lot of heat...

LOL, good stuff!

Mrs Notfarnow find the fumes objectionable; she's funny that way.

Truth be known, the only time that thing ever made decent heat was when it had 30' flames shooting out of it. The heater in that thing was useless, it was miserable to drive in the winter.

notfarnow · 12-03-2008, 05:07 AM

Bought at Coleman 75k BTU direct-vent propane furnace last night for *cough* $150.

Poor fellah was in a pinch and needed it out, had it advertised for ages. I told him I'd buy it if he could have it running when I got there (it'd been taken out 2 years ago). Sure enough, he had it CRANKIN' when I showed up, and it works wonderfully.

Only downside is he had the exhaust and intake cobbled together, so I'll have to go out and buy that stuff... probably a couple hundred to get it all set up properly.

What's the story on setting up the propane tank and regulator? I assume they have to bet set up outdoors? He used copper, but for whatever reason I though they were supposed to use iron.

I dunno... looks like I have to do my post-purchase research.

Porsche_monkey · 12-03-2008, 05:15 AM

Isn't there going to be a freezing issue with the regulator? They freeze up in summer when they see a high flow....

notfarnow · 12-03-2008, 05:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Porsche_monkey

Isn't there going to be a freezing issue with the regulator? They freeze up in summer when they see a high flow....

So then does it go inside? I dunno a thing about propane furnaces, other than how heavy they are and how much space they take up in my garage

74-911 · 12-03-2008, 05:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by notfarnow

So then does it go inside? I dunno a thing about propane furnaces, other than how heavy they are and how much space they take up in my garage

Indoor propane tanks are a very bad idea. Propane is heavier than air and if you get a leak the propane gas just settles on the floor and waits for a spark. Many houses, barns, etc. have been blown up by leaking propane tanks.

notfarnow · 12-03-2008, 06:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 74-911

Indoor propane tanks are a very bad idea. Propane is heavier than air and if you get a leak the propane gas just settles on the floor and waits for a spark. Many houses, barns, etc. have been blown up by leaking propane tanks.

Yeah I figured as much, but does the regulator go outside too?

I'm going to get a proper install manual for this thing, Mrs Notfarnow made me promise to at least follow the instructions and have a pro double check my work. She's fussy that way.

911Rob · 911Rob's Garage

We have a ton of propane furnaces in our area. Half my region doesn't have natural gas!

The tank and regulator go outside and the lines are run in copper. That's what I've seen.

Talk to your propane supplier; most cases you can get a tank for free if you buy your fuel from them? They'll set you up properly.

I've never seen a tank inside and I'm sure its illegal.

Congrats, stay warm bud.

Porsche_monkey · 12-03-2008, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by notfarnow

So then does it go inside?

I only point out problems. I don't solve them. Inside seems unlikely since that implies high pressure indoors, not what you want. I am guessing that the real issue is a properly sized regulator. i.e. not a barbecue on top of a tank...

Tobra · Tobra's Garage

You can seal around the door a little, simple as tacking up some pipe insulation on the frame just inside the door, and a good gasket at the bottom, or even a rolled up tarp or carpet will help a lot for your draftiness

notfarnow · 12-04-2008, 03:58 AM

Thanks guys... hooboy I am excited to have heat out there. When I was doing the e300d veggie conversion in the garage last winter, I'd have the kerosene heater going all day and it would still be freezing. I have my 4runner diesel swap slated for after Christmas this year, and I can't wait to turn that furnace on and work comfortably.

Right now I'm in the middle of a garage purge and re-org, once I make some room and get some sanity in there, I'll get the furnace rigged up.

I'm going to have a licensed fellah out to advise on how to set this bad boy up. I'll do the dumb work, cutting the wall for the vent, running the copper, getting the wiring done... he can do the final hookup & sign-off. By the looks of it, I should be able to get the whole thing set up for ~$600, including the cost of the furnace. Not bad!

And yes, Tobra I think I need to put some time into sealing up the garage door. The bottom should be easy enough, but I'll have to look to see what's available for sealing up the sides.

Porsche_monkey · 12-04-2008, 06:09 AM

1/2" and 3/4" foam pipe insulation is really cheap. Good suggestion.

Rot 911 · 12-04-2008, 06:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Porsche_monkey

1/2" and 3/4" foam pipe insulation is really cheap. Good suggestion.

For just a bit more you can get the rubber closed cell foam pipe insulation which should last much longer.

Dave 86 930 Fl · 12-04-2008, 06:39 AM

Jake,

Check out the products @ http://www.monitorproducts.com/. I have a kerosene unit that heats my second home (2000 sq. ft.) in the great white north and it has done a great job over the years. Units are available in propane or fuel oil. If you have any questions, shoot me a pm.

Regards, Dave