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[fireboss]

What is the best way to heat my garage?

[CountryBoyJohn]

I'm venturing down this path myself Mr. Fireboss.  My plan is to remove the squirrel cage from an old furnace and set it behind an extra water to air heat exchanger.  Then, wire a thermostat up to the squirrel cage.  I'm going to be back on here later I'm sure to find out exactly how to wire it all up!  But, that's my plan at least! 

They do make them in a package deal.  http://www.supplyhouse.com/Modine-HC-18L-01-HC18L01-Hydronic-Unit-Heater-15900-BTU 

[slimjim]

 An old oil or gas burner housing and blower are what I use, if you need help let me know on the wiring.

[AirForcePOL]

Here is a picture of my setup.  I took an old squirrel cage blower and bought the HX online.  I bought some duct metal at Menards and cut it to make the shape.  Just hooked it up to a line voltage thermostat ($15) and it works great. 

[fireboss]

The hanging heaters are way to much money , I like the exchanger set up better, the simpler the better

[CountryBoyJohn]

Yes!  That's my plan Mr. AirForcePOL!  I doubt I'll get so intricate with the fins at the font!!  Nice job!

[AirForcePOL]

I didn't have them on there at first but the way the air was coming out, it was hitting the ceiling.  I can tell a big difference after putting those on there.  It really didn't take much time at all.  I used rivets on pretty much the entire thing.  Those fins will rotate how they are so I can adjust them. 

[Sloppy_Snood]

I didn't have them on there at first but the way the air was coming out, it was hitting the ceiling.  I can tell a big difference after putting those on there.  It really didn't take much time at all.  I used rivets on pretty much the entire thing.  Those fins will rotate how they are so I can adjust them.

Any reason one could not mount a setup like this on a metal stand on the garage floor somewhere? 

I ask this question because obviously, heat rises and I spend all my time 5 feet 9 inches off the floor.  Thoughts guys?? 

[slimjim]

Thanks again Slopster, I tell people to do the same thing all the time, most folks think I'm nuts

[fireboss]

Some may not have the space to have it on the floor, but I do I have the perfect spot on the floor

[mlappin]

I didn't have them on there at first but the way the air was coming out, it was hitting the ceiling.  I can tell a big difference after putting those on there.  It really didn't take much time at all.  I used rivets on pretty much the entire thing.  Those fins will rotate how they are so I can adjust them.

Any reason one could not mount a setup like this on a metal stand on the garage floor somewhere? 

I ask this question because obviously, heat rises and I spend all my time 5 feet 9 inches off the floor.  Thoughts guys?? 

I plan on placing at least two in the shop up in the rafters pointing straight down, reasoning being heat rises, the fan can pull the heat off the peak and blow it back thru the HX and to where I'm working.

[AirForcePOL]

I could have put it on the floor but it's up and out of the way on the ceiling.  I have 3 ceiling fans in the garage that do a good job of keeping the air circulated.

[ijon]

I made a heat exchanger out of slant fin. I enclosed it in sheet metal and put a squirrel cage fan behind it. I used a salamander thermostat for temp regulation. I think people hang them higher to get them out of the way.

[mlappin]

I made a heat exchanger out of slant fin. I enclosed it in sheet metal and put a squirrel cage fan behind it. I used a salamander thermostat for temp regulation. I think people hang them higher to get them out of the way.

Exactly, space is at a premium in my shop, could stand to be twice as big. Only space I'm not using is up in the rafters so that's where the heaters are going.

[Sloppy_Snood]

Exactly, space is at a premium in my shop, could stand to be twice as big. Only space I'm not using is up in the rafters so that's where the heaters are going.

So.... it is a space issue.  Got it. 

How about mounting it in the garage ceiling and blow the hot air down a channel in the wall (e.g. between the wall studs) and venting it back into the room at floor level?