[catalina_dream]

I want to be able to be out in the garage this fall and winter working on the car. It is stored in a rented garage so I do not have the option of a permanent heating system. I am trying to determine the pros and cons of portable propane vs. kerosene heaters. Which fuel is the most economical to run? Which type of heater is most effective? Any advice and experiences would be helpful in making a decision.

Thanks - Kevin

[cuz68]

I would go with the propane it heats up faster, I hate the smell of oil going to get it,filling the heaters up, draging them in and out is not fun.

[The Boss]

We've used both over the years on construction jobs and they both have their issues. The one I keep going back to is the Kerosene but I'm not happy with it. The torpedo heaters have built in thermostats so you can leave them running when you aren't there, you need to be careful about where you buy the fuel, clean Kero will not smell much at all but most places have some diesel mixed in and that stinks. It's a pain to go get the fuel & to keep the heater filled, sometimes spilling, etc. but easier than trying to get a 100lb tank filled at a propane co., then trying to transport it legally. When propane isn't tuned perfectly your eyes will burn and you won't be able to work in the garage.

[catalina_dream]

What are you guys paying per gallon (kerosene) or pound (propane) in your area? Would an electric heater be a better option against the fueled heaters?

Thanks for all your input.

[The Boss]

Kero is over $5/gal here and I'm paying $2.29/gal for propane but that's with a 500 gal tank - not sure what they charge for 100lb tank refills.

Electric would be nice & clean, they make new quartz heaters that are decent but would take a while to heat up.

[Deadhead]

Propane puts out a lot of moisture, which can be an issue. Smell is irritating with Kero, but you could start/stop the heater outside to reduce that. I am about to make the same choice. I have both which I have used various ways in the past but not in the garage. Am wondering if it would be best to do the initial warm-up with one of those and then once up to Temp. switch to Elec. or if straight Elec. would just be cheaper overall. Certainly would be less hassle.

[4dblnkldude]

I don't know what you are paying per gallon, but the kerosene has more btu's per gallon.

[necdb3]

I would consider electric if possible. It would be expensive to run but you won't have an open flame. I don't know what your going to be working on but if it involves fuel, paint strippers or any spray, the open flame heaters would be a very bad choice.

[cuz68]

I would go with electric out of the 3 choices, It is cheaper than the rest.

[Bobalong]

I have found Kerosene isn't so bad if lit outside, and the room doesn't get much above 65 inside. BUT, as someone mentioned, all Kerosene has some diesel in it, some more than others.
I have seen the 5 gallon cans of kerosene at the farm stores, wondered if they had diesel blended, or was pure. It was pricey $$
Our gas station sells Kerosene, (K1) but it stinks.
And propane for sure makes a lot of moisture in the air but is virtually odorless, around here Electric per Kw is terrible, last choice, but the cleanest / safest.

[george kujanski]

Anything burning uses up oxygen so you will need to ventilate the space periodically.

Electrical heaters don't produce much heat (at least the 110v ones). A 220 V unit would do better. The infra-red versions don't heat the air; you'll feel the heat if you direct it towards yourself.

If you get a resistance heater, get one with a fan so you get better heat distribution.

George

[Deadhead]

220V hydronic is the most efficient if you go electric. Some on-line places have them for reasonable prices. One E-Bay seller I have used multiple times for jobs also ships them for free.

[sonjaab]

I have a Kero torpedo heater. Works great but can't stand the smell.
Got a torpedo 40k btu. propane and will see how it works in my fully insulated/
sheetrocked 2 car garage.

Kero just shy of $4 a gallon
propane $12 bucks to fill a 20 lb. tank

[The Boss]

One problem you'll find with the 20lb tanks is that since the propane cools upon expansion the tank will freeze at the valve and choke off the flow. Larger tanks can usually avoid this due to their mass.

[bob d]

I use kerosene home depot sells an additive in a plastic bottle with different scents. I use the pine it seems to help on start up and shut down. bob.

[Bobalong]

Originally Posted by bob d

I use kerosene home depot sells an additive in a plastic bottle with different scents. I use the pine it seems to help on start up and shut down. bob.

Does that mean you use Kerosene purchased from Home Depot & their additive ?
Or generic gas station Kerosene ?

[bob d]

I use gas station kerosene with home depot additive its called KERO-KLEAN. holly berry not to bad either. thanks bob.