Do Propane Heaters Work - Are They Safe for the Garage?

[@Shifter_Fitter]

There is no way that zero reading is accurate ...please do not trust that .

[@TahoeSteve]

I'm pinning your comment because this is very concerning and I want other's to see it. If any professional gas meter company out there wants to lend me a pro meter to redo the test, I will be happy to mention you in the video.

[@theapgross]

@@TahoeSteve did you ever get the air tested? Curious to know, want to run the heater inside garage too.

[@TahoeSteve]

No but check out a few of the comments in this thread it will help you to make a decision

[@frederickkreuger8769]

If you watched the video you can see that the tester is on the floor, near the opened garage door, so yeah the reader will read zero.

[@RealityIsTheNow]

@@highball7347 Propane...spoiler alert...COMBUSTS. Its made from oil. What planet are you living on where you think carbon oxides aren't released from COMBUSTION of propane? Are you kidding?

[@WOODOGS]

I have worked as a carpenter and tradesman on job sites and also my own garage for near 40 years using heaters just like that one. To each his own I say. Presently, I have a burner type that is attached to the bottle itself, and it is noticeably quieter, and works very well. To those that have to troll and be complete asshats about a man sharing his situation with you is his choice…and when I checked last, this is still America.

[@grahamholmes9737]

A couple of things I did. First got a long hose and keep my tank outside (no risk of propane leak) secong I have an exhaust fan build into a 12"x12" 2x4 box to support the garage door and have thick vinyl draped down at bottom of the door. The other consideration is the concrete floor - you may warm the air but the floor will be cold so get a rubber mat or something to lay on.

[@BillyBrutus315]

Mine is also outside and have done it this way for 10 years I usually run it for 20 minutes and shut it off for an hour or so…. It’s 9 outside here in upstate New York and 65 in my garage

[@jackthompson8019]

A better idea is to run a large diameter hose from the outside to the inlet of the heater. In this way, the heater is only consuming outside air thus not depleting oxygen from the inside of the garage. I was in the military and we used this type of heater to heat tents during winter operations at minus 40 degrees and they were the only things that kept us from freezing our butts off. No one ever even got sick from CO. A lack of oxygen was the most concerning.

[@Catfish2255]

I just bought a new Remington 60,00 for my uninsulated 24x24 wooden garage..Peaked roof..I was thinking the same thing tonight..Hook up a flexible hose from the outside and connect it to the back of the heater..Makes sense..Fresh air and heat..

[@readtheinstructions1407]

That is an excellent idea.

[@chrisgraham2904]

I've run my heater this was for 8 years. I have a solid galvanized dryer vent pipe that's open about 6 inches behind the heater's intake. It draws 90% of it's air from outside. I wouldn't connect it to the back of the heater. Having it in proximity seems to work well. No issues.

[@donlloyd2988]

I do drywall taping and use mine mostly when I do basements and never had a problem with co2 but some propane is dirtier and burns the eyes. I always have every basement window open half an inch for air flow and to get rid of the moisture from the drywall mud. I also use mine in the garage and no issues other than running out of beer lol.

[@wooddawg4868]

I work on my motorcycle and wood projects in the winter in my detached garage. I crack t bottom of garage door with a 2x4 , also roof has 3 air vents up there and garage is a comfortable 68 degrees in 22 degree weather. VENTILATION IS KEY AND YOUR GOOD

[@jonnyrox116]

I used those torpedo heaters for years, loud but work well. I've since switched to a radiant type that attaches to the top of the bottle, easy to move around, no hose, and a cheap box fan to circulate the air. I do crack the garage door a couple inches and have a bathroom exhaust fan above my bench, nice and toasty, quiet and half the fuel consumption of the torpedo.

[@GunzNGearz]

I just bought this exact unit. Ran it three hours and my doors were closed...I couldn't exactly explain how I felt maybe a lil drunk? I'm talking minor impairment. I just figured on how drafty my old garage is I'd be ok but after going in the house and breathing Good air for a minute or two I felt way more coherent. Yeah I feel dumb typing this but this was my experience.However this thing boosted the temperature on my 25x20 garage tremendously well.

[@phillipvansickle4220]

I've used a propane torpedo heater in my garage for many years with no problems. Never leave it on when you are spraying brake parts cleaner, don't ask me how I know. Also, get a 40 lb tank and have it filled at a local propane dealer, you will save money over the tank exchange places.

[@JakeSeiner]

How long will one of those tanks last in the middle of winter in a insulated garage you think?

[@louofm1]

I'm glad I read this. Borrowing a buds heater today to do brake work. Didn't even think About brake cleaner flare-up..lol

[@phillipvansickle4220]

@@JakeSeiner In a two car garage it could last you all winter. Less in a larger shop. What I like about the torpedo heater is that the outside of the heater stays cool. Propane is also cheaper and burns cleaner than Kerosene.

[@hillbilly4christ638]

I used one years ago to wire an uninsulated garage that was two story and 18x24. Dead of winter and worked without a coat and gloves. Loved it!

[@davidwilken3584]

Decades ago my dad heated our 3 door uninsulated garage in Minnesota with a kerosene heater like the propane one shone here in the video. It worked really well, had a thermostat to keep the temperature even. It was a smelly burn but we survived never thinking of CO2.

[@larryrowe5259]

I recently purchased a Mr. Heater 30,000- 60,000 BTU Heater for my 10x16 work shed ( not insulated). I bought a 100# tank and mounted it outside, with a small hole for the hose. In 20 degree weather, I let it run for half an hour with a cracked window open 2 inches. Good working weather for about 2-3 hours.

[@kaadeg]

I'm on my second blower, I use it whenever it gets cold and I need to spend time in my 2 car garage or my unheated basement. I've been using it for more than 20 years. I've got a high ceiling and have run it with the garage door open about 6 inches or so. Nice and toasty. Just this fall I was doing some bodywork and had it running for at least 4 hours. never had had a problem. Do need to make sure you don't point it towards combustible materials and It is loud, but at least its not cold.

[@Rspri10104]

I use one in my garage here in Southeastern Michigan. They do work well and they are LOUD!! I don't run mine nonstop. I fire it up a let it run 15-20 min before start working. then turn it off for a while. When I notice it getting a little cool I fire it up. I just repeat as necessary.

[@TahoeSteve]

Yep, Exactly the same for me.

[@DoranAngelo]

I don’t see anyone that died from one of these complaining in the comment section… All jokes aside, thank you for the informative video.

[@DanielRyanScott]

Been using these things indoors for over 10 years now. Multiple CO2 sensors at different heights around the shop, never had a single reading from anything--but a motorcycle. As long as your garage has a little chimney stack and isn't a absolutely airtight vacuum you're fine. The lack of insulation just means that there's more airflow coming in, burning up oxygen creates a suction that pulls in more air anyway because atmospheric pressure is a thing.

[@lanctcossin8601]

A properly working natural gas or propane appliance creates little to no CO. Otherwise, every gramma cooking a turkey all day in a gas stove would die.

[@RealityIsTheNow]

Propane and natural gas aren't even close to the same thing. Natural gas Burns much much much cleaner than propane

[@joshuayeatts1504]

I was going to say the same thing, my dad does propane work for a living and even propane logs are safe to run unvented up to around 100 and some thousand btus or something, I forget exactly

[@coopermini420]

I just got one of these heaters just to raise the temperature. Leave it on about 15 to 20 minutes. Then I have the electric heater to maintain the temperature.

[@Thomas5895]

I have been using one for 6 months now and it does heat fast after it heats my garage I turn it down to its lowest setting. No problems and I can work in my garage during the winter. One 20 pound tank lasts about 9 hours on high and about 12 hours on low.

[@TahoeSteve]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@DatboyCS]

Years ago, back in the early 2000’s I’d work on cars in my buds garage all day long with one of those running. Never had a problem. I haven’t seen one since, I honestly wondered if it was one of a kind until this moment, I’ll never forget Rob or his jet engine heater

[@ronredmond]

haha that is exactly what I call it... most call it a Salamander. A bunch of companies make them, Dewalt and the like. =)

[@michaelthomas4346]

Its a good thing you decided to come out from under that rock

[@DonnyJepp72]

Perfect, no fluff or frills just good information. Bravo!

[@extremerecluse2095]

Almost all attached garages have no insulation. Therefore, continuous fresh airflow is guaranteed even though all doors are closed. I will be getting one of these for my 32 x 24 shop/outbuilding

[@bryanbahling2877]

You can run that thing all you want with the garage door closed. No issues. Propane is very clean burning, and garages leak way more than enough fresh air in for any problems to arrise. Just make sure you have the first alert alarm on just in case.

[@offtheclaim1468]

I use one of these i Northern Canada...where we get extreme cold temperatures...it is super effective...but...fresh air is a must...

[@mds6387]

Propane when it reaches "ideal burn" will not put off CO. However, propane will zap the oxygen out of the air, which can be pretty bad too.

[@16B9]

Thanks for the video Steve. I have a 40' x 30' garage shop. The attic has 8" of blown in rock wool insulation. The 2" x 4" walls on 16" centers have pink R-19 batting insulation and are covered in the inside by 1/2" sheet rock. The ceiling is 5/8" sheet rock. The outside walls and roof are delta rib tin sheets. The inside ceiling is seven feet tall, with one south facing three foot double pained window and four panel garage doors (three on the north side one on the southwest corner). I have a 220 volt electric heater in the northeast ceiling pointed south southwest. I have it set at the lowest setting in freezing weather and it keeps the garage around 50-60* If I'm working out in the shop I turn that electric heater on to the half setting and I'm nice and toasty in twenty minutes. I don't use flame producing heat in my garage. Electric heat is expensive if used for primary heating but I prefer the safety aspect of it vs. the risk. I'm 73 and enjoy flipping a switch for heat instead of fooling around with a big production. Good luck from Yakima Washington :)

[@rubendominik2115]

Lol that’s a lot of information I don’t think I’ll be scare on that garage since I know every corner of it ,

[@lyndonwhitson2269]

Propane is the way to go, so much cleaner than kerosene. I prefer The tank mount radiant heater but also I have a 60,000 BTU Forced air heater like yours. When I first get into the garage I’ll fire both up to knock the chill off then just use the radiant to keep it warm.

[@christopherssnyder6700]

I've been using one of these for 20 years in my garage, used it to heat my entire house one winter when the power went out. As long as you've got electricity or can make electricity there is no better emergency heater. You can't cook on it but you can roast marshmallows and hot dogs on sticks. I did not know there was such a concern over a proven technology that is used by thousands of construction workers to stay warm in the winter while working in a building with no heat.

[@half-assedandnotfast3375]

Just a bunch of know it all's.

[@meagainandagain5756]

My model is similar but has a valve button that the instructions says to hold for one minute upon start up. If I don’t do this there is a propane smell. For more than 10 years I have run it for hours in the shop especially if it is 30 or 40 below. Then, when it gets warm enuf I change to a 220 contractors heater. I guess I should get one of those C0 testers. But, obviously I haven’t had any problems, and no windows or doors open.

[@wemcal]

great video... we have been using propane heaters (different than yours) indoors on sites for 30 years with no carbon problems at all... we were using readers at first by after about 3 years they never went off so we stopped using them.. houses that do have carbon alerts never have gone off when we use them...we also use kerosene heaters sometimes but propane is way cheaper and less messy when traveling

[@opengate5849]

The continuous build up small amounts of carbon monoxide in your body does plenty of damage. The CO2 alarms are for high CO2 and do nothing to protect or warn you about lower amounts. Those lower amounts are still absorbed and accumulated in your blood. Heed this warning.

[@MrWildwilly48]

Most garages leak around the doors enough to be safe with a clean burning propane heater , that being said i would not feel safe sleeping with one in a small space

[@phillhuddleston9445]

Why would you sleep with a heater, are you really that lonely 😞

[@omm7763]

I know this is a pretty old video but, I went along the same routes as you did. First, one, then two 1500 W radiant electric heaters, Second I added (to the first) additional 30 to 60,000 BTU propane Mr. heater salamander. Third, 5000 W electric shop heater and removed the Mr. heater salamander as it was adding too much moisture into the air. Fourth, I installed a SRP 30,000 BTU overhead radiant tube heater and removed all other heaters. Fifth, I was happy with the fourth but I installed a ceiling fan. I sold the Mr. heater salamander for $100. Half the price I paid for it. I sold the 5000 W shop heater for $125. Half the price I paid for it. The two 1500 W radiant heaters stopped working after three years. Trash. The SRP 30,000 BTU natural gas radiant heater has been running flawlessly for five years. $1300 for the unit, $800 for the installation. Best solution ever. Growing pains. When installing the SRP, I also replaced my garage doors Press board, with R12 Doors with triple vapor seals. $1500. I keep my garage at 68°F all winter long.

[@williamwitkowski4831]

could have saved time and money. by just putting in a hanging gas heater that is vented. no worries about co2 then. do it right the first time. and be safe. and warm and happy

[@Guap303]

I work oilfield and we have propane torches in enclosed hooches for warmth, no CO2. If you're running an old or unstable source for propane heating that's when you have to worry. These modern burners burn all of it fast and clean.

[@Shandael]

As of this post, Lowe's is throwing this exact model on clearance for $49, which is a steal considering how well they work.

[@TahoeSteve]

good to know, thanks for sharing

[@benfelland]

If you read the instructions those meters only read when it’s above 30 ppm which is considered hazardous over an 8hr period. Unfortunately most store bought meters won’t read anything below 30 parts per million. But keeping the door open like you said deff helps. It’s what I do.

[@briankgarland]

I've had one for years, including in a closed garage. Works quite well with no issues, other than the noise.

[@clintonandrews1538]

Hey Steve, think back to your H.S. chemistry: Combustion, fire, (or as they say in the Nuclear Energy Industry "rapid oxidation") produces three bi-products: Carbon monoxide (CO) (from incomplete combustion), carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O). Propane, aka Liquid Petroleum Gas, produces very little carbon monoxide. That's why it is used as a fuel for indoor fork lifts. A propane heater also produces very little carbon monoxide, so your detector wouldn't have a problem with it. Before the 'high tech' advent of solid state combustion analyzers (to determine the composition of combustion gases) HVAC techs used to use a mirror to identify leaks in a furnace heat exchanger. If it 'fogged' a mirror, there was humidity, aka water vapor; presumably along with the other dangerous gases. Danger! However, that having been said, there are two other factors you need to consider: carbon dioxide and oxygen levels in the room air. Combustion consumes oxygen. I have seen a Honda 7000 generator crap out and quit during a power failure because the owner ran it in a closed garage (out of fear of theft) and the spark plugs fouled-out from oxygen starvation. Also, don't forget the astronauts in 'Apollo 13': piecubed.co.uk/apollo-13-co2-lessons/ Carbon dioxide levels above 15% impair human functioning and eventually lead to death. This emphasizes the need for ventilation to atmosphere (fresh) air. Also, the final bi-product is a real pain in the assets: Humidity; H2O. Everything; absolutely everything with any iron content will rust: Your drill press, your floor jack, every tool in your tool chest and even the clips on your suspenders. Ugh! Ask me how I know. Wanna get 'funny' looks from others in line at Home Depot? Show up with suspenders that have rusted metal belt clips and adjusters. :-D)

[@TahoeSteve]

All good info, thanks.

[@paulcondie2520]

I've been using one in my garage for years with no open doors. I'm typing this so still alive and well

[@scottbaican9566]

Me too ! Never had a problem

[@jon15744]

Same here. Shut it off from getting too hot and the noise.

[@scottbaican9566]

@@jon15744 sometimes the tank will freeze up too when it’s getting low

[@normferguson2769]

Lucky to be alive. Workers in an new 80’x200’ water treating building got dizzy after a couple hours with direct fired heaters. They called in an HVAC contractor and switched heating to indirect fired. Any building our company erects now has indirect heating.

[@xmtnsports]

I go through a propane tank about every three days in the winter when I’m doing wood projects, all doors closed, sometimes for 5 hours or more. every now and then I’ll raise the overhead door halfway and then immediately close it. Man door gets opened every now and then when I’m going in and out. I keep a pedestal fan running To move the air around.

[@spockmcoyissmart961]

If you remove the regulator, drill out the gas orifice slightly larger, change the connection fitting, you can hook up to natural gas. I've done it, works fine. Cheaper to operate than LP, more convenient too, no tanks to run out.

[@2Truth4Liberty]

You can also take the burner unit out of water heaters (whose tanks have rusted out) and use them similarly.

[@boriskarloff598]

No regulator? Bigger jet? Natural gas? When does your house become the first moon settlement?😄

[@spockmcoyissmart961]

@@boriskarloff598 natural gas in my area has a regulator on the outside of the home. Which means then only ounces are at the appliances. Versus a high pressure LP tank why The regulators needed at the appliance. Because of the lower natural gas pressure you need a bigger orifice for gas to flow.

[@davecarey7452]

I have the same concerns as well. Apparently gas is very efficient as generations have bee been using gas stoves in their kitchens without being poisoned by the fumes.

[@oldmanwombat]

I used and serviced a brand name item like this .It heats up so fast .But can drain the gas bottle so fast it can freeze.NOT unsafe ..But also makes stockings vanish ..C02 not a problem (unless you sleep on the floor)

[@nonamesplease8228]

There is very little CO produced in a appliance with complete combustion. The only time any real CO is produced is durning a incomplete combustion. People use gas stoves and ovens everyday with no problems. But a CO monitor in the house is a must

[@teamallyracing1780]

Exactly co is a product of incomplete combustion garage have leaks everywhere, I use mine daily just crap couple of inches plus I run a diesel heater thats vents outside never had issues

[@ranmac54]

Great video. Especially because it was to the point and not a lot of frivolous bs. Good job.

[@TahoeSteve]

I appreciate that!

[@jeff1281]

Good to hear, especially this time of the year. Timed perfectly...

[@TahoeSteve]

Good to hear!

[@CF_Sapper]

So I just bought a diesel version of this, if you read the instruction manual its perfectly fine for indoor heating provided you have the appropriate fresh air vent. It gives you the sqft needed for your unit. Not ideal, but safe. lets face it the best would be something like a wood or pellet stove. There are also things called yukon stoves that run of of diesel.

[@OldMotorcycleAdventures]

The byproduct of burning propane is carbon dioxide, and water. That said, your meter likely isn't checking for that, and they aren't usually an instant reading. What kills people with these propane heaters is not the creation of carbon monoxide, but oxygen depletion. Saw people falling sick time and time again every winter when I was a firefighter, no matter what appliance was left unvented. Vent it, no matter what it is.

[@mikerafone4736]

agree poor choice for enclosed

[@veryunclear]

I'm a chemist, and I agree with you completely.

[@spockmcoyissmart961]

Any 120 volt heater will max out at roughly 1500 watts. It doesn't matter what the shape, size, type. 1500 watts, due to the electrical code 80% of a 15 amp circuit.

[@ChefRov]

Exactly, and the 1500 watt fancy little heater w/ remote control is wonderful if shined directly on top of me. But compared to one of these propane blasters, its like holding a match up... instead of one of this big blasters that I've been borrowing from my buddy, I'm going to get one of those little Heater Buddies that should be "ok", much better than electric, but not like these blasters here... want to consider for possible camping purposes in tent where buddy would be ok, but that blaster... ;o) As for the 1500wt electric thingie... maybe if I mount it on an old garage door track... ;o).... i'm thinking about it...

[@sstjacques]

The first alert meeters work, they always read zero with clean burning propane. The window open is for oxygen for the fire, so it does not burn oxygen out of the room, this is why you feel dizzy.. open the window more... If you were to pull a truck up with exhaust blowing onto a closed garaged door, you will see the carbon monoxide meter go up. So carbon monoxide can be a hazard and lower oxygen can be a hazard. I keep the propane tank outside and run hose through window, propane tank needs to vent also.

[@tomalealso]

I had one in my garage years ago, yes it heated up the space quickly but it was not the answer for me. 1. as you found out, it was too loud, 2 there is no way to regulate the heat, it was either full on or all the way off. so I was spending too much time messing with the heater and not enough time with my project. I tried a kerosene heater and that was better but it was smelly and it was expensive. it took longer to heat up but at least i could to some degree regulate the amount of heat I was getting. personally I do not want my shop at 70 degrees, 60 is just fine. I am working not relaxing. I have decided that insulation is more important that a big heater. I have been toying with the idea of building a heater from a old clothes dryer. I could regulate it and I do not have the worry of an open flame in the shop. I do a fair amount of woodwork so the idea of flying dust and open flame is not attractive to me.

[@timothyarmstrong5987]

WTF if it were 53 degs. here i'd open the shop door. LOL That said i do respect the info thanks bro.

[@countryhandyman1064]

I have thought about putting a carbon monoxide detector in my garage so I can do something like this, the problem is that carbon monoxide detectors don't detect carbon dioxide witch is the gas left over after propane burns.

[@ffas23]

I use them in my 42x60’ Pole Barn to keep as warm as I could if I must work on a car in the cold. Pole Barn Roofs are vented. I use to use Kerosene Torpedo Heaters in their also until Kerosene got so expensive. A waste oil heater is the best thing to have with Chimney vented out side. Had one for 9 years. Older now not spending as much time out on my Pole Barn doing things like I use to. Definitely the way to go if you have enough waste oil to keep you going. Most of them will also run on heating oil also but like kerosene it is costly.

[@helmut926]

Nice video. Straight to the point and has all of the relevant information

[@gpthedj1]

I have had one for years and still use it. Only problem, they are extreamly thirsty and will suck up a bottle of gas in a couple of uses depending on run time. But it will heat. My friend has a lagre one that has a tank on it and runs on Kerosene or diesel

[@pbibbles]

Thank you. I bought the same unit last month, but have been a little worried about using it. I guess I have no excuses to be lazy on Saturday and Sunday mornings now.

[@alant5757]

I did the same thing... after the COVID-19 hit... I ended up setting up in the garage. At first I was using a small electric heater and then found a very similar propane heater on eBay for $60 it works FANTASTIC...!!! We have an insulated garage door so that helps a lot. I would do the same thing run it for a while then turn it off. My carbon monoxide reader never posted any ppm either and it’s always mounted on the wall. Not worried about that... just the flammables... if I’m using any.

[@billybop17]

I have been running mine with no garage door crack for years with no issues.

[@douglasstewart4066]

Can that be run off a 100lb tank?

[@chrisbreidenbaugh3697]

The biggest problem with these is lack of a thermostat. I know the higher dollar models will have a thermostat, but the cheaper, I mean more economical, do not. Theywill blast you out of a two car garage in no time, even with the door up a foot or so. You regularly are turning it on and off to regulate the heat. Still, beats being cold...

[@ttstang43]

i could be wrong but a propane heater in a garage to warm it up would be no different then this style, ive been in a garage with a propane heated garage with no problems for hours and hours.. im betting his meter is accurate!!

[@carlcapello9956]

Propane heat is safe for the garage and for the home but, you should follow the directions and practice safety at all times. I just bought a propane heater and I am going to use it for any power failures when they happen.

[@paintballer7171986]

My house has a propane fireplace, if it is working appropriately it will be safe to operate in a closed garage. Just keep the carbon monoxide detecter up high cause the gas is lighter then the regular air. I keep a co detector above my fireplace.

[@chrisgraham2904]

CO2 is heavier than air, but when heated by combustion it becomes lighter than air and mixes homogeneously with the air in the room.

[@arxfortis7481]

There are two reasons for leaving the door cracked. Both are due to the depletion of free oxygen. 1. Carbon dioxide (CO2) will increase. The chemical reaction of a good propane burn is: Three molecules of CH8 + five molecules of O2 are converted to three molecules of CO2 and four molecules of H2O (water vapor). Breathing as little as 7% carbon dioxide can cause unconsciousness. 2. The fire needs oxygen. If you run it in an enclosed room, the oxygen levels will start to drop. When there is insufficient oxygen, the propane does not completely combust, which will result in an eventual build up of carbon monoxide (CO). Breathing only a 0.02% concentration of carbon monoxide will cause confusion, fatigue, and loss of judgment, which could mean the person doesn't realize what is happening to them in time to get out. If that happens, the CO concentration will eventually increase until the person dies. CO binds to the hemoglobin in red blood cells. Hemoglobin's normal job is to carry oxygen, but it can't do that when CO "highjacks" the blood cells.

[@TahoeSteve]

thanks

[@PaulC1980]

I'm glad of the info You have provided. I was literally about to buy one of these but now I'm against. Guess I'll have to find another solution 👍

[@timhall4036]

@NonyaBusiness! Well you don't find yourself dead someone else does lol.

[@jerzeedivr]

Carbon Monoxide is "CO"

[@lightfoot9485]

Are you done trying to scare the shit out of people? These have been used in the construction trades for years with few problems! I think you should stop driving your car because people get killed ya know!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@rickdeaguiar-musicreflecti7692]

Great video Steve. Thank you for taking the time to show us. Very helpful :)

[@chriscrystalhood6260]

Well if the garage is open that kind of defeats the purpose of running a heater just to open the door and let the heat escape. I guess propane heaters are not a viable option for the garage ( unless you open the door and let the heat escape while trying to heat it). I want a way to heat my small garage and was hoping for a propane type heater, I guess I will keep reading info on them. Thanks for sharing.

[@RobLessard]

Not when the heater keeps your garage so warm that it doesn’t matter, it’s a safety purpose. It’s not letting the heat out, it’s making sure there’s not a bunch of carbon monoxide in the room as well. It’s basically use this or spend a lot of money finding another option that works as well

[@futbol1972]

Yea that's why I want a natural fas heater or an electric beater that way I can seal every gap in my garage/ man cave/gym

[@chriscrystalhood6260]

@@RobLessard I totally understand why it is necessary, but is it an efficient way to heat a garage if you have to run it at full blast to make up for what heat is escaping out the open door/window? It just seems like a wasteful expensive way to try and heat a garage, I know propane heaters are awesome at heating an area I just want it to be a safe method with no immediate or long term health issues. I have COPD and one good lung so I do not want any more adding to it.

[@christopherbellore3511]

You made an excellent tutorial. GOOD work, much APPRECIATED! 👍

[@rjohnsoneod]

I have a little bullet heater like this and it sucks the propane tank dry pretty fast. It heats up the garage pretty quick but I also have a box fan on low to push the air and I have two propane tanks left from a grill I used to own. My wife comes out to the garage once in a while but the smell (fumes) give her a headache. Only run it for a few days a years and I am not getting rid of it but get an actual mounted heater for the garage if you can afford it.

[@marzsit9833]

my 30,000btu reddy heater will run 16 hours on a 20lb tank, $12.50 for 3 days worth of heat in an uninsulated garage isn't bad.

[@Thefireguy87]

Just fyi those meters are normally time weighted average not a instant co readout

[@wolfman7393]

I turn mine on and off. It does heat a normal garage easily. Run for about 5 mins then when you feel cold light it up again. Does have an odor. My wife knows when I have it on so it does migrate.

[@johnjaco5544]

I have a bigger torpedo heater similar to this heater,it is a wet heat and they put off lots of heat but the fan is so loud it drives you crazy.I use my wood stove in my shop now and only keep this heater for an extreme emergency.It's just to loud.

[@jaredchampagne2752]

So what’s the final answer? I read some disputes in the comments, is it okay to run them indoors, as long as you don’t let it run for hours and crack the door occasionally?

[@TahoeSteve]

Everyone's gonna have an opinion. i run it in the garage with the door cracked i few inches. it warms up the garage in about 10 minutes and i turn it off. I'm still alive. Only slight drain bamage.

[@FoxNewsNewYork]

@@TahoeSteve lol

[@jayk10304]

@@TahoeSteve i just bought one & have a 2 car garage, I plan on keeping it cracked 6-12” and running it for 20 mins or so before I work, then run it on high for 5 mins with the door completely closed and begin working. Should be safe? 🤣

[@jerrys0510]

@@FoxNewsNewYork I bought one from Home Depot and ran it in my garage for about 10 minutes. The garage door was closed completely and I thought I was going to pass out. I immediately turned it off and left the area. I plan on returning it as it is not safe for what I was trying to do. Just my experience. Would probably be better for an outdoor event or patio... not indoor

[@heartbreakkracker]

@@jerrys0510 You're delirious, but not from the propane burner.

[@kryptonitebullycamp5285]

I need todo this...I have to extricate heaters on wall and my electric bill goes up to 800 a month and it only stays 50deg in garage so my question is running a torpedo heater constantly how long will that little propane tank last ????

[@mikerafone4736]

can not run constant

[@markimbesi4791]

I've run a flexible 4 inch fresh air feed to the area of the heater, preheat with propane then maintain with electric.

[@LoGan-fb7oj]

Its always a good idea to have a co detector with you, wherever you may be using your heaters.

[@rubendominik2115]

I noticed that you placed the sensor on the ground, I believe co2 gasses are not that close to the ground can you do a test with the detector at a head level ? That’s where most of people have their heads with noses it’s a good vid , I just bought one of those heaters thanks

[@milenstoimenov9532]

He was measuring CO not CO2 and CO2 and heavier than air so this is where you measure.

[@rubendominik2115]

@@milenstoimenov9532 if he was measuring co which is not heavier than air the the sensor should be place higher,but you are correct I mistakenly wrote co2 , the carbon monoxide sensors also recommends to place them at 5 ft above the floor

[@wolfsden3812]

So the smart thing to do is run it till the garage warms up and turn it off...

[@elixier33]

Or use something else. I really don't think this is safe

[@wolfsden3812]

@Jamie Powell been using it for a month to lift in the garage no problems still alive!! Love it

[@mikebrown5648]

Thank you for posting this video because I am looking to buy one myself I think this might be the one

[@8102515gutta]

Great info. I’m a fitness trainer and I train clients outside under my huge tent. When it gets colder I’m considering that heater to make it comfortable outside. What’s your opinion?

[@TahoeSteve]

I dunno if this is the right choice for that. Perhaps one of these: amzn.to/3a5ZPip

[@donjames5761]

i have a mr heater big buddy. my father is a fireman hes tested it with his meter an i have my carbon detector. so far its working great. heating my shop. but he told me. just because its functioning optimal one day dont mean it will be functioning optimal the next. make sure you have alot of ventilation cause the flame burns o2 an well air is good to have

[@dougvuillemot8670]

Works to warm up. If you hang in it. You will get headache. Use the propane to warm up. Then use the electric.

[@nhbiker1961]

Bingo. That is what I do with my workshop. I warm it up. Open the door to get in and also let fresh air in and then use electric to maintain temp.

[@lookingthroughice7843]

I have an upright canister propane heater for my garage, when im using it i have the garage door open about 2 inches from the floor, that is sufficient for fresh air to circulate in this space according to the instructions given with this heater, Always have a source of fresh air comming into your space. ALWAYS HAVE FRESH AIR. IT IS WRITTEN IN THE INSTRUCTIONS.......

[@2Truth4Liberty]

Yes, you need to maintain O2 level in the air near 20% (normal air ratio) If you do that, they will NOT produce any CO1, just CO2 and H2O.

[@vasylmarchuk4109]

Thank you for review man! I heard that someone use diesel fuel I assume we can use kerosene too but may have more smoke in garage. How is it works?

[@danbuchner1494]

I have heated my shop 24 x30 12 ft ceiling in ontario canada for 4 years with a 90 000 btu DEWALT and have had no problems ITS alot less work than a wood stove

[@AM-bk9ei]

Why even heat a 53 degree garage?

[@jetbikes1]

Steve great video thanks , but would love to see your test with your co2 checker up off the ground at 6’ or higher to see if there is different readings.

[@veryunclear]

The two chief products from this type of heater are carbon dioxide and water. That's probably why the CO monitor didn't pick it up. Death will likely occur from CO2 asphyxiation very quickly in a closed space by its use. I do not advise it!!

[@2Truth4Liberty]

@@veryunclear The meter is looking for CO1 not CO2 CO1 is dangerous, CO2 is not. There is no such thing as CO2 asphyxiation, rather it is LACK of O2 that can cause asphyxiation. As long as you have adequate ventilation to keep O2 near 20%, there is no danger of asphyxiation.

[@veryunclear]

@@2Truth4Liberty Yes, there is a real medical term called CO2 asphyxiation via hypoxia. Look it up. Low O2 blood level can easily cause death. This type of heater is rated only for outdoor use, because it can replace the O2 in a closed or poorly vented room with CO2 and water vapor very quickly. Many die each year from DANGEROUS levels of CO2 indoors.

[@2Truth4Liberty]

@@veryunclear [[ there is a real medical term called CO2 asphyxiation via hypoxia. Look it up. ]] How about you provide your information (or source) and I will debunk it. [[ Low O2 blood level can easily cause death ]] Yes, as I said in my first comment ... "it is LACK of O2 that can cause asphyxiation." Certainly "gaseous" asphyxiation via hypoxia can occur but that is not unique to CO2 as ANY type of gas that is introduced in your surrounding atmosphere and displaces Oxygen to an insufficient level can do that. This includes inert gases ( such as CO2, hydrogen, etc. ) while some other gases even with sufficient O2 levels can cause "chemical" asphyxiation- for example CO1 (not CO2) cyanide and hydrogen sulfide. [[ Many die each year from DANGEROUS levels of CO2 indoors. ]] I call BS Source? how many are this "Many"? Even for CO (i.e., CO1 - carbonmonoxide) about 1 person per day dies (running car while in garage, etc) but NO, not for CO2. Show your source. [[ This type of heater is rated only for outdoor use ]] Again, source. What "rating"? UL? EPA? OSHA? OEM recommendation? etc? Yes, they need ventilation, but you can ventilate adequately INDOORS with sufficient supply of fresh air FROM outdoors (ie. cracked garage door, window open, etc).

[@veryunclear]

@@2Truth4Liberty Just admit you're wrong. "To thine own self be true." - Shakespeare

[@jimmyFX]

we run these up north,,,But we put the heater outside and use a few feet of 12 inch steel duct,way quieter,Not as efficient ,but u still need a source of fresh air,

[@IEraiderfan]

Steve, looks like you have a great solution there it heated your garage quickly thanks for posting your video.🎄🎅🎄🎅👍👍

[@TahoeSteve]

It gets toasty warm in there quick.

[@1pcmedic]

My opinion, the problem with any heating source that produces water vapor as part of the combustion that is NOT VENTED is that cold tools, like that cold drink on a summers day will sweat no matter how little, and start to rust. Unless you keep the temperature constant most of the time it will be a problem. A ceiling mounted electric blower unit would be better....constant fuel source, no water vapor, no CO, in a long run will be cheaper to operate.

[@marzsit9833]

yes, condensation can be a problem so when you run one of these heaters you need to run it long enough so that the tools and equipment will also heat up and dry out. when i run my heater in my garage in the winter it's always on for at least 5 hours nonstop, that heats up everything well above the dew point so condensation is not an issue. in my area electricity is not expensive but btu for btu propane is still a lot cheaper in the long run for me. the only thing that would be cheaper for me in the long run would be a vented forced air natural gas unit heater, but in my area the permits to run the gas line and install the flue are crazy expensive and diy gas installation is not allowed.

[@dougnval]

how hot does the unit get? how much heat is coming directly out of the end of it? Do I run risk of damaging/melting plastic that is near it? If my garage is a tight space, full of cars and junk....do I need to have a barrier around the unit of like 3'?

[@dougnval]

@Alan d'Eon I bought one last week. Love it. The garage is now warm and toasty when I work on cars.

[@zachlundy3504]

I've have a buddy that borrows my heater now and then when he needs to work on his car in the garage. He has just a single stall garage and what he does is he using two 4x8 foil insulation panels next to but not touching the heater to keep the surfaces protected to an extent.

[@chrisgraham2904]

I believe the temperature is about 1,200 deg. F right at the nozzle and the temperature is quite uncomfortable at 4 feet in front of it.

[@COYO-T]

Taking a reading one foot from the floor is not a reading unless you plan on laying down all the time. You being in a garage with normal ceiling height you will be fine. I had a ventless in a storage shed 12x20 well insulated and had to remove it. The odor coming from it was making me sick. Guess I had to small of a space for it.

[@Samtzu]

Perfect timing.... I've been thinking about getting one of these for about a week, but I wasn't really needing it yet. This video pushed me a little further forward. Next paycheck I think...

[@dalejacobson6363]

Also FYI propane heat makes a lot of moisture ,220v heat is the best way plus your already paying for electric

[@veryunclear]

The two chief products from this type of heater are carbon dioxide and water. That's probably why the CO monitor didn't pick it up. Death will likely occur from CO2 asphyxiation very quickly in a closed space by its use. I do not advise it!!

[@gwmax11]

I'd be extremely more cautious than using 1 meter, have a few that read different particulates in the air, I've had the same heater setup used off and on over the last 2 winters and in a 36x36x12ft tall shop, it would make me sick, sometimes even the syomptoms would show a few days after not using it, those are specifically designed heaters for out door contracting work, don't use them in doors period.

[@jlee7063]

He said he runs it for about 10 minutes and turns it off to get the temps up only?

[@timmurray7639]

I used a kerosene version of that and set off the CO2 alarm multiple times. I just installed a natural gas garage heather form Mr Heater. Should have done it years ago. Heats up fast and is very quite

[@futbol1972]

Is it expensive to have someone install a gas line to garage for gas heater? For this type of heaters I don't need to have any ventilation lime propane heaters right?

[@futbol1972]

By the way o ha e a 3 car garage/gym/ man cave. 22x30 with 8ft ceeling and its comeatly insulated even the garage ddors.

[@user-rs1990]

There are commercial and industrial grade electric fan heaters for heating the garage without having to ventilate the area.

[@firstjohn3123]

Used one for years now. 👍

[@BluRN7]

great video especially the safety part I work with a H2S monitor on daily basis any safety measure is important thanks for your video

[@bradytallred]

How long does this run on a tank like you have there?

[@TahoeSteve]

Don't know, never ran it out in a short enough period to tell. You run it for about 10 minutes and the garage is toasty warm. run it a few more minutes an hour later to maintain the temp.

[@jlee7063]

Anyone know how long a BBQ sized propane tank will last for an average two car garage?

[@chrisgraham2904]

@@jlee7063 10 to 12 hours for a 35,000 BTU propane heater.

[@marzsit9833]

my 30,000btu reddy heater runs 16 hours on a 20lb tank.

[@703am]

we use these types of heaters at work on the job site never a problem, also i use one at home in my garage. Works real good, i leave a window open about two inches for fresh air.

[@Cd3]

Left mine on in the garage for an hour with all the doors closed to get some readings. 32 ppm CO. I was more concerned with lack of oxygen as incomplete combustion causes CO. lighting a fire in the garage can eat up all the oxygen.

[@wolfmantroy6601]

Somehow I've managed to survive 53 years using these type of heaters indoors. In a garage like the one videoed you do not need to open the door. They are much safer than the diesel fired units when it comes to operating in enclosed areas.

[@2Truth4Liberty]

As long as you have sufficient O2 in the air, they are safe (i.e., will not produce any C01). Black soot is a sign of low oxygen when propane burns.