Testing an older (& never used) 15,000 BTU radiant propane heater & rambling

I get kind of nerdy when it comes to testing the heating capabilities of different heaters in different temperature situations. In this video I try to see how well I can get my garage heated when it's very frigid outside. These two heaters with different types of heating and fuel, can do a max of 33k to 38k BTU and hour combined. Just a FYI, I cannot insulate this garage. Though, I can create a better seal on the walk thru door as well as the garage door but I won't (I like some of the fumes to escape).

[@jonasgrumby4749]

Thank you for the comparison

[@steve8189]

Nice video, but I'm not sure why you'd get rid of that kerosene heater? I believe the issue is the garage, not the heater. That heater is very quiet and is more powerful that the propane heater (I own both as well as a Buddy). You already own it and if you have regrets later about selling it, you'll spend much more to get a replacement. I think that new jet heater will cook you right out of the garage, but they are very nice. If you add a small fan for circulation, the kerosene will do a fantastic job. Add a layer of plywood to the bottom of the ceiling joists to trap warm air in lower and it will make a huge difference. Add insulation, even better, especially if you are a self-proclaimed skin flint (you're literally p*ssing your money away w/o insulation). I'd also get a combo smoke/monoxide detector if you are concerned about safety - it is a good concern to have. The Mr Buddy heaters have the proprietary hose which would allow you to tap a 20 lb cylinder, but I do think having a few 1 pounders are nice to have around. Best of luck!

[@skywatcherranchswr]

@steve8189 I actually kept the kerosene heater, might use it somewhere that I don't have electricity, I don't mind it, just hate kerosene. I'm currently burning about a half gallon of diesel a day using my new dyna glo. It gives good heat and I can't insulate or modify the garage in any way, so I have to heat it the way it sits. I'm not a fan of propane heat. The little radiant heater I'm using on my 20lb cylinder was just an experiment for fun, I was curious how much heat it would give off. I'm trying to burn off my propane tanks. I probably have 10 or 15 20lb tanks, most with some propane in them. The only thing I like about it is how quiet it is. Diesel is my 2nd favorite heatsource next to wood but I can't use my woodstove currently ( can't modify the garage). I enjoy messing around with different heaters. When I buy my next property I will be insulating the crap out of it and sealing it up as best as I can. For now I just have to deal with the heat loss but it doesn't cost me much.

[@steve8189]

@@skywatcherranchswr I would really like to purchase a Vevor Diesel heater, hear nothing but good stuff about it. I simply don't have an application for it anywhere without insulating the small detached garage I have. The only thing I think I would do would be to add a much larger external tank as the one onboard is only about 12 hours, then you have to play around to refuel it again. I'd like 7-10 day's worth and by the other videos I've seen, it appears to be a pretty simple modification. Best of luck to you!

[@LETME-kl9jg]

A Mr Heater or Buddy heater will break quick and your done get a Propanr gas wall heater with 6 heat cubes their regulator will not split in half like the buddy heater. A propane wall heater will work flawlessly for years if will be adjustable too, it heats up to a certain temperature then shuts off. If you buy a bunch of tanks it is very far cheaper than having a big tank out side. I'm just using K1 Kerosene because diesel puts off fumes.

[@billsterling5790]

Seal ur garage door and insulate brother