Choosing the right Electric Shop Heater can be a daunting task, given the fact that there are so many options now available. So how do I choose just the right Electric Shop Heater for workshop ? To help narrow down the choices, ask yourself the following questions.
• Do I have 240V electrical power available or easily accessible?
• Do I want forced air or radiant?
• Do I want it mounting on a bracket, ceiling or wall or do I want it with a plug
• Is my workshop insulated
• What is the size of my room
• What is the height of the ceiling
• What is my budget
• Do I want a built in thermostat or a wall mounted thermostat
The first step is electrical power, a standard 120v line will only handle a 1500w heater which will heat up 150 sq ft room… If you room is only that size then I would go to a home center, or hardware store a and pick up a plug in space heater you room… If you have a larger work shop then 150 sqft you will need 240v line… 240v is standard for residential use, but is only use for items like a electric stove, dryer or water heater.
( FYI Notes )
110 volts, 115 volts, 120 volts, 125 volts
(All four voltages will work with the same heater)
220 volts, 230 volts, 240 volts, 250 volts
(All four voltages will work with the same heater)
208 volts is NOT the same as 240 volts – it’s a totally different voltage
A forced are heater is what is also called convection heater, which means it will heater the air, a radiant heater which is like the soon. It will heat the body and heat what is in it path and will slowly heat up what is around it, but for the most part it’s a body warmer.
The Mounting or position of the heater, a unit heater is my first choice its mounted with a bracket that can mount to a wall or ceiling. It has to be 7’ in the air and need mounted a foot away from the wall. A unit heater will move the most air and make the room feel more comfortable quicker. A wall heater mounts on the wall, you can surface mount to the wall or mount between the studs. A wall heater will take up some space on your work shop wall which might be a deal breaker.. Also a wall heater only goes up to 4800 watts where a unit heater goes up to 15000 watt. The last is a Commercial grade plug in heater. The version typically comes with a 6’ cord and you need to you a nema 20-30 or higher receptacle
If you workshop insulated, if you not I would start there and get some insulation in your room….If its not insulated I don’t want to see your electric bill at the end of the month..
Heater sizing (how big is the room you want to heat)
The first and most important step is “how big is the room you want to heat “The heater has to be sized so it can heat the room on the coldest night of the year. Please visit our garage heater sizing chart to see how big of a heater you will need to heater your entire garage or for a true “heat load” look for software called “Manual J” online or consult an architect or mechanical engineer
Having the correct voltage is right up there as one of the most important thing to know and understand before you purchase and electric wall heater. Electric heaters come in 120 and 240 volts. Most homes in the United States have both 120v and 240v in there
Thermostats
Controlling an electric heater for you garage can be done with a built-in or wall mounted thermostat. Certain models have the option of one or the other, while some just have option for just built in or just wall mounted only…If you are not sure call or email us. While the thermostat can be an after thought, it’s something you really want to think about as a priority in you purchasing decision.
The built-in thermostat the knob is mounted on the outside of the heater. It works just like a wall mounted heater by turning it clockwise you turn the power on and you set the desired room temperature. Turn it counterclockwise you will lower the desired temperature wanted and if you turn it all the way to the left it will turn the unit off.
Wall thermostats are not available on all heaters, for those that do offer them this is how they work. A wall mounted thermostat is usually mounted on the other side of the room. A 240 volt power line is pulled behind the sheetrock to the wall heater. To set the temperature of the heater once again turn the knob clockwise to you desired room temperature.
6. Heater location in your room Find a spot on an interior wall close to the outside wall. Make sure you avoid any obstructions like boxes, tools, and chemical. The idea is to heat your cold wall first and the rest of the room will fall in line.
FYI Notes:
Follow the factories recommends on mounting the heater … If you have question on mounting location(s) please consult your local or town or city code inspector for the final answer
8. Feature to look for or avoid. Mounting Brackets – Look for it – Not all garage heaters can be mounted, most of the plug-in construction heaters only come with a handle. If you want to mount it to the wall or ceiling look for a wall / ceiling bracket. This option is available most unit heaters.
Enclosed motor – Look for it – If you have an excessive amount of dust accumulation for cutting wood or sheetrock. This isn’t for everyone but its great feature if your garage is a winter woodshop.
Installation Guide lines – Look for it – Most garage heaters have a minimum distance to the wall or ceiling. If you plan on placing a heater in tight space read the users manual for purchasing.
Wall Receptacle Amps – Look for it– Not all 240 volt wall receptacle are the same, most electric heaters use the 3 prong NEMA #6-30R. Some electric cloths dryer use the 4 prong, double check your manual and your existing receptacle before purchasing your heater.
120 Volt space heaters Avoid – A standard one car garage will need 4,000 to 7,500 watts. A 120 volt space heater puts out the same amount of heat as a hair dryer (1,500 to 1,600 watts). You will need 3 to 5 space heaters, and each heater will have to be on its own circuit breaker.
