On Nov 28, 10:03*pm, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
On Mon, 28 Nov 2011 09:29:20 -0800 (PST), DerbyDad03

wrote:

P.S. I'm back to struggling with whether or not I should use a
constantly running oil-filled heater (set on low) in my small workshop
or should I run a small electric heater with a fan only during those
times when I'm in the shop, usually a couple of nights a week and a
few more hours on weekends.

I have both, so the initial cost is not a factor.

How big of a shop and how low of an outside temperature?

The typical electric heater will put out 1500 watts or 5000 BTU. *If
the outside temperature is below 40, it is not worth even plugging in.
In my garage/shop I used a 30,000 BTU unit and it was not enough below
20F so I bought a 60,000 BTU unit.

10 x 15 shop which serves as the basement for a family room extension
off the rear of the house. The shop has 3 exterior concrete block
walls (all above ground due to the slope of the lot) which are 2 x 4
studded, insulated, and drywalled. The ceiling (2 x 8 joists) is also
insulated to dampen the sound and to try to keep the family room floor
a little warmer.

The room never gets all that cold since it is part of the basement and
there is some air circulation from the main part of the basement,
especially if I leave the door open.

The small fan based electric heater that I've been using for years
does a more than adequate job of heating the space. Depending on how
long I'm in the shop and how active I am, I am often able to lower or
even turn off the heater after a while.

I was thinking that if I ran the oil filled heater on low it would not
only keep the room warm all of the time but might also help with the
floor in the family room. Even if there is no operating cost
difference between the fan based heater and oiled filled heater, I'd
prefer the silence and no moving parts of the oil over the fan.



As for the article you refer to, it is poorly written rubbish. *I have
no idea what they are talking about oil filled units "conserving more
heat". *I'd like to see some real numbers on output.

•An electrical heater loses 55% of energy to produce heat. Ceramic
heaters conserve 85% of the energy. Oil filled radiant heaters have a
larger surface area and can provide heat for an extended period of
time.
•An electrical heater comes with high running costs. Ceramic and oil
filled radiant heaters have lower running costs as they conserve more
heat.