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Tony Miklos[_2_]

On 11/29/2011 1:22 PM, wrote:
On Mon, 28 Nov 2011 22:03:38 -0500, Ed 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.

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.

Heat output is the same. If you open a door and let some heat out, the
oil filled MAY recover heat in the room faster than an "open coil"
type heater, and the temperature will be more even - less "on-off"
effect

The oil filled heater may also take longer to recover heat loss if it
had been cycled off for a little while. They can be good if you set
them properly, most are adjustable 500/1000/1500 watts in addition to
the thermostat. So depending on the outside temps, you want to adjust
the wattage so the unit cycles less often. If done right it's hard to
tell by feeling it if it is on or off and it gives a nice steady heat.
Put it on 1500 watts when it's not very cold and it will cycle from very
hot to lukewarm and not be a "comfortable" heater.