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[email protected] November 20th 08 05:12 PM

high efficiency garage heater
 
I am going to be heating my attached garage (3 car, about 23'x28' w/
10' ceiling). I was looking at a Hot Dawg garage heater at first, then
I realized the mounting location would be on a wall that is directly
opposite to the living room and thought the fan noise may be a
problem. I have also considered a 45,000 BTU 80% horizontal mount
Goodman, but I was told that the burners are fairly loud. I have now
been thinking about a 93% efficient Goodman model GCH90453BX. I
believe it would be quieter, but I have been told condensate may
freeze if the heater is not used in freezing weather. Doesn't all the
condensate drain from the furnace, or is some left when it's shut
down? I usually leave the furnace set to 45 or so in the winter, but
if I did shut it down would I have a problem? I like to keep the
garage warm for my diesel truck and on occasion I watch my mom's dog,
and she stays in the garage, in that case or when I am working in the
garage, I heat to 65 or so (BTW, I am in the midwest with cold
winters). Another advantage to the high eff. furnace is that I would
have to have a long run of 25' or so type b vent with an 80% furnace,
the cost between the 80% and 93% isn't too much, probably about the
same as the cost of the vent pipe. With the 93%, I would obviously be
using PVC vent pipe that would be cheaper and easier to install. I
also wanted to use a regular furnace so I have the option to add AC in
the future, I have no place to put a window unit. Any thoughts on the
condensate issue? I do have an easy route to run the drain to the
basement through the garage wall. Thanks for any advise!


Pat November 20th 08 06:32 PM

high efficiency garage heater
 
On Nov 20, 12:12*pm, wrote:
I am going to be heating my attached garage (3 car, about 23'x28' w/
10' ceiling). I was looking at a Hot Dawg garage heater at first, then
I realized the mounting location would be on a wall that is directly
opposite to the living room and thought the fan noise may be a
problem. I have also considered a 45,000 BTU 80% horizontal mount
Goodman, but I was told that the burners are fairly loud. I have now
been thinking about a 93% efficient Goodman model GCH90453BX. I
believe it would be quieter, but I have been told condensate may
freeze if the heater is not used in freezing weather. Doesn't all the
condensate drain from the furnace, or is some left when it's shut
down? I usually leave the furnace set to 45 or so in the winter, but
if I did shut it down would I have a problem? I like to keep the
garage warm for my diesel truck and on occasion I watch my mom's dog,
and she stays in the garage, in that case or when I am working in the
garage, I heat to 65 or so (BTW, I am in the midwest with cold
winters). Another advantage to the high eff. furnace is that I would
have to have a long run of 25' or so type b vent with an 80% furnace,
the cost between the 80% and 93% isn't too much, probably about the
same as the cost of the vent pipe. With the 93%, I would obviously be
using PVC vent pipe that would be cheaper and easier to install. I
also wanted to use a regular furnace so I have the option to add AC in
the future,


You want to AC your garage? Lord save us.

I have no place to put a window unit. Any thoughts on the
condensate issue? I do have an easy route to run the drain to the
basement through the garage wall. Thanks for any advise!


Why not run it off of your house furnace?

Joe November 20th 08 08:10 PM

high efficiency garage heater
 
On Nov 20, 11:12*am, wrote:
I am going to be heating my attached garage (3 car, about 23'x28' w/
10' ceiling). I was looking at a Hot Dawg garage heater at first, then
I realized the mounting location would be on a wall that is directly
opposite to the living room and thought the fan noise may be a
problem. I have also considered a 45,000 BTU 80% horizontal mount
Goodman, but I was told that the burners are fairly loud. I have now
been thinking about a 93% efficient Goodman model GCH90453BX. I
believe it would be quieter, but I have been told condensate may
freeze if the heater is not used in freezing weather. Doesn't all the
condensate drain from the furnace, or is some left when it's shut
down? I usually leave the furnace set to 45 or so in the winter, but
if I did shut it down would I have a problem? I like to keep the
garage warm for my diesel truck and on occasion I watch my mom's dog,
and she stays in the garage, in that case or when I am working in the
garage, I heat to 65 or so (BTW, I am in the midwest with cold
winters). Another advantage to the high eff. furnace is that I would
have to have a long run of 25' or so type b vent with an 80% furnace,
the cost between the 80% and 93% isn't too much, probably about the
same as the cost of the vent pipe. With the 93%, I would obviously be
using PVC vent pipe that would be cheaper and easier to install. I
also wanted to use a regular furnace so I have the option to add AC in
the future, I have no place to put a window unit. Any thoughts on the
condensate issue? I do have an easy route to run the drain to the
basement through the garage wall. Thanks for any advise!


I have a similar situation in Central Illinois, garage 26' square, 9'
ceiling. I heat it with a ceiling mounted Modine 45 K BTU Hot Dawg
vented with regular double wall galvanized up through roof. There is
no point at all in any other way of mounting it as the unit has a very
vigorous heat flow, so distribution is no problem. IF you put it in a
corner, the opposite corner will get plenty of heat. Metalbestos vent
pipe is good but pricey. We used another brand from Menards that was
fewer $$. A ceiling mount requires only a short run of vent and IIRC
my most unusual expense was a 4+ inch hole saw to cut the vent outlet
in the roof. I have used many Modine heaters in buildings over the
years and the Hot Dawg is a worthy addition to their line. As far as
noise is concerned, even rigid mounting on the OSB ceiling produces no
more than a gentle hum when it operates. Highly recommended.

Joe

[email protected] November 21st 08 12:27 AM

high efficiency garage heater
 
Thanks for the replys. The AC would be for my mom's dog when she stays
in the summer, it's very hot and humid in the summer, so not as
ridiculous as you may think. Joe, thanks for the info on the Hot Dawg,
that's still an option, especially if low noise. I can get the 93%
Goodman for about $300 more than the Modine, so I'm going to have to
think some more. The reason I have to run such a long vent pipe is
that I have a very steep pitch roof and I can't run the pipe straight
up from the furnace location as it would be visible from the street
side of the house so there will be a bit of a horizontal run to get it
to the proper exit location. It's probably going to be 25'- 30' or so.
I'm not sure what Pat means about running it off the the house
furnace? If you are mean running a duct out to the garage, that's
against code and the furnace wouldn't handle the extra load. I'm more
concerned about the freezing condensate in the furnace. Any other
input would be appreciated.
Thanks!

[email protected] November 21st 08 01:04 AM

high efficiency garage heater
 
On Nov 20, 7:27�pm, wrote:
Thanks for the replys. The AC would be for my mom's dog when she stays
in the summer, it's very hot and humid in the summer, so not as
ridiculous as you may think. Joe, thanks for the info on the Hot Dawg,
that's still an option, especially if low noise. I can get the 93%
Goodman for about $300 more than the Modine, so I'm going to have to
think some more. The reason I have to run such a long vent pipe is
that I have a very steep pitch roof and I can't run the pipe straight
up from the furnace location as it would be visible from the street
side of the house so there will be a bit of a horizontal run to get it
to the proper exit location. It's probably going to be 25'- 30' or so.
I'm not sure what Pat means about running it off the the house
furnace? If you are mean running a duct out to the garage, that's
against code and the furnace wouldn't handle the extra load. I'm more
concerned about the freezing condensate in the furnace. Any other
input would be appreciated.
Thanks!


If you have the bucks for AC start by insulating the entire building
really well. expanding closed cell foam is about R7 or R8 per inch as
it expands it seals all the tiny nooks cranies and air leaks.

goodman 90+ furnace can be directly vented thru the wall with PVC
pipe.

Don Young November 21st 08 02:38 AM

high efficiency garage heater
 

wrote in message
...
Thanks for the replys. The AC would be for my mom's dog when she stays
in the summer, it's very hot and humid in the summer, so not as
ridiculous as you may think. Joe, thanks for the info on the Hot Dawg,
that's still an option, especially if low noise. I can get the 93%
Goodman for about $300 more than the Modine, so I'm going to have to
think some more. The reason I have to run such a long vent pipe is
that I have a very steep pitch roof and I can't run the pipe straight
up from the furnace location as it would be visible from the street
side of the house so there will be a bit of a horizontal run to get it
to the proper exit location. It's probably going to be 25'- 30' or so.
I'm not sure what Pat means about running it off the the house
furnace? If you are mean running a duct out to the garage, that's
against code and the furnace wouldn't handle the extra load. I'm more
concerned about the freezing condensate in the furnace. Any other
input would be appreciated.
Thanks!

Some high-efficiency furnaces do have a condensate trap which retains water
when shut down and I would imagine that freezing could damage it. It might
be practical to install a heat tape or similarly protect it. You would
probably have to get specific information from the manufacturer.

Don Young



Joe November 21st 08 04:27 PM

high efficiency garage heater
 
On Nov 20, 6:27*pm, wrote:
Thanks for the replys. The AC would be for my mom's dog when she stays
in the summer, it's very hot and humid in the summer, so not as
ridiculous as you may think. Joe, thanks for the info on the Hot Dawg,
that's still an option, especially if low noise. I can get the 93%
Goodman for about $300 more than the Modine, so I'm going to have to
think some more. The reason I have to run such a long vent pipe is
that I have a very steep pitch roof and I can't run the pipe straight
up from the furnace location as it would be visible from the street
side of the house so there will be a bit of a horizontal run to get it
to the proper exit location. It's probably going to be 25'- 30' or so.
I'm not sure what Pat means about running it off the the house
furnace? If you are mean running a duct out to the garage, that's
against code and the furnace wouldn't handle the extra load. I'm more
concerned about the freezing condensate in the furnace. Any other
input would be appreciated.
Thanks!


Forgot to mention, in my garage/shop I have a big old 220 V used
Frigidaire window AC unit that does a fine job in the summer. BTW, the
walls are insulated and we upgraded the ceiling insulation to 6" plus.
heater vents, there is nothing wrong with angling a Metalbestos
type vent to have it come out behind a roof peak away from the line of
sight of the street. In small towns like ours, however, it didn't
bother me or the neighbors to have the discreet vent visible, and in
fact, it might even be a small status symbol, "Hey, he's got a heated
garage!", kind of like her granite counter tops only more practical.
Bottom line, the simpler HVAC solutions are far cheaper for a garage /
shop where limited occupancy allows systems to operate well below
domicile requirements.

Joe

Big_Jake November 22nd 08 12:29 AM

high efficiency garage heater
 
On Nov 20, 11:12*am, wrote:
I am going to be heating my attached garage (3 car, about 23'x28' w/
10' ceiling). I was looking at a Hot Dawg garage heater at first, then
I realized the mounting location would be on a wall that is directly
opposite to the living room and thought the fan noise may be a
problem. I have also considered a 45,000 BTU 80% horizontal mount
Goodman, but I was told that the burners are fairly loud. I have now
been thinking about a 93% efficient Goodman model GCH90453BX. I
believe it would be quieter, but I have been told condensate may
freeze if the heater is not used in freezing weather. Doesn't all the
condensate drain from the furnace, or is some left when it's shut
down? I usually leave the furnace set to 45 or so in the winter, but
if I did shut it down would I have a problem? I like to keep the
garage warm for my diesel truck and on occasion I watch my mom's dog,
and she stays in the garage, in that case or when I am working in the
garage, I heat to 65 or so (BTW, I am in the midwest with cold
winters). Another advantage to the high eff. furnace is that I would
have to have a long run of 25' or so type b vent with an 80% furnace,
the cost between the 80% and 93% isn't too much, probably about the
same as the cost of the vent pipe. With the 93%, I would obviously be
using PVC vent pipe that would be cheaper and easier to install. I
also wanted to use a regular furnace so I have the option to add AC in
the future, I have no place to put a window unit. Any thoughts on the
condensate issue? I do have an easy route to run the drain to the
basement through the garage wall. Thanks for any advise!


Why would you have to run that much b vent? You should be able to run
it out the wall or roof pretty close to the unit.

I would be concerned about your ability to keep the condensate trap
from freezing, so I would pick the 80% furnace as the cheaper (and
easier) option. Depending on where you buy it, the furnace itself
should be cheaper than the Hot Dawg. Plus you could run some spiral
duct (or whatever) off the furnace to distribute the air better.

JK

[email protected] November 22nd 08 03:22 PM

high efficiency garage heater
 
On Nov 21, 6:29*pm, Big_Jake wrote:
On Nov 20, 11:12*am, wrote:



I am going to be heating my attached garage (3 car, about 23'x28' w/
10' ceiling). I was looking at a Hot Dawg garage heater at first, then
I realized the mounting location would be on a wall that is directly
opposite to the living room and thought the fan noise may be a
problem. I have also considered a 45,000 BTU 80% horizontal mount
Goodman, but I was told that the burners are fairly loud. I have now
been thinking about a 93% efficient Goodman model GCH90453BX. I
believe it would be quieter, but I have been told condensate may
freeze if the heater is not used in freezing weather. Doesn't all the
condensate drain from the furnace, or is some left when it's shut
down? I usually leave the furnace set to 45 or so in the winter, but
if I did shut it down would I have a problem? I like to keep the
garage warm for my diesel truck and on occasion I watch my mom's dog,
and she stays in the garage, in that case or when I am working in the
garage, I heat to 65 or so (BTW, I am in the midwest with cold
winters). Another advantage to the high eff. furnace is that I would
have to have a long run of 25' or so type b vent with an 80% furnace,
the cost between the 80% and 93% isn't too much, probably about the
same as the cost of the vent pipe. With the 93%, I would obviously be
using PVC vent pipe that would be cheaper and easier to install. I
also wanted to use a regular furnace so I have the option to add AC in
the future, I have no place to put a window unit. Any thoughts on the
condensate issue? I do have an easy route to run the drain to the
basement through the garage wall. Thanks for any advise!


Why would you have to run that much b vent? *You should be able to run
it out the wall or roof pretty close to the unit.

I would be concerned about your ability to keep the condensate trap
from freezing, so I would pick the 80% furnace as the cheaper (and
easier) option. *Depending on where you buy it, the furnace itself
should be cheaper than the Hot Dawg. *Plus you could run some spiral
duct (or whatever) off the furnace to distribute the air better.

JK


I have to run that much vent pipe because I have no wall to exit
through and as I said, I have to run the pipe to a suitable exit
location. I think I would save enough money on vent pipe to pay the
difference in the 93% furnace. I'm not too worried about freezing as I
will keep the garage heated to above freezing. If installed properly,
wouldn't all the condensate drain? That's what I'm curious about, I'm
not to sure how these are built and how the condensate drains. Thanks
again.
Steve



Big_Jake November 24th 08 01:27 AM

high efficiency garage heater
 

I have to run that much vent pipe because I have no wall to exit
through and as I said, I have to run the pipe to a suitable exit
location. I think I would save enough money on vent pipe to pay the
difference in the 93% furnace. I'm not too worried about freezing as I
will keep the garage heated to above freezing. If installed properly,
wouldn't all the condensate drain? That's what I'm curious about, I'm
not to sure how these are built and how the condensate drains. Thanks
again.
Steve


It depends on the brand. For example, most Carrier (& Bryant, Payne,
etc) have internal traps that could be damaged by freezing. Goodman,
for example, has an external "cup" that the condensate drains into but
that could freeze also, not damaging the unit but it would still need
to be thawed before the furnace could drain properly. Most furnaces
would need heat tape around the trap and possibly also around some
internal plumbing to keep the condensate from freezing and clogging or
damaging the furnace.

You would keep the garage heated above freezing all winter??

Feel free to email me off list if you want to kick this around some
more.

JK


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