Space heater for workshop?

dbriggs

Well I certainly don't want rust with the bikes and tools in there so LPG is out of the question.

I'm currently looking at one similar to the Stanley model suggested by 'Slowly does it..' but it is an Arcotherm all-electric model.

Basically it's an industrial electric fan heater so that would get around the moisture issue that an LPG would create.

I'm now also looking at how I can insulate the workshop with Kingspan or something similar. Would I be right in thinking most loft insulation brands would work well for me? (walls and roof)

Mark_Mark

What sort of door(s) have you got?

dbriggs

Mark_Mark wrote: »

What sort of door(s) have you got?

It has a plastic UPCV / doubled glazed door with some sort of hard foam around it. I'm pretty sure there is no gap around it anywhere so its probably good at holding the heat in (unlike the walls and roof)

Slowly_does_it..

dbriggs wrote: »

How much did that cost to buy? Was it easy to use / install yourself?

I was just the dogs body, but it went in really easily - cut each bit to size (each was different, just to be difficult) and then screwed a wide piece of wood covering the edge of the kingspan, the rafter, and edge of next kinspan. Actually looked really neat as well.

Kinspan is not cheap - insulationshop.co/ is £30 a sheet - they were googles first click that had a price, that is my only comment on them.

I say kingspan, can be celotex or whatever brand you like, something like :
http://www.jewson.co.uk/building-materials/thermal-insulation/purpir-insulation/products/IREDR050/recticel-eurothane-roof-insulation-2400-x-1200-x-50mm/

The results were brilliant, we noticed heat being bounced back down on our heads before half the roof was covered.

Lpg itself does not push out water, but if you get warm air and cold tools, water will condense on the cold tools, resulting in rust.

The only way to avoid this would probably be to go for infra red heating (I think this will only heat up items that contain water, like a human or a pet) or wear a jumper (not suitable) or insulate and keep warm, so the tools are the same temp as the surrounding air so water does not condense on them.

Phoar - essay!!

Mankysteve

Slowly_does_it.. wrote: »

Lpg itself does not push out water, but if you get warm air and cold tools, water will condense on the cold tools, resulting in rust.

Actually it does produce a bit of moisture
C3H8 + 5O2 = 3CO2 + 4H2O

Slowly_does_it..

Mankysteve wrote: »

Actually it does produce a bit of moisture
C3H8 + 5O2 = 3CO2 + 4H2O

Well noted, sorry, my chemistry aint the best!

dbriggs

Slowly_does_it.. wrote: »

Well noted, sorry, my chemistry aint the best!

ha ha ha - mine either!

dbriggs

Thanks 'Slowly does it..' - I'm going to look in to this today. I ordered that electric heater last night so if I can get the insulation done before the worst of the cold weather comes I'll be a happy man. :j

Mr_Warren_2

Have you considered making your own "Rocket Stove" You have the workshop and the tools, get on with it (plenty examples to look at on YouTube)

cyclonebri1

You've done well to steer clear of gas, not only do you have the issue with stored items rusting, in a workshop you will use chemicals and produce sawdust, naked flame heaters aren't a good idea.

Again for safety and also economic reasons run the unit through a timer just in case you forget to switch off.

The garage is never likely to be too efficient in terms of heat insulation, and rigid foam boards are not cheap, if you are using the space for short periods, I say getting the heater is the 1st priority.;)