I just moved and don't have the funds now for OWB or a big wall hanging propane forced air or radiant heater. I am looking for some affordable space heater options for a year or two before I come up with a more permanent option. Just use the barn to workout sometimes, work on mower, atv, and let the kids get outside in the winter and work on various projects. So kerosene salamander? Radiant space heater? Electric, propane? Any opinions welcome. ! I have a 30x36 pole barn, not sure on the height but pretty good size. The peak is probably 25-30 fet high so pretty big space. Previous homeowner had put various insulation, most of the walls have the pink fiberglass paper backed insulation with 1/4" plywood for interior walls. The ceiling has the rigid panels in between the joists. So pretty decent but not airtight. The big sliding door has no insulation and another small sliding door both have the typical gaps that can be drafty. Thoughts??
How about a used pellet stove? Keep an eye on craigslist, always plenty of em popping up. Pellet stoves have the advantage of not needing a full chimney since the exhaust is forced out by fan, so you wont need to spend too much on the exhaust piping, and they can be turned on/off with the push of a button...so you can run out there, turn it on, then go back inside and let it warm up, no tending it to get it going. When you're done just hit the off button and itll go through its cool down on its own.
Along those lines I was going to suggest a used woodstove. Your shop/barn is too big to use a radiant heater (would take forever and don't think you'd ever get it truly warm), and propane heaters would cost a fortune for that big of a space. Depending on your access to wood or pellets, that would probably be the economical/efficient way to go. In the short term, I would point you towards a portable radiant dish heater. I bought a Presto brand at Costco for about $30, and it keeps the area near my work bench toasty warm. It's instant warmth, and nice to be able to direct some good heat right where its needed. When I step away out of the heat zone though, it's back to the ambient cool room temperature. Good luck with your project, and have fun shopping! Always keep in mind that at the FHC we are happy to dispense advice and help you spend your $$!
Thanks, and yes I am familiar. Posted on here for first time and bought a chainsaw within a week, chaps, helmet , maul shortly after...
Cheap- the old 55 gallon drum barrel stove- it is seldom I would recommend something like this but as a temporary and occasional use item it has merit, with a proper flue system of course.
For a big area like that, I've had good luck using a salamander but they are pretty noisy. But you sometimes can heat them up a bit before using then shut them down while you are in there. I never thought they were that costly to run based upon the heat they can throw. But, you also have to put up with some smell which you may not like.
$899...or less on sale...heating beast. Englander 2,400 sq. ft. Wood-Burning Stove-30-NCH - The Home Depot
propane salamanders no stink to speak of the kero fired ones stinky. either way need to have adequate ventilation with these
Hmmm... this is challenging. Seems like all the good options are pretty expensive ($1k + ) and the other options all have drawbacks...
Also find a cheap ceiling fan or two you can install in there and set them to the winter setting (can’t remember if it’s clockwise or counterclockwise). It will help mix the heat down from above...
What about something like this? Says it will do 800 sq feet and is electric; and under $200. Might be a viable option for the short term, and could combine it with a ceiling fan sending warm air back down? I realize the headline link says 560 sq. feet but the actual website says 800. NewAir G56 5600 Watt Garage Heater - Fast Heat for 560 Sq. Ft.
ya got 240 v out there, I didn't look at amp draw, but something to be aware of. Sure due make meters spin though.
