The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk garage question

I'm working on my 53 3100 in the garage some over the winter. I have an Empire propane furnace (77K BTU) and was wondering if anyone else has any experience with propane wall hanging furnaces. How long should a 100 pund tank last?

The garage is a 3 car, with r-13 in the ceiling and r-11 in much of the walls.

I saw a 30K BTU model in the store that said it would go 72 hours on a tank. I'm sure that I wont get close to that.

any advice?

Jake53...I can't answer your question about how long a tank will last but I can talk about the propane deal as I have one in my shop. Mine is a Lennox propane that I hooked directly into the BIG tank I had for the house. I use the term "had" because I moved a while back. The unit did a fabulous job. The shop at that time had no ceiling or insulation but would still be comfortable to work in after about 5 minutes. Now understand the weather here in S.C. isn't real cold during the winter but it does get nippy. Now that I have moved I have built me a 30x40 shop and I brought the heat system with me. I plan to hang it in the next week or two. I still have the ceiling tile/insulation to put in. I put the suspended ceiling up myself and with the insulation I know the unit will do a very good job. I plan to buy me a 90 gal tank since there is no gas line where I now live. I know the unit will be nice and I don't think it will be terrible on the pocket book as I didn't notice a big increase in the usage before. (the price is what increases!) I love the quick heat and there is no pilot to stay on as it has an electric ignitor and wall thermostat. I love it. I don't know about you but when the temp is around 55 its just right to get work done. I think the whole thing depends on how "hot" you have to have it in the shop. Since your walls are insulated you should make out very well.
I know this didn't answer the question but I do vote for the gas heat!!

Whatever furance you use, make sure any electrial connections or flame burners are at least 18 inches above the floor.This provides a safety factor in case gasoline or other heavier than air fumes are leaking in the garage.This is standard electricial and heating codes and will protect you from "negligence" if for any reason you have an insurance fire claim.

Thanks for the pointers. Mine hangs from the ceiling, just about high enough to walk under. I need to watch my head a little, but it's ok. I had tried it last winter before really insulating, and the tanks didn't seem to burn long. I was aiming for 55 to 60. I agree that that is plenty to work in. Anything more seems wasted, unless you are doing something that requires higher temps.

I'm going to fill the tanks Friday and will report back in the coming weeks.

I have a 60k btu infrared hanging heater in my shop, I use a 250 gallon tank(bought used for a C-note,1961 model), fill it once a year before October when the price skyrockets. Cost $137 this year to fill(most ever). A 100 lb bottle only has a few gallons of fuel. I see my buddy toting 100lb bottles to & fro every week all winter, spending $35+ a week. Brian