If only it weren't so cold...

a1gutterman · Post by **a1gutterman** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 8:53 pm

Hi guvnuh4,

guvnuh4 wrote:She just doesn't get the draw to nice tools ("Why do you need to spend $900 on a saw?!" in reference to the 500 to 520 upgrade)...

I've actually priced out renting an insulation blower and the required bags of fiber insulation for putting about 8" in the attic (that should help considerably...), and working for an REC I had an "in" on what would be the most cost effective for me as far as Gas vs. Electric heat. I found out that based on the cost/BTU of both I could recover the cost of a $250 ventless heater (this also means I can keep my garage a nice 40-50 degrees and kick it up when I'm out there a bit more, justifying the cost to the boss: "no more cold car dear!")

If you can point out how the things that you "need" will benefit SWMBO, it is always helpful:D . I see that you are a young guy. Let me offer a bit of advice: Spend at least as much on her as you do on yourself;) .

paulmcohen · Post by **paulmcohen** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 9:25 pm

Hi guvnuh4,
Maybe the agreement my wife and I came too might work for you. She collects clothes and I collect tools as long as we keep spending to what we can afford we don't argue about "need".

We are celebrating our 30th anniversary this summer.

guvnuh4 · Post by **guvnuh4** » Tue Jan 29, 2008 11:49 am

See, this is why I like this site: advice from pros that can help outside the shop as much as inside

charlese · Post by **charlese** » Tue Jan 29, 2008 7:46 pm

I'd add in an argument for increased safety. But would be a little careful here. After all we don't want to emphasise anything unsafe.

8iowa · Post by **8iowa** » Tue Jan 29, 2008 8:54 pm

gov:

I almost put a 20,000 BTU ventless propane heater in my garage in the U.P. My friend the plumbing and mechanical guy talked me out of it saying that these units add too much moisture to the climate, also reminding me about the carbon monoxide and oxygen depletion problem. Every winter guys die in their ice sheds, camp tents, and deer blinds. Therefore, I installed a vented propane unit with a simple thermostat. Insulating the garage door and installing stop seal on the garage door "gaps" also did wonders.

There is of course the direct economic comparison between the cost of electricity and propane. However, there are other important factors that should not be ignored.

a1gutterman · Post by **a1gutterman** » Wed Jan 30, 2008 1:09 am

Hi 8iowa

8iowa wrote:gov:

I almost put a 20,000 BTU ventless propane heater in my garage in the U.P. My friend the plumbing and mechanical guy talked me out of it saying that these units add too much moisture to the climate, ...........

Propane burning creates LOTS of moisture, just like your friend says. You might think about a ceramic heater; very economical compared to other electric heaters.

guvnuh4 · Post by **guvnuh4** » Wed Jan 30, 2008 9:24 am

Do the same moisture concerns enter if it is a natural gas unit? I know that the chemical composition is different, but not sure about the differences in the exhaust.

8iowa · Post by **8iowa** » Wed Jan 30, 2008 10:09 am

gov:

The products of combustion of any hydrocarbon fuel are carbon dioxide and water. Under certain circumstances there may also be smaller amounts of carbon monoxide and various oxides of impurities such as sulfur, which would be found mostly in the case of oil or gasoline. The additional expense of a vented gas heater is money well spent.

There are a lot of woodworking shops that use wood stoves, burning scraps. This would work fine as long as you keep a clean shop and control dust with a dust collector. Any type of open flame heater of course presents additional fire hazzards, but with care and common sense a woodstove can be a consideration.

My earlier suggestion of a ceramic electric heater is quick and easy solution as long as your building is insulated and has the electrical capacity.

a1gutterman · Post by **a1gutterman** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 12:25 am

8iowa wrote:gov:

..............My earlier suggestion of a ceramic electric heater is quick and easy solution as long as your building is insulated and has the electrical capacity.

It has been my experience that the ceramic heaters use very little electricity.

a1gutterman · Post by **a1gutterman** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 12:27 am

paulmcohen wrote:Hi guvnuh4,
Maybe the agreement my wife and I came too might work for you. She collects clothes and I collect tools as long as we keep spending to what we can afford we don't argue about "need".

We are celebrating our 30th anniversary this summer.

Congratulations Paul. My wife has put up with me for 29 years this month:D .