I'm looking for a natural gas, sealed combustion, forced air garage heater
for my 20' X 20' insulated garage workshop (which also has to house our two
cars). From my research so far I can only find a Reznor unit that meets the
above specifications. From what I can tell the Modine Hot Dawg units do not
have sealed combustion chambers. I have already decided that I want a
sealed unit and also that I don't want radiant heat. One contractor that
has come to my house gave me an estimate of around $2000 to install even the
30,000 Btu Reznor sealed unit (which apparently is about the right size for
my installation). I wasn't under the impression that Reznor would sell
direct to customers, but I would certainly consider self-installation, as my
brother-in-law is an electrical contractor and has a "gas guy" that would do
the natural gas work for only the cost of materials. I'm a little
concerned, though, about making sure the whole installation is to code and
safe. My questions are...
* Are there any other brands other than Reznor that provide the type of unit
I'm looking for?
* Is there a place where I could buy one of these heaters direct?
* Would the installation and especially the venting be a difficult thing to
get right?
Thanks,
DW
it is not rocket science but does have to be done right. I would check
with the local inspector (assuming you are going to get it inspected)
and see if he has specifice requirement. they may actually have a spec
sheet that will give you THEIR clearence requirement and slops and all that.
As for the heater, I can't help you their, I just have a none vented
propane unit.
BRuce
Denver Woody wrote:
> I'm looking for a natural gas, sealed combustion, forced air garage heater
> for my 20' X 20' insulated garage workshop (which also has to house our two
> cars). From my research so far I can only find a Reznor unit that meets the
> above specifications. From what I can tell the Modine Hot Dawg units do not
> have sealed combustion chambers. I have already decided that I want a
> sealed unit and also that I don't want radiant heat. One contractor that
> has come to my house gave me an estimate of around $2000 to install even the
> 30,000 Btu Reznor sealed unit (which apparently is about the right size for
> my installation). I wasn't under the impression that Reznor would sell
> direct to customers, but I would certainly consider self-installation, as my
> brother-in-law is an electrical contractor and has a "gas guy" that would do
> the natural gas work for only the cost of materials. I'm a little
> concerned, though, about making sure the whole installation is to code and
> safe. My questions are...
>
> * Are there any other brands other than Reznor that provide the type of unit
> I'm looking for?
> * Is there a place where I could buy one of these heaters direct?
> * Would the installation and especially the venting be a difficult thing to
> get right?
>
> Thanks,
> DW
>
>
I stain what I term as small items, up to half a sheet of plywood, in my
shop with a non vented propane heater. there is not enough solvent in
the air for an ignition. In order to do larger pieces, or poly, I move
to the garage (unheated). the major problem being space and the air
would not be breathable in the shop for days after. My shop is fairly
tight to help with the heat and AC so i try and poly outside of it.
If you are going to vent the shop properly, to finish in there, then you
will exhaust all the solvent (along with the heat) so it wouldn't matter.
BRuce
Denver Woody wrote:
> So that opens up the possibility of running one of those Hot Dawg units as
> well (if a sealed unit is not all that necessary). I don't know if they're
> any lower cost than the Reznor units. I get the impression in my research
> that Reznor commands a premium price. Did you ever stain or polyurethane in
> your garage or have the concern of igniting those vapors?
>
> Thanks,
> DW
>
> "Rob Stokes" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>
>>I looked at the same thing for my 20x20 shop and ended up with the Reznor
>
> FT
>
>>25. Nope, it's not a sealed unit but I did get the stainless steel heat
>>exchanger as I figured the unit may undergo condensing at night when I
>>turned the heat down. Initially I wanted a sealed unit but was talked out
>
> of
>
>>it by the rep and by several engineers. The theory being that the volume
>
> of
>
>>dust in the air to even begin thinking about an explosion would mean that
>>the place would not be habitable to begin with. Keep in mind that the rep
>>actually "down sold" me and lost a larger sale because of this.
>>
>>I hung the unit myself with a little help from a "gas guy". The elec was a
>>simple 110VAC feed and a pair of thermostat wires. The worst part was
>
> lining
>
>>up the vent with the back of the unit when I cut the hole in the wall. I
>
> ran
>
>>the unit for the time I was in the shop (have since sold it) and I know
>
> it's
>
>>still running now and being used every day.
>>
>>$2000 is too much money. you should be able to do it for 1/3 to 1/2 that.
>>
>>Good luck
>>Rob
>>
>>http://www.robswoodworking.com
>>
>>
>>
>>"Robert Bonomi" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>>news:[email protected]...
>>
>>>In article <[email protected]>,
>>>Denver Woody <[email protected]> wrote:
>>>
>>>>"Joe Froedy" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>>>>news:[email protected]...
>>>>
>>>>>On Wed, 24 Sep 2003 08:05:24 -0600, "Denver Woody"
>>>>><[email protected]> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>>I'm looking for a natural gas, sealed combustion, forced air garage
>>>>
>>>>heater
>>>>
>>>>>>for my 20' X 20' insulated garage workshop (which also has to house
>>
>>our
>>
>>>>two
>>>>
>>>>>>cars). From my research so far I can only find a Reznor unit that
>>
>>meets
>>
>>>>the
>>>>
>>>>>>above specifications. From what I can tell the Modine Hot Dawg
>
> units
>
>>do
>>
>>>>not
>>>>
>>>>>>have sealed combustion chambers. I have already decided that I want
>
> a
>
>>>>>>sealed unit and also that I don't want radiant heat. One contractor
>>
>>that
>>
>>>>>>has come to my house gave me an estimate of around $2000 to install
>>
>>even
>>
>>>>the
>>>>
>>>>>>30,000 Btu Reznor sealed unit (which apparently is about the right
>>
>>size
>>
>>>>for
>>>>
>>>>>>my installation). I wasn't under the impression that Reznor would
>>
>>sell
>>
>>>>>>direct to customers, but I would certainly consider
>
> self-installation,
>
>>as
>>
>>>>my
>>>>
>>>>>>brother-in-law is an electrical contractor and has a "gas guy" that
>>
>>would
>>
>>>>do
>>>>
>>>>>>the natural gas work for only the cost of materials. I'm a little
>>>>>>concerned, though, about making sure the whole installation is to
>
> code
>
>>>>and
>>>>
>>>>>>safe. My questions are...
>>>>>>
>>>>>>* Are there any other brands other than Reznor that provide the type
>>
>>of
>>
>>>>unit
>>>>
>>>>>>I'm looking for?
>>>>>>* Is there a place where I could buy one of these heaters direct?
>>>>>>* Would the installation and especially the venting be a difficult
>>
>>thing
>>
>>>>to
>>>>
>>>>>>get right?
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Thanks,
>>>>>>DW
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>You might check www.grainger.com to see if they have a unit similar
>
> to
>
>>>>>what you are looking for.
>>>>
>>>>It looks like their "unit heaters" are from a company called Dayton,
>>
>>which I
>>
>>>>had not heard of. From what is displayed in the Grainger catalog
>>
>>(limited
>>
>>>>information), it does not seem to me that these heaters are sealed unit
>>>>heaters. I tried to Google for "Dayton heaters" and several
>
> variations,
>
>>but
>>
>>>>I could find no company homepage to give me more information.
>>>
>>>Dayton Corp. *LONG*TIME* manufacturer of fans, blowers, etc.
>>>
>>>They seem to be a division of 'somebody else' these days. No luck
>
> finding
>
>>>a corp site for 'em, either.
>>>
>>
>>
>
>
--
---
BRuce
I would hazard a guess that most of the regular posters here do not have
a sealed unit. The concentration of either dust or solvent has to be
fairly high before there will be a problem. I am guessing that you
would not be able to be in the shop at those levels.
I expect that there will be a huge posting by someone with a story about
a friend of a cousin that made 3 cuts on his table saw and the heater
cut on and the whole place burned down but I really doubt those stories.
Falls into the same category as grounding your PVC dust collection
pipe (don't start that here! email me directly).
I use an unvented heater and there are many postings ranting about not
doing that because of all the water vapor generated and your tools will
rust in hours. Well I do get some rust on my tools, year round, I'm in
the south and the humidity is always high, that's just life.
I've been reading this and other news groups for a long time (back when
we go them via UUCP!) and the best advice I can give you is to look at
the postings, throw out the ones that say "you HAVE to do it this way",
the ones that say "you CAN't do it that way" and look for the folks in
between.
BRuce
Denver Woody wrote:
> "Brian Rosenthal" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>
>>I have a Reznor; it uses a co-axial flue to get cold combustion air in
>>and exhaust out. Mine is vented out the side of my garage instead of
>>going up. Since moisture is a by-product of combustion and the
>>exhaust tube is surrounded by a cold air coming in, the water tends to
>>condense on inside of the exhaust flue and run downhill. Initially
>>that meant back into my house and into a storage shelf!
>>
>>The heating company made good and fixed it, now the chimney tubes are
>>all sealed with high temperature caulk and the inner tube is tilted
>>slightly so the water runs out of the house. I often have a 4 to 6
>>foot ice stalagtite under my heater's exhaust. If you have one of
>>these units installed, make sure you know where the water will go.
>>
>>-Brian Rosenthal
>
>
> I didn't realize how much more the sealed units would be over the non-sealed
> types. Do you think that the airborne wood dust, or stain or polyurethane
> present a flammable hazard? I'm starting to wonder myself...
>
> Thanks,
> DW
>
>
--
---
BRuce
I've had a 45,000 BTU propane Hot Dawg in my shop for almost two years with
no problem. As someone else suggested, the air quality would have to be
uninhabitable before the heater exhaust becomes a concern. The cost of my
heater with installation and shipping was about $550. I installed the heater
and the propane company installed their tank, lines and fittings. I bought
my heater from
http://www6.mailordercentral.com/igcusastore/departments.asp?dept=1009. All
the info you need is available at the site. I ordered on a Thursday and it
arrived the following Tuesday. I bought the thermostat, type B vent pipe and
cap locally. I vented out a side wall rather than going up.
If you have further questions, email me. I can send you photos if you would
like.
Frank
"Denver Woody" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> So that opens up the possibility of running one of those Hot Dawg units as
> well (if a sealed unit is not all that necessary). I don't know if
they're
> any lower cost than the Reznor units. I get the impression in my research
> that Reznor commands a premium price. Did you ever stain or polyurethane
in
> your garage or have the concern of igniting those vapors?
>
> Thanks,
> DW
>
"Denver Woody" <[email protected]> wrote in message news:<[email protected]>...
> * Would the installation and especially the venting be a difficult thing to
> get right?
I have a Reznor; it uses a co-axial flue to get cold combustion air in
and exhaust out. Mine is vented out the side of my garage instead of
going up. Since moisture is a by-product of combustion and the
exhaust tube is surrounded by a cold air coming in, the water tends to
condense on inside of the exhaust flue and run downhill. Initially
that meant back into my house and into a storage shelf!
The heating company made good and fixed it, now the chimney tubes are
all sealed with high temperature caulk and the inner tube is tilted
slightly so the water runs out of the house. I often have a 4 to 6
foot ice stalagtite under my heater's exhaust. If you have one of
these units installed, make sure you know where the water will go.
-Brian Rosenthal
"Denver Woody" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> I didn't realize how much more the sealed units would be over the non-sealed
> types. Do you think that the airborne wood dust, or stain or polyurethane
> present a flammable hazard? I'm starting to wonder myself...
I'm not sure. Most of what I use is water-based; it just fell into
the "it seems like a good idea" type choices.
-Brian Rosenthal
direct vent propane will work.
--
Rumpty
Radial Arm Saw Forum: http://forums.delphiforums.com/woodbutcher/start
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
"Denver Woody" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I'm looking for a natural gas, sealed combustion, forced air garage heater
> for my 20' X 20' insulated garage workshop (which also has to house our
two
> cars). From my research so far I can only find a Reznor unit that meets
the
> above specifications. From what I can tell the Modine Hot Dawg units do
not
> have sealed combustion chambers. I have already decided that I want a
> sealed unit and also that I don't want radiant heat. One contractor that
> has come to my house gave me an estimate of around $2000 to install even
the
> 30,000 Btu Reznor sealed unit (which apparently is about the right size
for
> my installation). I wasn't under the impression that Reznor would sell
> direct to customers, but I would certainly consider self-installation, as
my
> brother-in-law is an electrical contractor and has a "gas guy" that would
do
> the natural gas work for only the cost of materials. I'm a little
> concerned, though, about making sure the whole installation is to code and
> safe. My questions are...
>
> * Are there any other brands other than Reznor that provide the type of
unit
> I'm looking for?
> * Is there a place where I could buy one of these heaters direct?
> * Would the installation and especially the venting be a difficult thing
to
> get right?
>
> Thanks,
> DW
>
>
I've got a natural gas line quite near where the heater will be located, so
it seemed like the natural choice to me.
Thanks,
DW
"Rumpty" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> direct vent propane will work.
>
> --
>
> Rumpty
>
> Radial Arm Saw Forum: http://forums.delphiforums.com/woodbutcher/start
>
> - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
>
>
> "Denver Woody" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > I'm looking for a natural gas, sealed combustion, forced air garage
heater
> > for my 20' X 20' insulated garage workshop (which also has to house our
> two
> > cars). From my research so far I can only find a Reznor unit that meets
> the
> > above specifications. From what I can tell the Modine Hot Dawg units do
> not
> > have sealed combustion chambers. I have already decided that I want a
> > sealed unit and also that I don't want radiant heat. One contractor
that
> > has come to my house gave me an estimate of around $2000 to install even
> the
> > 30,000 Btu Reznor sealed unit (which apparently is about the right size
> for
> > my installation). I wasn't under the impression that Reznor would sell
> > direct to customers, but I would certainly consider self-installation,
as
> my
> > brother-in-law is an electrical contractor and has a "gas guy" that
would
> do
> > the natural gas work for only the cost of materials. I'm a little
> > concerned, though, about making sure the whole installation is to code
and
> > safe. My questions are...
> >
> > * Are there any other brands other than Reznor that provide the type of
> unit
> > I'm looking for?
> > * Is there a place where I could buy one of these heaters direct?
> > * Would the installation and especially the venting be a difficult thing
> to
> > get right?
> >
> > Thanks,
> > DW
> >
> >
>
>
"Joe Froedy" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On Wed, 24 Sep 2003 08:05:24 -0600, "Denver Woody"
> <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> >I'm looking for a natural gas, sealed combustion, forced air garage
heater
> >for my 20' X 20' insulated garage workshop (which also has to house our
two
> >cars). From my research so far I can only find a Reznor unit that meets
the
> >above specifications. From what I can tell the Modine Hot Dawg units do
not
> >have sealed combustion chambers. I have already decided that I want a
> >sealed unit and also that I don't want radiant heat. One contractor that
> >has come to my house gave me an estimate of around $2000 to install even
the
> >30,000 Btu Reznor sealed unit (which apparently is about the right size
for
> >my installation). I wasn't under the impression that Reznor would sell
> >direct to customers, but I would certainly consider self-installation, as
my
> >brother-in-law is an electrical contractor and has a "gas guy" that would
do
> >the natural gas work for only the cost of materials. I'm a little
> >concerned, though, about making sure the whole installation is to code
and
> >safe. My questions are...
> >
> >* Are there any other brands other than Reznor that provide the type of
unit
> >I'm looking for?
> >* Is there a place where I could buy one of these heaters direct?
> >* Would the installation and especially the venting be a difficult thing
to
> >get right?
> >
> >Thanks,
> >DW
> >
>
>
> You might check www.grainger.com to see if they have a unit similar to
> what you are looking for.
It looks like their "unit heaters" are from a company called Dayton, which I
had not heard of. From what is displayed in the Grainger catalog (limited
information), it does not seem to me that these heaters are sealed unit
heaters. I tried to Google for "Dayton heaters" and several variations, but
I could find no company homepage to give me more information.
Thanks,
DW
In article <[email protected]>,
Denver Woody <[email protected]> wrote:
>"Joe Froedy" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>news:[email protected]...
>> On Wed, 24 Sep 2003 08:05:24 -0600, "Denver Woody"
>> <[email protected]> wrote:
>>
>> >I'm looking for a natural gas, sealed combustion, forced air garage
>heater
>> >for my 20' X 20' insulated garage workshop (which also has to house our
>two
>> >cars). From my research so far I can only find a Reznor unit that meets
>the
>> >above specifications. From what I can tell the Modine Hot Dawg units do
>not
>> >have sealed combustion chambers. I have already decided that I want a
>> >sealed unit and also that I don't want radiant heat. One contractor that
>> >has come to my house gave me an estimate of around $2000 to install even
>the
>> >30,000 Btu Reznor sealed unit (which apparently is about the right size
>for
>> >my installation). I wasn't under the impression that Reznor would sell
>> >direct to customers, but I would certainly consider self-installation, as
>my
>> >brother-in-law is an electrical contractor and has a "gas guy" that would
>do
>> >the natural gas work for only the cost of materials. I'm a little
>> >concerned, though, about making sure the whole installation is to code
>and
>> >safe. My questions are...
>> >
>> >* Are there any other brands other than Reznor that provide the type of
>unit
>> >I'm looking for?
>> >* Is there a place where I could buy one of these heaters direct?
>> >* Would the installation and especially the venting be a difficult thing
>to
>> >get right?
>> >
>> >Thanks,
>> >DW
>> >
>>
>>
>> You might check www.grainger.com to see if they have a unit similar to
>> what you are looking for.
>
>It looks like their "unit heaters" are from a company called Dayton, which I
>had not heard of. From what is displayed in the Grainger catalog (limited
>information), it does not seem to me that these heaters are sealed unit
>heaters. I tried to Google for "Dayton heaters" and several variations, but
>I could find no company homepage to give me more information.
Dayton Corp. *LONG*TIME* manufacturer of fans, blowers, etc.
They seem to be a division of 'somebody else' these days. No luck finding
a corp site for 'em, either.
So that opens up the possibility of running one of those Hot Dawg units as
well (if a sealed unit is not all that necessary). I don't know if they're
any lower cost than the Reznor units. I get the impression in my research
that Reznor commands a premium price. Did you ever stain or polyurethane in
your garage or have the concern of igniting those vapors?
Thanks,
DW
"Rob Stokes" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I looked at the same thing for my 20x20 shop and ended up with the Reznor
FT
> 25. Nope, it's not a sealed unit but I did get the stainless steel heat
> exchanger as I figured the unit may undergo condensing at night when I
> turned the heat down. Initially I wanted a sealed unit but was talked out
of
> it by the rep and by several engineers. The theory being that the volume
of
> dust in the air to even begin thinking about an explosion would mean that
> the place would not be habitable to begin with. Keep in mind that the rep
> actually "down sold" me and lost a larger sale because of this.
>
> I hung the unit myself with a little help from a "gas guy". The elec was a
> simple 110VAC feed and a pair of thermostat wires. The worst part was
lining
> up the vent with the back of the unit when I cut the hole in the wall. I
ran
> the unit for the time I was in the shop (have since sold it) and I know
it's
> still running now and being used every day.
>
> $2000 is too much money. you should be able to do it for 1/3 to 1/2 that.
>
> Good luck
> Rob
>
> http://www.robswoodworking.com
>
>
>
> "Robert Bonomi" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > In article <[email protected]>,
> > Denver Woody <[email protected]> wrote:
> > >"Joe Froedy" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> > >news:[email protected]...
> > >> On Wed, 24 Sep 2003 08:05:24 -0600, "Denver Woody"
> > >> <[email protected]> wrote:
> > >>
> > >> >I'm looking for a natural gas, sealed combustion, forced air garage
> > >heater
> > >> >for my 20' X 20' insulated garage workshop (which also has to house
> our
> > >two
> > >> >cars). From my research so far I can only find a Reznor unit that
> meets
> > >the
> > >> >above specifications. From what I can tell the Modine Hot Dawg
units
> do
> > >not
> > >> >have sealed combustion chambers. I have already decided that I want
a
> > >> >sealed unit and also that I don't want radiant heat. One contractor
> that
> > >> >has come to my house gave me an estimate of around $2000 to install
> even
> > >the
> > >> >30,000 Btu Reznor sealed unit (which apparently is about the right
> size
> > >for
> > >> >my installation). I wasn't under the impression that Reznor would
> sell
> > >> >direct to customers, but I would certainly consider
self-installation,
> as
> > >my
> > >> >brother-in-law is an electrical contractor and has a "gas guy" that
> would
> > >do
> > >> >the natural gas work for only the cost of materials. I'm a little
> > >> >concerned, though, about making sure the whole installation is to
code
> > >and
> > >> >safe. My questions are...
> > >> >
> > >> >* Are there any other brands other than Reznor that provide the type
> of
> > >unit
> > >> >I'm looking for?
> > >> >* Is there a place where I could buy one of these heaters direct?
> > >> >* Would the installation and especially the venting be a difficult
> thing
> > >to
> > >> >get right?
> > >> >
> > >> >Thanks,
> > >> >DW
> > >> >
> > >>
> > >>
> > >> You might check www.grainger.com to see if they have a unit similar
to
> > >> what you are looking for.
> > >
> > >It looks like their "unit heaters" are from a company called Dayton,
> which I
> > >had not heard of. From what is displayed in the Grainger catalog
> (limited
> > >information), it does not seem to me that these heaters are sealed unit
> > >heaters. I tried to Google for "Dayton heaters" and several
variations,
> but
> > >I could find no company homepage to give me more information.
> >
> > Dayton Corp. *LONG*TIME* manufacturer of fans, blowers, etc.
> >
> > They seem to be a division of 'somebody else' these days. No luck
finding
> > a corp site for 'em, either.
> >
>
>
"Brian Rosenthal" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I have a Reznor; it uses a co-axial flue to get cold combustion air in
> and exhaust out. Mine is vented out the side of my garage instead of
> going up. Since moisture is a by-product of combustion and the
> exhaust tube is surrounded by a cold air coming in, the water tends to
> condense on inside of the exhaust flue and run downhill. Initially
> that meant back into my house and into a storage shelf!
>
> The heating company made good and fixed it, now the chimney tubes are
> all sealed with high temperature caulk and the inner tube is tilted
> slightly so the water runs out of the house. I often have a 4 to 6
> foot ice stalagtite under my heater's exhaust. If you have one of
> these units installed, make sure you know where the water will go.
>
> -Brian Rosenthal
I didn't realize how much more the sealed units would be over the non-sealed
types. Do you think that the airborne wood dust, or stain or polyurethane
present a flammable hazard? I'm starting to wonder myself...
Thanks,
DW
What is the difference between a "direct vent" heater and a "sealed" heater?
Is there one?
Thanks,
DW
"Rumpty" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Then go with a direct vent natural gas unit, the same companies make both
> models. I use a direct vent in the wood shop and another in the spray
> room.
"Woodstock" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I bought Reznor 45,000 BTU sealed unit for my shop, having also looked
> at the Hot Dawg. The heater itself was around $1k from the distributor
> and installation and chimney and other parts added close to another
> $1k. Like you say, the Reznor model in question has sealed combustion
> and takes its combustion air from outside via a pipe, not the shop.
> The Hot Dawg is not sealed and takes its combustion air from the
> surrounding space. Both of them pipe their exhaust products to the
> outside.
>
> Even though the Hot Dawg is much cheaper and seems to have lots of
> sastified users, I still went with the sealed Reznor, based on advice
> from the local distributor (who sells both types) and reading the
> product literature closely.
>
> First, the sealed Reznor unit is specifically designed and warranteed
> to operate trouble-free in dusty woodworking shop conditions. The Hot
> Dawg is marketed and warranteed as a garage heater. Obviously, both
> these heaters work by blowing large amounts of (more or less dusty)
> room air across a heat exchanger then back out into the shop. Given
> how complex the burners and sensors and electronics located in the
> same cabinet look to be, it seems reasonable that a sealed combustion
> system should hold up better over the long haul. Second, the Hot Dawg
> has certain ventilation requirements for use in some confined, tightly
> built spaces that do not apply to the Reznor which takes its
> combustion air from outside.
>
> ...If you haven't already, download the full installation and owners
> manual for both units (not just the consumer brochures or spec
> sheets). IIRC, both address these points in detail, includuing the
> presence of dust and wood dust as operational and/or warranty issues
> or non-issues.
>
> Whatever you go with, I think you will be very pleased with how well
> these heaters work. Being able to walk in and crank the thermostat to
> any temperature you want and have a toasty shop makes a huge
> difference.
Thanks for the detailed response. I think the key to satisfaction with the
Hot Dawg may be to keep my garage dust-free, which is difficult when I've
already got a ton of mobile-base-equipped tools and two compact cars in
there. Fitting something for dust collection will require some ingenuity.
Thanks,
DW
I looked at the same thing for my 20x20 shop and ended up with the Reznor FT
25. Nope, it's not a sealed unit but I did get the stainless steel heat
exchanger as I figured the unit may undergo condensing at night when I
turned the heat down. Initially I wanted a sealed unit but was talked out of
it by the rep and by several engineers. The theory being that the volume of
dust in the air to even begin thinking about an explosion would mean that
the place would not be habitable to begin with. Keep in mind that the rep
actually "down sold" me and lost a larger sale because of this.
I hung the unit myself with a little help from a "gas guy". The elec was a
simple 110VAC feed and a pair of thermostat wires. The worst part was lining
up the vent with the back of the unit when I cut the hole in the wall. I ran
the unit for the time I was in the shop (have since sold it) and I know it's
still running now and being used every day.
$2000 is too much money. you should be able to do it for 1/3 to 1/2 that.
Good luck
Rob
http://www.robswoodworking.com
"Robert Bonomi" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> In article <[email protected]>,
> Denver Woody <[email protected]> wrote:
> >"Joe Froedy" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> >news:[email protected]...
> >> On Wed, 24 Sep 2003 08:05:24 -0600, "Denver Woody"
> >> <[email protected]> wrote:
> >>
> >> >I'm looking for a natural gas, sealed combustion, forced air garage
> >heater
> >> >for my 20' X 20' insulated garage workshop (which also has to house
our
> >two
> >> >cars). From my research so far I can only find a Reznor unit that
meets
> >the
> >> >above specifications. From what I can tell the Modine Hot Dawg units
do
> >not
> >> >have sealed combustion chambers. I have already decided that I want a
> >> >sealed unit and also that I don't want radiant heat. One contractor
that
> >> >has come to my house gave me an estimate of around $2000 to install
even
> >the
> >> >30,000 Btu Reznor sealed unit (which apparently is about the right
size
> >for
> >> >my installation). I wasn't under the impression that Reznor would
sell
> >> >direct to customers, but I would certainly consider self-installation,
as
> >my
> >> >brother-in-law is an electrical contractor and has a "gas guy" that
would
> >do
> >> >the natural gas work for only the cost of materials. I'm a little
> >> >concerned, though, about making sure the whole installation is to code
> >and
> >> >safe. My questions are...
> >> >
> >> >* Are there any other brands other than Reznor that provide the type
of
> >unit
> >> >I'm looking for?
> >> >* Is there a place where I could buy one of these heaters direct?
> >> >* Would the installation and especially the venting be a difficult
thing
> >to
> >> >get right?
> >> >
> >> >Thanks,
> >> >DW
> >> >
> >>
> >>
> >> You might check www.grainger.com to see if they have a unit similar to
> >> what you are looking for.
> >
> >It looks like their "unit heaters" are from a company called Dayton,
which I
> >had not heard of. From what is displayed in the Grainger catalog
(limited
> >information), it does not seem to me that these heaters are sealed unit
> >heaters. I tried to Google for "Dayton heaters" and several variations,
but
> >I could find no company homepage to give me more information.
>
> Dayton Corp. *LONG*TIME* manufacturer of fans, blowers, etc.
>
> They seem to be a division of 'somebody else' these days. No luck finding
> a corp site for 'em, either.
>
>
> I didn't realize how much more the sealed units would be over the non-sealed
> types. Do you think that the airborne wood dust, or stain or polyurethane
> present a flammable hazard? I'm starting to wonder myself...
>
> Thanks,
> DW
I bought Reznor 45,000 BTU sealed unit for my shop, having also looked
at the Hot Dawg. The heater itself was around $1k from the distributor
and installation and chimney and other parts added close to another
$1k. Like you say, the Reznor model in question has sealed combustion
and takes its combustion air from outside via a pipe, not the shop.
The Hot Dawg is not sealed and takes its combustion air from the
surrounding space. Both of them pipe their exhaust products to the
outside.
Even though the Hot Dawg is much cheaper and seems to have lots of
sastified users, I still went with the sealed Reznor, based on advice
from the local distributor (who sells both types) and reading the
product literature closely.
First, the sealed Reznor unit is specifically designed and warranteed
to operate trouble-free in dusty woodworking shop conditions. The Hot
Dawg is marketed and warranteed as a garage heater. Obviously, both
these heaters work by blowing large amounts of (more or less dusty)
room air across a heat exchanger then back out into the shop. Given
how complex the burners and sensors and electronics located in the
same cabinet look to be, it seems reasonable that a sealed combustion
system should hold up better over the long haul. Second, the Hot Dawg
has certain ventilation requirements for use in some confined, tightly
built spaces that do not apply to the Reznor which takes its
combustion air from outside.
...If you haven't already, download the full installation and owners
manual for both units (not just the consumer brochures or spec
sheets). IIRC, both address these points in detail, includuing the
presence of dust and wood dust as operational and/or warranty issues
or non-issues.
Whatever you go with, I think you will be very pleased with how well
these heaters work. Being able to walk in and crank the thermostat to
any temperature you want and have a toasty shop makes a huge
difference.
Then go with a direct vent natural gas unit, the same companies make both
models. I use a direct vent in the wood shop and another in the spray
room.
--
Rumpty
Radial Arm Saw Forum: http://forums.delphiforums.com/woodbutcher/start
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
"Denver Woody" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I've got a natural gas line quite near where the heater will be located,
so
> it seemed like the natural choice to me.
>
> Thanks,
> DW
>
> "Rumpty" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > direct vent propane will work.
> >
> > --
> >
> > Rumpty
> >
> > Radial Arm Saw Forum: http://forums.delphiforums.com/woodbutcher/start
> >
> > - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
> >
> >
> > "Denver Woody" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> > news:[email protected]...
> > > I'm looking for a natural gas, sealed combustion, forced air garage
> heater
> > > for my 20' X 20' insulated garage workshop (which also has to house
our
> > two
> > > cars). From my research so far I can only find a Reznor unit that
meets
> > the
> > > above specifications. From what I can tell the Modine Hot Dawg units
do
> > not
> > > have sealed combustion chambers. I have already decided that I want a
> > > sealed unit and also that I don't want radiant heat. One contractor
> that
> > > has come to my house gave me an estimate of around $2000 to install
even
> > the
> > > 30,000 Btu Reznor sealed unit (which apparently is about the right
size
> > for
> > > my installation). I wasn't under the impression that Reznor would
sell
> > > direct to customers, but I would certainly consider self-installation,
> as
> > my
> > > brother-in-law is an electrical contractor and has a "gas guy" that
> would
> > do
> > > the natural gas work for only the cost of materials. I'm a little
> > > concerned, though, about making sure the whole installation is to code
> and
> > > safe. My questions are...
> > >
> > > * Are there any other brands other than Reznor that provide the type
of
> > unit
> > > I'm looking for?
> > > * Is there a place where I could buy one of these heaters direct?
> > > * Would the installation and especially the venting be a difficult
thing
> > to
> > > get right?
> > >
> > > Thanks,
> > > DW
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
On Wed, 24 Sep 2003 08:05:24 -0600, "Denver Woody"
<[email protected]> wrote:
>I'm looking for a natural gas, sealed combustion, forced air garage heater
>for my 20' X 20' insulated garage workshop (which also has to house our two
>cars). From my research so far I can only find a Reznor unit that meets the
>above specifications. From what I can tell the Modine Hot Dawg units do not
>have sealed combustion chambers. I have already decided that I want a
>sealed unit and also that I don't want radiant heat. One contractor that
>has come to my house gave me an estimate of around $2000 to install even the
>30,000 Btu Reznor sealed unit (which apparently is about the right size for
>my installation). I wasn't under the impression that Reznor would sell
>direct to customers, but I would certainly consider self-installation, as my
>brother-in-law is an electrical contractor and has a "gas guy" that would do
>the natural gas work for only the cost of materials. I'm a little
>concerned, though, about making sure the whole installation is to code and
>safe. My questions are...
>
>* Are there any other brands other than Reznor that provide the type of unit
>I'm looking for?
>* Is there a place where I could buy one of these heaters direct?
>* Would the installation and especially the venting be a difficult thing to
>get right?
>
>Thanks,
>DW
>
You might check www.grainger.com to see if they have a unit similar to
what you are looking for.
"Denver Woody" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> It looks like their "unit heaters" are from a company called Dayton, which
I
> had not heard of. >
> Thanks,
> DW
>
Dayton is the house brand for Grainger. Sort of the Kenmore of Sears.