How safe are furnaces in a residential garage...

Tim_22

I have a 900 square foot garage I would like to maintain above freezing most of the time and be able to raise to comfortable working temps at will. Originally I was considering a 90+ gas furnace but then I read about the new Modine/Reznor hanging units. Both the furnace and the hanging units have seperated combustion, would either be safer as long as I mount them high up in the garage? My bedroom is right above so I don't want any unexpected explosions! I probably wouldn't be as concerned about it had it not been for a surprise last fall. I had fired up my snowthrower in anticipation of a snowfall and left it sit when it fired okay. When I awoke the next morning I smelled gas and knew what had probably happened...the float stuck open on the thrower. Now safety is paramount to comfort until I can find a sure thing.
Thanks for your opinions,
Tim

Firedragon_4

How about something

like this:
http://www.armstrongair.com/compak.shtml

It's also available in oil and as heat only too!

Glen

code requirements first

check with your local gas inspector - he/she can advise you on correct type of equipment and location in the garage. I would recommend something with closed combustion and combustion air supplied directly from out doors.

Jack_21

I heat my garage

with a Rinnai 1004. Gas fired, Direct Vent, Sealed combustion, fully modulating from 10,500-38,000btu. I can get up on avery cold Sat morning, go down to the garage, turn on the Rinnai, have a cup of coffee and be working in my shirt sleeves. Code requires that heating equip in a garage be installed 18" off the floor

Robert O'Connor_6

Didn't

NFPA change that requirement for oil in a residential garage?

Regards

Robert

Firedragon_4

Nope, it's a building

code issue, IAPMO, BOCA, etc...........
NFPA 'Standards' can never over-ride a 'Code', at least that's been my experience.

Robert O'Connor_6

Weren't

Residential garages covered in NFPA 88 a or b at one point ? Wasn't this one of the sources of the 18" rule and 7' in a commercial garage.

Personally I'm not crazy about open flames near the floor of a garage. Finally they banned woodstoves too in garages.

Regards

Robert

ME

J.C.A._3

Tim,

I did a Teledyne/Laars Endurance in a combination garage/workshop last year. Hot water heat, sealed combustion and the burner is around 28" off the ground. There is also an abundance of hot water at the ready if you need it.

The original plan was a Phase 3 unit but the burner is at ground level and it wouldn't fly. Just a suggestion. Chris

Jim M

Building pressure

I would not heat a garage and living area from the same furnace. Any supply air to the garage would be "lost" air that would have to be made up from some where else(would never take return air from a garage). depending of the quantity of air to the garage this would at very least cause extra infiltration (higher energy, air quality issues). and in the worst case could cause other gas appliances to backdraft. In any case not a good idea.

Good Luck, Jim