I'm building a workshop in a really cold area, and I need to heat it during winter. My plan is to use a propane salamander, but I'm worried about the moisture it might produce potentially warping the wood I'm storing in there. Should I be concerned about the humidity from the propane heater affecting my wood, or is it not really an issue?
4 Answers
Humidity is definitely a concern, but if it gets super cold, it’s less likely to warp your wood. Just keep an eye on any cast iron tools; those might rust if the conditions are right. I’ve used a propane torpedo heater before without any issues with my lumber.
You might want to worry more about carbon monoxide and gas fumes than the moisture. I've had some nasty headaches from using those heaters, even with windows open. A vented unit is a safer bet. If you can, check out Mr. Heater's ceiling-mounted 50k BTU vented heater. Totally worth it! I installed one last winter and should have done it ages ago.
Have you thought about a wood-burning stove? You’ll probably have plenty of scrap wood lying around, and it could be a more economical solution. Plus, you’d be making use of that waste! I hadn't considered burning my scraps until recently, and it sounds feasible.
It really depends on how warm you want the shop. If you're just aiming for a comfortable working temperature around 60°F, it shouldn't cause a big issue. But if you're trying to heat it up to the 70s, you might run into trouble. Winter air is usually pretty dry anyway, so it might not matter as much as you think.