I'm planning to set up a gas unit heater in my 2.5 car garage workshop. I've noticed that the usual choices are manufactured by Mr Heater (around $400) and Modine, which has a separated combustion model priced at about $1200. With the Modine, the air intake and exhaust both come from outside, while Mr Heater pulls combustion air from within the garage itself. Given that my workshop tends to get dusty (even with proper dust collection), I'm curious whether spending an additional $800 on the separated combustion option is truly beneficial. I want to know if it really makes a difference in terms of safety and longevity, especially since that $800 could go towards buying more tools!
2 Answers
I feel you on that 'more tools' line! Honestly, spending $800 extra feels hefty. The separated combustion option might provide peace of mind—dust can be sneaky and might affect the heater's performance. If your workshop gets crazy dusty, investing in the separated combustion could be worth it. But if it's mildly dusty, Mr Heater could be a solid choice and better for your wallet. Just remember to consider how much burrito money you want to keep around! Good luck!
I have a similar setup and went with a Modine Hot Dawg without separate combustion. With good dust collection, I don't think you need it unless you're working with really flammable finishes. I’ve invested in a strong dust collection system and a portable filter for tricky tools. Overall, if dust isn't too bad and you have a solid dust collection, you might save a lot by skipping the separated combustion.
That's encouraging! Just curious, why did you pick the Modine over Mr Heater? Oh, and I totally agree—my Oneida Supercell has been a game changer!