Wood stove or electric heaters for garage (how much, to buy)

[oldafretired]

With the low electricity rates in the North Idaho area, I was thinking of installing electric heaters in my planned attached garage. My builder thinks that an inexpensive (used) wood stove might be a better way to go since I have so many trees on my lot and a lifetime supply of firewood.

The garage will be 1200 sq. ft. and well insulated. What say the local experts?

[elousv]

I think it depends on what you want to use it for. If it is an everyday type then I would go with the electric mainly for convenience. The other thing is floor space. If you hang the heaters and aim them down you don't use any floor space. I went wood since I had a 'free' stove I took out of my kitchen and also a good amount of trees so 'free' fuel. Besides, I love playing with chainsaws! It takes a good hour to get it going in the morning.

[oldafretired]

Those are good points about the space needed for a stove and the time to get it going. If I want to keep the garage warm for extended periods which way would make more sense? Seems like electric would work better if I just want the garage warm when I'm working in there.

[elousv]

I can just tell you how I use it. I plan ahead and if I know I will be in there most of the day I will get that fire really going. Once hot it is very easy to keep it going. I have a fan behind it to circulate the air a bit. If I were to put in electric I would want at least two of those big 220V heaters, one in each corner of the front aiming back. Maybe 20000 BTU each so you would need to plan some dedicated power of at least 60 amps just for that. You would have to calculate how much each fuel would cost you if that is important. Electric would be set it and forget it. Wood takes work on your part. Wood heats you several times; when you cut it, when you split it, when you stack it and when you burn it haha.

[javatom]

Usually, a garage is heated with gas. It is the only thing that can heat that many cubic feet quickly. If you plan on using the garage for a hobby that could generate significant airborne dust, the electric may work better because there is no flame involved to spark a dust explosion.

[Mrs_Plissken]

Originally Posted by oldafretired

With the low electricity rates in the North Idaho area, I was thinking of installing electric heaters in my planned attached garage. My builder thinks that an inexpensive (used) wood stove might be a better way to go since I have so many trees on my lot and a lifetime supply of firewood.

The garage will be 1200 sq. ft. and well insulated. What say the local experts?

Hi OldAf-
Other posters have recommended the Jotul stoves. Jotul has some small ones that have a small footprint.
Perhaps you would have room for both? Quick electric then lasting off the grid wood for the rest of the day?
Best regards, Mrs P

[oldafretired]

Originally Posted by elousv

I can just tell you how I use it. I plan ahead and if I know I will be in there most of the day I will get that fire really going. Once hot it is very easy to keep it going. I have a fan behind it to circulate the air a bit. If I were to put in electric I would want at least two of those big 220V heaters, one in each corner of the front aiming back. Maybe 20000 BTU each so you would need to plan some dedicated power of at least 60 amps just for that. You would have to calculate how much each fuel would cost you if that is important. Electric would be set it and forget it. Wood takes work on your part. Wood heats you several times; when you cut it, when you split it, when you stack it and when you burn it haha.

Hey, I guess I won't have to go jogging if I use firewood.

[oldafretired]

Originally Posted by javatom

Usually, a garage is heated with gas. It is the only thing that can heat that many cubic feet quickly. If you plan on using the garage for a hobby that could generate significant airborne dust, the electric may work better because there is no flame involved to spark a dust explosion.

There is no natural gas to the property, only electricity. I hear propane is pretty expensive so that's out. Thanks for the tip about dust and explosions. Good to keep that in mind.

[oldafretired]

Originally Posted by Mrs_Plissken

Hi OldAf-
Other posters have recommended the Jotul stoves. Jotul has some small ones that have a small footprint.
Perhaps you would have room for both? Quick electric then lasting off the grid wood for the rest of the day?
Best regards, Mrs P

Yeah, those are supposed to be very nice stoves. I think I'm too cheap to buy one of those for the garage though.

You're right, getting a small cheap used stove and having an electric unit is probably the way to go.

[Sam_Whiskey]

Woodstove as long as there are no combustible fumes that could be set off by an open flame. This would include gasoline, dust, gunpowder (that reloaders would have), etc. Be sure the stove is installed with the manufacturer's clearances to combustibles such as wood adhered to. Enjoy the warmth!