Are Torpedo Heaters Safe for A Garage? [Safest Torpedo Heaters for Garage]

The troubling cold that comes with winter is one of the many things that dwarf the excitement of the beauty that comes with the season. In dealing with this cold, you need to provide the necessary heating in every part of your living and business spaces to ensure everything is kept running.

The garage is one such place that may require heating and, perhaps, you’re considering getting a torpedo heater because you’ve used it for camping a couple of times. The question is, are torpedo heaters safe for a garage?

Torpedo heaters are heat-generating machines that help us to heat our homes, garages, or even our business spaces during the cold like the winter.

This machine can generate and dispense heat by using the fan located at its rear to suck in air, and with the aid of its heating element installed in the machine it releases heat thereby warming up your space.

Are Torpedo Heaters Safe for Use in A Garage?

There have been a lot of questions surrounding the use of torpedo heaters within spaces such as the garage, and the answer is Yes. Torpedo heaters are safe for use in the garage.

One of the reasons some assume the torpedo heater is unsafe for use in a garage is the belief that the torpedo heater uses up the oxygen within the garage space.

This can eventually lead to suffocation or sometimes headache if the garage has a lot of human activity. However, this scenario can only come into play if the garage space is not ventilated.

Another notable reason why it is assumed to be unsafe for use in a garage is the fact that it emits fumes (carbon monoxide) which are capable of making you feel unwell if you’re exposed to high levels of the gas for a period of time.

Once again, proper ventilation of your garage will ensure the fumes do not build up in the garage because there is an exit route for such fumes.

So, it is safe to use torpedo heaters in your garage space as long as it is properly ventilated.

What Size of Torpedo Heater do You Need for Your Garage?

Identifying the right size of torpedo heater that will serve your garage effectively and efficiently can be very tasking. You have to be detailed in deciding what size to go for.

You do not want to end up with a torpedo heater that is too small or too large for your needs as this can be very frustrating. A torpedo heater’s warming capacity is usually measured in BTU (British Thermal Units).

Depending on what you need, the torpedo heaters come in various sizes and BTU ranges. The higher the range, the faster it warms up your garage.

To determine the BTU range you need for your space, you need to do the simple calculation of multiplying the cubic feet of your garage by 0.133, and then multiplying the answer by the desired rise in temperature. An example using figures is done below to aid understanding.

(Cubic feet x 0.133) x the desired rise in temperature. (The cubic feet are gotten by multiplying the garage’s length by its height, and by its width).

That is if the garage has the following measurements: height- 14, width – 25, and length- 18, the BTU range you need will be determined by doing the following:

14 x 25 x 18= 6300  cubic feet.

(6,300 x 0.133) x 33

837.9 x 33 = 27650.7 BTU.

What this means is that your garage needs a torpedo heater of around 30,000 BTU because it is always best to go a notch higher.

Can You Use a Kerosene Torpedo Heater in A Garage?

As the name suggests, this type of torpedo heater uses kerosene as its fuel. Can it be used in the garage? Yes, it can be used in the garage though a few safety precautions should be observed.

The kerosene, though flammable, is generally considered to be safe for use. The only major concern is that it burns dirty and may cause a lot of fume in the garage, especially if there’s a problem with the wick or if the kerosene drops on the hot panel due to leaks.

You must be careful so you don’t get exposed to dangerous fumes from this type of heater. You must also look out for other hazards like fire.

Can You Use a Propane Torpedo Heater in A Garage?

Yes, you certainly can. The propane torpedo heater can be used in your garage. This heater uses propane (which is a colorless and odorless gas) as its fuel.

If the garage is well-ventilated and you check regularly to be sure there are no gas leaks, then you have nothing to worry about. A propane heater burns cleaner than kerosene and is also considered quite efficient too.

As long as there is a venting mechanism in place, you won’t have a problem using a propane heater in your garage.

Which Is Better for Your Garage? Kerosene Torpedo Heater Or Propane Torpedo Heater?

Both the kerosene torpedo heater and the propane torpedo heater are good for use in a garage. However, in deciding which is best for your garage, you may want to consider the following factors first.

1. Availability

Propane is easily found around you. You can find it easily in places like grocery stores and convenience stores. This makes getting fuel for your propane heater less worrisome.

Kerosene, on the other hand, can mostly be bought at gas stations from kerosene pumps. So, if you do not have a gas station with a kerosene pump near you, then getting the kerosene torpedo heater won’t be a wise option.

2. Size and Functionality

The size of your garage also plays a role in deciding which of the heaters is best for it. For a small or fairly sized garage, the propane torpedo heater is a good deal as it warms up your garage at a fast pace but not as fast as the kerosene torpedo heater.

The kerosene torpedo heater is better for a large garage. It generates heat faster and can warm up the garage in very little time.

Top 3 Safest Torpedo Heaters for A Garage

1. Mr. Heater MH75KTR Kerosene Heater

This product is considered one of the most durable within its price point. Its thick, durable steel body gives it a protective shield against fire hazards because it is fire-resistant.

Apart from that, the unit has a high-temperature safety shut-off feature, as well as a photo cad flame sensor to automatically shut down the unit if at risk of danger.

Although built for outdoor application, this torpedo heater will serve your garage adequately if well-ventilated. The unit offers a heat output of 75,000 BTU.

This product is very efficient for warming up a garage that is as large as 1,875 sq. ft. Its key features include the fact that it is thermostatically controlled and has Sub-Zero reliability.

Pros

• This product uses kerosene as fuel, and as such can warm up the garage real fast.
• It is built from quality and accessible parts.
• Heats up to 1,875 square feet with 75,000 BTU
• Can last up to 11 hours on a full tank
• It is very efficient and economical

Cons

• Makes a lot of noise.
• Getting kerosene might be quite difficult.

2. Dura Heat 30K-60K BTU Propane Forced Air Heater

This propane heater’s heat output is within the range of 30,000 to 60,000 BTU. Can be used for your garage and outdoor purposes as well. It has a heating area of 1,500 sq. ft.

Its key features include having a simple operation and using a continuous electronic ignition to produce heat. The heater comes with an easy regulator to control the gas supply and flame, cutting off the supply and keeping the heat low when it senses danger.

It is also built with fire-retardant materials to prevent the outbreak of fire while ensuring that it withstands day-to-day pressure.

Pros

• Uses propane which can be easily got from groceries and convenience stores.
• Can work for 7 to 14 hours on a 20lb propane gas cylinder
• It is very easy to operate
• Can heat up space of 1,500 square feet
• It is odorless since it uses propane as fuel

 Cons

• Noisy when in use.

3. Sunnydaze 40,000 BTU Forced Air Propane Heater

This heater has a heat output of 40,000 BTU. It has an average heating coverage area of 225 sq. ft.  One of its key features is that it is lightweight and easy to carry around.

With adjustable heating options and overheating protection with auto shut-off, there’s enhanced safety to keep you and your loved ones safe.

Once the heat goes above 85°, the unit automatically shuts down to prevent overheating and a possible fire outbreak. This is why it is also very suitable for garage use.

Pros

• Easy to carry around.
• Has an automatic shut-off feature that triggers when the flame no longer ignites.
• Can last up to 10 hours on a 20lb propane gas cylinder.
• It is made from a very durable steel
• It does not produce a lot of fumes.

Cons

• Very noisy.

Final Words:

Torpedo heaters are a lifesaver during the cold, and it is safe to use one in your garage. Do not forget you have to ensure the garage is ventilated to avoid a buildup of fumes (carbon monoxide) which can affect your health.

Also, the size of your garage determines the size of the torpedo heater you’ll need.

Also, you should note that the kerosene torpedo heater, compared to the propane option, produces more fumes, but generates heat faster. Regardless, both are safe to use in your garage as long as you follow safety precautions.