Choosing the right garage tube heater depends on garage size, fuel type, installation limits, and ventilation. This guide compares five relevant tube-style and overhead garage heaters—gas, electric, hydronic, and infrared—so you can match capacity and features to your workspace.
| Product | Type | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| SunStar Garage Tube Heater SIR45-15-L | LP / Propane Tube Heater | 110″ length, up to 84.5% efficiency, 45,000 BTU |
| Mr. Heater Big Maxx MHU80NG | Natural Gas Unit Heater | 80,000 BTU, up to 2,000 sq ft coverage, vertical/horizontal venting |
| American Royal 50,000 BTU Hot Water Hanging Heater | Hydronic (Hot Water) Hanging Unit | 50,000 BTU hydronic hanging unit, remote thermostat included |
| Dr Infrared DR-238 Carbon Infrared Heater | Plug-In Infrared Heater | IP55 rated for indoor/outdoor use, 3 power settings, instant infrared heat |
| CTSC 10000W Electric Garage Heater | Hardwired Electric Fan-Forced | Digital thermostat, remote, voltage display, up to 10,000W |
Content Navigation
- SunStar Heating Products Garage Tube Heater – LP, 45,000 BTU, Model SIR45-15-L
- Mr. Heater F260560 Big Maxx MHU80NG Natural Gas Unit Heater, 80,000 BTU
- 50,000 BTU Hot Water Hanging Heater / 50K BTU Garage Unit Heater
- Dr Infrared Heater DR-238 Carbon Infrared Heater, Standard
- CTSC 10000W Electric Garage Heater, 240v Hardwired Shop Heater
- Buying Guide: How To Choose A Tube Heater For Your Garage
SunStar Heating Products Garage Tube Heater – LP, 45,000 BTU, Model SIR45-15-L
The SunStar SIR45-15-L is a classic tubular propane garage heater designed for overhead mounting in workshops and garages. The manufacturer lists a compact 110-inch overall length for ease of installation and placement, and reports efficiencies up to 84.5%. The unit supports installation as low as 8 feet above the floor, a common clearance for garages.
As a tube-style heater, it distributes heat along the length of the tube, providing a uniform radiant pattern for vehicles and work areas. The model’s size and efficiency specifications make it suitable for medium-sized garages or bay areas where propane is available and venting requirements can be met.
Installation considerations include ceiling clearance, proper propane gas hookup, and ensuring adequate ventilation for combustion products. The SunStar lists dimensions and efficiency metrics to match shop volume and layout when selecting mounting location and number of units.
Mr. Heater F260560 Big Maxx MHU80NG Natural Gas Unit Heater, 80,000 BTU
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The Mr. Heater Big Maxx MHU80NG is a high-capacity natural gas unit heater listed at 80,000 BTU, intended for large garages and workshop spaces up to approximately 2,000 sq. ft. The product includes two angle brackets and an LP conversion kit (thermostat, hose, and regulator are not included).
Manufacturer dimensions are 29.33” L x 15.50” W x 26.37” H. The unit requires a minimum 8 ft. clearance from the floor to the base and supports category 1 vertical and category 3 horizontal venting for flexible installation locations.
As a vented gas heater, the Big Maxx uses combustion to generate large heat output suitable for open or semi-enclosed garage environments. Its electrical requirements are modest (120 V, 2.3 amps) but proper gas supply and venting are the key installation items to address.
50,000 BTU Hot Water Hanging Heater / 50K BTU Garage Unit Heater
The American Royal 50,000 BTU hanging heater is designed for hydronic (hot water) heating systems and is commonly used where boiler or wood boiler heat is already available. The unit is described as a 50K BTU hydronic air handler and includes a remote thermostat and an on/off/on switch.
Hydronic hanging heaters are a particular fit for garages that already have a hot water heating loop or a central boiler. Instead of combustion on-site, these units circulate hot water through a coil to warm the fan-augmented airflow, which reduces on-site combustion concerns and simplifies indoor air quality considerations.
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Key installation points include integration with the existing hot water system, routing of supply and return lines, mounting height, and electrical hook-up for the fan and controls. The included remote thermostat supports zone control for garage-specific temperature management.
Dr Infrared Heater DR-238 Carbon Infrared Heater, Standard
The Dr Infrared DR-238 is a portable carbon infrared heater rated for both indoor and outdoor use with an IP55 protection rating. It operates on standard 120 V power and provides three power settings (900W, 1200W, 1500W), offering instant, odorless radiant heat.
Infrared heaters warm objects and people directly rather than primarily heating the air, which can be efficient in garages with open doors or intermittent use. The model is plug-and-go with remote control and is suitable for smaller garages, specific workstations, or supplemental spot heating when full bay heating is not required.
Because it is IP55 rated, this unit tolerates some outdoor exposure, making it flexible for garages that open to patios or drive-through bays. Safety and placement should still follow manufacturer guidance to avoid blockage and maintain clearances.
CTSC 10000W Electric Garage Heater, 240v Hardwired Shop Heater
The CTSC 10000W is a hardwired, fan-forced electric garage heater designed for larger shop spaces that support 240 V wiring. It features a digital thermostat, remote control, timer, and an innovative voltage display to help diagnose common installation issues related to incorrect supply voltage.
Construction uses SPCC cold-rolled steel with built-in overheat protection and ETL certification. Controls include three heat settings and an ECO function to balance heating output with energy use. The product emphasizes safety features and diagnostic aids for installers.
Electric hardwired units suit garages where gas lines are impractical or combustion products are a concern. Key considerations include ensuring correct voltage, breaker sizing, and mounting height to optimize airflow and coverage.
Buying Guide: How To Choose A Tube Heater For Your Garage
Selecting the right garage heater requires matching heat output, fuel type, installation constraints, and usage patterns. The sections below break down the major considerations and comparison perspectives.
1. Heat Output And Garage Size
- Calculate Required BTU: Estimate cubic footage (length x width x height). For insulated garages use ~30-40 BTU per square foot; for uninsulated spaces, 50+ BTU per square foot may be necessary.
- Match Unit Capacity: Tube and unit heaters list BTU ratings (e.g., 45,000 BTU SunStar, 80,000 BTU Mr. Heater). Choose a capacity that meets calculated heat loss plus reserve for cold spells.
2. Fuel Type: Gas, Electric, Hydronic, Infrared
- Propane/Natural Gas Tube Heaters: High BTU output and typically lower operating cost per heat delivered in some regions. Require gas supply and venting/clearance considerations.
- Electric Hardwired Heaters: Cleaner installation without combustion. Require appropriate 240 V circuits and often simpler venting. Good where gas is not available.
- Hydronic (Hot Water) Units: Use existing boiler or wood boiler heat. Reduce onsite combustion and can integrate with home systems for efficient zoned heating.
- Infrared Heaters: Best for spot heating or partially open bays. Heat objects directly and can be very efficient for intermittent use.
3. Installation And Mounting
- Ceiling Height And Clearances: Check minimum clearance specs (many list 8 ft. or more). Tube heaters often mount overhead to distribute heat along the tube length.
- Venting Requirements: Vented gas heaters need appropriate flues or horizontal venting options. Hydronic units require water connections. Electric units require correct breakers and conduit or hardwired connections.
- Structural Support: Hanging or tube heaters can be long and need secure mounting points across joists or trusses.
4. Efficiency, Controls, And Safety
- Efficiency Metrics: Some gas tube heaters report combustion efficiency; hydronic and electric systems have different efficiency profiles tied to source fuel and distribution.
- Controls: Built-in thermostats, remote controls, timers, and ECO modes help manage run time and energy use. CTSC and TEMPWARE-style models emphasize digital control.
- Safety Protections: Overheat cutouts, tip/tilt switches (for portable units), and cool-to-touch housings reduce risk in garages with tools and vehicles.
5. Air Quality And Ventilation
- Combustion Products: Gas and propane heaters produce combustion byproducts; ensure adequate ventilation and CO monitoring when in enclosed spaces.
- Hydronic And Electric Options: These avoid onsite combustion and can improve indoor air quality for workshops with chemical use or vehicle exhaust concerns.
6. Use Case Scenarios
- Large Detached Garage Or Shop: High-BTU gas unit heaters like Mr. Heater or multiple tube heaters can provide broad coverage.
- Integrated Home Boiler Present: Hydronic hanging heaters (American Royal) integrate well and use existing heat source.
- Spot Or Supplemental Heat: Infrared (Dr Infrared) or portable electric heaters provide quick warmth for a specific workstation.
- No Gas Available: Hardwired electric heaters such as CTSC are a viable alternative; ensure electrical service supports required wattage.
7. Maintenance And Longevity
- Regular Inspections: Check gas lines, venting, and burners annually for gas units. For electric units, inspect elements and fan motors for wear.
- Filter And Fan Care: Fan-forced units require periodic cleaning to maintain airflow and heat distribution.
- Serviceability: Consider availability of parts and local service for gas valves, thermostats, and hydronic connectors.
8. Comparison Perspectives
- Operating Cost vs. Convenience: Gas units typically deliver higher BTU per dollar in many regions, while electric systems are simpler to install and maintain.
- Indoor Air Quality vs. Heat Density: Hydronic and electric units avoid combustion byproducts, useful for enclosed shops; gas tube heaters deliver higher total heat output for large spaces.
- Initial Install Complexity: Electric and plug-in infrared models can be quicker to deploy; gas and hydronic systems may require professional installation and permits.
Final Tip: Match heater output and type to your typical garage usage, insulation level, and available utilities before deciding. If in doubt, consult a licensed HVAC technician for load calculations and safe installation guidance.
Tips for Getting the Best HVAC Prices
- Prioritize Quality Over Cost
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Request at least three estimates before making your choice. You can click here to get three free quotes from local professionals. These quotes include available rebates and tax credits and automatically exclude unqualified contractors. - Negotiate Smartly
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