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Hello All
I have just aquired a nice new (detached) garage for my XK8. I am looking for an electric heater for protection from freezing temperatures in winter, not general heating.
There are hundereds out there and the choice is bewildering !
I am told I need thermostatic control and fan assistance (it is a large single car garage)
Any advice much appreciated
David

Hi Dave,

Congrats on the garage purchase!

The biggest killer of our cars tends to be moisture rather than temperature. I'd suggest that a dehumidifier is more important in protecting a car in a garage than a heater. There are 2 types of portable dehumidifier. The first is a condenser-type which collects the moisture as water in a container, or a pipe can be fitted to drain to outside the garage. The second is the more modern dessicant-type which binds the moisture to a dessicant or gel-type cartridge. I use an older condenser-type which are quite cheap to buy 2nd-hand. If I was buying a new one now, I think I might go for a dessicant-type. Definitely worth investigating.

Also, think carefully about the garage insulation. if you completely seal it, then you can trap cold air after leaving the garage which can condense onto the metal surfaces of the car. Ventilation is as important as temperature.

I would also paint the walls with a nice white masonry paint. It will mitigate dust and make it so much easier and brighter to work there.

Good luck

Paul

I have a condenser type dehumidifier which I bought new for less than £100 on a certain website. It has settings for humidity/timers etc and works very well. Theonly thing is that they do not work very well at lower temperatures but you would be amazed at how much water is collected but it certainly has helped keep my Jag in reasonable condition.
The dessicant type dryers will not remove anywhere near as much water and they have to have the dessicant changed/dried etc to work efficiently.
Some dehumidifiers incorprate a small heater as well so that stops them freezing at low temperatures.
I think they are well worth it unless you live in the Arctic!
Part of the trick is having the garage reasonably well sealed.
Regards,

Er........thanks for the replies......but I do not need a de-humidifier....the garage was specifically designed and constructed
with humidity avoidance in mind.
I am looking for a frost protection device which is minimum cost to buy and run.
Hopefully a member can advise on this.......maybe.
David

I have never seen a house or garage that avoids humidity. What it might do is avoid condensation but I assume you have a concrete floor and a garage door and that in itself will ensure a certain level of humidity.
Still if you are going to persue a heater just make sure it is an electric one as you mention but I am not sure why you need a heater if you have dealt with the humidity issue?
Regards,

All air contains moisture.

The aim is not to exceed the dew point so that condensation doesn't form.
My Hampshire UK garage is unheated but quite drafty and condensation forms only a couple of times on the car during winter, not enough for me to worry about but then I use it in all weathers anyway. In over 20 years of living here I've never had frost inside the garage even during the worst of winters.

Where the garage is located, not just geographically but sun/shade/wind etc obviously will affect things considerably. Just running a de-humidifier or heater without understanding all the parameters is a waste of money which in my opinion would be better spent on Waxoyl.

Al

Er........thanks for the replies......but I do not need a de-humidifier....the garage was specifically designed and constructed
with humidity avoidance in mind.
I am looking for a frost protection device which is minimum cost to buy and run.
Hopefully a member can advise on this.......maybe.
David

Hi,
I use an electrical green house heater... low amperage and minimum heat output.
Rgds, Ron C

I have the Tube heaters too !
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Tubular-Tube ... UNa4tAIdkg