I've been reading the threads regarding garage heaters, and most of them talk about a gas-fired type of heater. I'm in the planning stages for a garage/shop building, and living in the northeast and wanting to work in the shop in the winter, the shop will be insulated and heated.
My concern was with using a gas flame fired heater in the confines of a garage where there will be all sorts of flammables from vehicles, solvents, etc.
Are there units made specifically for this application?

It seems that this is not an issue, but I'd like to hear some other opinions.
Thanks!

They make what is called a direct vent heater. It gets its combustion air from outside. This would solve any problems with the solvent or gas fumes.

John

With a hanging heater you will not have to worry much about fumes from gasoline, solvent, etc. Gasoline fumes are heavier than air and will remain low, in the vicility of the floor. This the reason that residential garages in newer homes are usually slightly lower than the floor of the living area. You will note that most garages, service stations, etc. have hanging heaters and this is the reason for them.

If gasoline is spilled on a garage floor, the bay doors may be opened a few inches and the fumes can be evacuated that way.

I just put up a inferred hanging furnace this last winter. 75000 btu heats 1000sq ft shop no problems.no cold spots in shop top to bottom. really love it. See my journal one picture of shop shows tube type heater other hanging box is air cleaner. Instructions said 18" to ceiling 2' to either end wall. But i only had 18" on exhaust end the guy who sold it to me said it would still work and it has.cost just under $1000 plus cost of exhaust pipe and wall out let. I hung it myself just followed instuctions in owners manual.