Michigan winters do not stop work, but cold slows crews down and stops drywall mud, paint and concrete from curing. A forced-air heater fixes that if you size it right and use it safely.
Our two heaters
| Mi-T-M 75,000 BTU | Mi-T-M 190,000 BTU | |
|---|---|---|
| Good for | Garages, workshops, additions, smaller job sites | Open buildings, barns, larger job sites |
| Fuel | Kerosene, diesel or fuel oil | See the product page |
| Rated heating area | Up to about 1,875 sq ft | Much larger spaces |
| Size | Easy to carry, about 28 lb | Larger unit for big spaces |
Rough sizing
How much heat you need depends on the size of the space, how cold it is outside, how warm you want it, and how leaky the building is. A rough rule for heaters like these:
BTU needed ≈ cubic feet × temperature rise (°F) × 0.133
Example: a 24×24 garage with 9 ft ceilings is about 5,200 cubic feet. To raise it from 20°F to 50°F (a 30° rise), you need about 5,200 × 30 × 0.133 ≈ 21,000 BTU. The 75,000 BTU heater has plenty of headroom. An open pole barn with big doors and no insulation needs far more. That is the 190,000.
When in doubt, size up. A heater that runs comfortably is better than one that runs flat out and still cannot keep up.
Safety: the rules that matter
- Ventilation. These heaters burn fuel in the space and make exhaust, including carbon monoxide. Use them only with fresh air coming in, and never in living spaces or closed rooms where people sleep. A CO detector on site is a good idea.
- Clearance. Keep the front of the heater well away from anything that can burn: tarps, lumber, insulation, fuel cans.
- Fuel. Refuel only when the heater is off and cool, and store fuel away from the heater.
- Stable and level. Set it on a solid, level surface out of foot traffic.
Heat plus drying
For drying drywall mud, paint or a wet space, pair heat with air movement. A high-volume floor fan or carpet fan moves warm air where you need it.
Renting
- Fuel is billed at our cost, no markup.
- Week and 4-week rates make sense for a winter build.
- Need it delivered? See delivery rates.
Not sure which one fits your job? Call the counter at (810) 231-7368. We are open 7 days and happy to talk it through.