We research in-depth and provide unbiased reviews and recommendations on the best products. We strive to give you the most accurate information. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
You may be wondering how to heat a garage. There are several ways to do so, including solar energy, electric space heaters, and kerosene or convection heaters. Before you buy a heating system, though, you need to figure out how much BTUs it will take to heat the garage. This calculation is easy – multiply the width and length of the garage’s interior and divide by 200 to find the BTUs needed to warm the garage.
Solar energy
A typical two car garage requires about 4kW of solar power to heat. You do not have to use solar panels to heat the garage during summer since the temperature remains relatively constant. A solar collector will provide about 4000 to 5000 BTU per hour during winter, depending on your climate. The more sunny your location is, the fewer solar panels you will need to heat the garage. The cost of the solar panels depends on the quality and warranty provided by the manufacturer.
You must have at least 200 square feet of south facing roof area for a solar panel to provide heat to a garage. Depending on its size, two to three solar panels are sufficient to heat a 20ft x 30ft workshop with R20 insulation. In addition to solar panels, you can install radiant heat ceiling panels on the ceiling or wall of the garage. These panels are easy to install and take up little space.
While solar heating can be expensive, the initial cost has declined. From $6.00 per watt in 2010 to less than $2.50 in 2020, the cost of solar panels is practically free. Solar energy is the largest source of energy in the universe, but it doesn’t necessarily require expensive solar panels to reap its benefits. It can be installed with minimal hassle and costs less than $100. It is a good choice for people who want to save money on their heating bills.
Electric space heaters
There are several benefits to using electric space heaters to heat a garage, including their safety. Garage heaters can either be permanent fixtures or portable. Portable heaters are usually electric and plug directly into a wall outlet. Many space heaters include a built-in thermostat, multiple heat settings, and safety features. Some also include a safety tip-over shut-off. The heaters also come with Wi-Fi capabilities so you can easily adjust the temperature remotely.
These heaters have a fan and oscillating feature that makes the air around them feel more comfortable. Some of the units are safe to use for long periods of time, while others can be tipped over. These units come with an automatic shut-off feature and an overheat protection sensor, but these devices should not replace proper ventilation in the garage. Electric space heaters to heat a garage also feature a three-year warranty.
One model is designed specifically for garages. It has a handle and measures 14.5×14.5×13 inches. It can also be mounted on a ceiling. Other features include an adjustable thermostat and an 8-inch fan to maximize air flow while minimizing noise. It can even be hardwired, if you prefer. If you’re looking for an electric space heater to heat a garage, consider the following products.
Kerosene heaters
Using kerosene heaters to heat a closed garage can save you money, but they are not as safe as you might think. As with any type of heater, you should follow the local fire codes and take safety measures to protect yourself from fire. Since combustion creates carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, you should install smoke detectors and automotive-approved fire extinguishers.
Another benefit of using kerosene heaters to heat a closed garage is their versatility. Not only do they work in cold temperatures, but they can also work in power outages. Kerosene heaters are portable and easy to fit in a garage. The safety of these heaters is your main concern, however. Kerosene is flammable, so make sure to install a ventilation system.
One type of kerosene heater is portable. Its durable steel handle and rubber tires make it easy to carry. It is also 1.2-gallon fuel tank, allowing you to use it for up to fourteen hours. The energy savings it generates is significant and you may save money over time. Kerosene heaters are more expensive than other forms of heating, so choose the best option according to your needs.
To ensure a safe burn, choose a kerosene heater with a safety grillwork to protect it from the flame. Make sure you use a pure form of kerosene. If you don’t use K1 fuel, it’s possible that you’ll end up with a toxic mix. When using kerosene, you must always use a container designed for such fuels, as K2 kerosene contains 10 times the sulfur content.
Convection heaters
A convection heater is a great choice if you need to warm a garage but don’t have the money to invest in a more powerful unit. These units can be operated by electricity, natural gas, or propane and heat the garage air through convection currents. Because they use air convection to heat the room, each one heats the air differently. Before you buy one, decide how warm you want your garage to be and which power source will provide the best heat.
Another option is to use a radiant garage heater. Although these heaters can work without additional insulation, you’ll need to protect water pipes from freezing. While they can be effective without additional insulation, they’ll be even more effective if you also add a layer of insulation to your garage. This way, you’ll be able to warm the space quickly and evenly. For larger spaces, you can even use a convection heater to heat the space.
If you’re concerned about safety, propane units are also a good option. These units can heat a garage quickly and keep it warm even in power outages. They’re cheaper than electric space heaters and can be operated on a portable propane fuel tank. However, they don’t require an electricity hookup. They also tend to be bulky and noisy, and you’ll have to change the tank regularly.
Infra-red heaters
Infrared heaters produce low-level radiation, so they don’t put out much heat, but they do have the advantage of not being hazardous to humans. Infrared heaters are safe for kids and pets. They also have a one-year warranty. They don’t take up much space. However, infrared heating does generate some EMF radiation, and you should be aware of that when choosing an infrared garage heater.
Electric space heaters are also an option, but they don’t produce as much heat as infrared heating. Therefore, they require more energy than infrared heaters. A forced-air heater will also stir up a lot of sawdust. This can be a big problem if you’re doing DIY projects in the garage. A heater designed for a garage should be insulated to help keep out heat.
Another great option for a garage heater is to mount an infrared unit on the ceiling. Most come with a pull cord, which is handy, but you might want a remote if you’re using it in an enclosed area. If you’re worried about your kids accidentally stepping on the heating unit, there’s a two-pack infrared heater available for under $100.
You can choose a forced-air garage heater or an infrared unit depending on the size of your garage. For a two to two-car garage, a forced-air heater should deliver around 45,000 Btu of heat. For a three-car garage, an infrared heater should deliver at least 50,000 Btu. Ask a heating expert for specific recommendations.
Infrared ceiling panels
If you have a garage that’s cold, one way to increase the temperature is to install infrared ceiling panels. The panels heat the garage from above, reducing air circulation, and dust. Infrared heaters are safer for children and pets, too. They also save floor space, and are Wi-Fi enabled so you can control the temperature with your smartphone. Regardless of the size of your garage, an infrared heater will help you enjoy comfort in your garage without the high costs of electricity and gas bills.
Infrared heaters work by heating objects at ground level with heat emitted from their surfaces. These panels are mounted near the ceiling in most cases, and they work by absorbing and storing the heat that’s emitted from the panels. These panels use the principle of warm air stratification, which is critical for forced air heating. Without warm air stratification, hot air tends to stack, creating cold floors and wasting heat energy.
Infrared heaters also reduce the risk of dust in the garage. They do not dry out the air and produce no dust, which is a bonus when you are doing woodworking projects. Plus, because infrared ceiling panels don’t create dust, they are safer to use when you work on a wood project. Another advantage of infrared heaters is that they don’t stir up sawdust. The danger of dust accumulation is minimal, too.
