Types of Garage Heaters
If you spend a good deal of time in your garage, whether it is working on an old car or fiddling around at a work bench on a weekend project, then you know how cold that garage can get when the temperature starts to drop outside. There is no reason to be cold in your garage during the winter months. Garage heaters can warm the space within your garage and make it as comfortable to be in the garage as it is inside your home.
There are a number of different types of heaters for garage use. Depending on the size of your garage, what type of heating system your home already has, how cold the temperature gets outside, and how much you want to spend, there are a variety of garage heaters to choose from. Some garage heaters are built in and are hooked up to your home heating system, some have their own fuel source, and others are portable.
To get a better understanding of which type of garage heater may be best for you, here is a brief description of different types of garage heaters:
Electric garage heaters – An electric garage heater is an inexpensive and portable option for heating your garage. Electric garage heaters warm the garage space from a heating element within the heater that is powered by electricity and a fan that blows the heated air out into the garage space. These garage heaters are easy to operate and can be used almost anywhere. They are the most versatile of all garage heater types. Electric garage heaters quickly heat the space, are compact, and can be moved easily if heat is needed in another space. They also contain no open flame so there is less issue with flammability or combustion problems than other garage heaters. Electric heaters for garages come in a variety of different sizes to meet different garage heating needs.
Natural gas garage heaters – If your home is already supplied by natural gas, then you may want to take advantage of the efficiency of natural gas heat. A natural gas garage heater is powered by its own natural gas line which is connected to the heater and burns to warm the air which is then blown out into the garage by way of a fan. While a garage gas heater is one of the most efficient types of garage heaters available, it is also one of the most dangerous to use due to the on-site combustion of fuel. It is important that no flammable substances are placed anywhere near the heater and that the garage heater is properly vented so that no fumes can enter the garage space. Garage gas heaters are extremely durable but will typically require more maintenance than other garage heater types.
Natural gas infrared garage heaters – A natural gas infrared garage heater is an extremely efficient and energy efficient way to heat your garage. The unit operates by using a burner box which is fueled by natural gas, as well as a booster fan, which creates a long flame. Infrared tubes span the length of the garage heater and as the tubes heat up from the flame, energy is created around the tube and a reflector above the tube forces the warm air towards the floor. The infrared heating waves only turn into warmth when they come into contact with people and other objects and as those bodies and objects warm up, they begin to heat up the surrounding space. Infrared garage heaters are extremely efficient and are also quiet because there is no fan blowing air into the space like most other garage heater models. Although an infrared garage heater is typically more expensive initially than other garage heater types, the garage heaters are more energy efficient and will save you fuel costs as they are operated. Infrared garage heaters can be fueled by natural gas or propane fuel. Infrared garage heaters are also referred to as radiant garage heaters because they provide radiant heat rather than forced air heat.
Propane garage heaters – A propane garage heater works in a very similar fashion to a natural gas garage heater, except that the fuel source that powers the garage heater is propane rather than natural gas. Garage propane heaters are a good option for homes that are not supplied by natural gas lines, but instead use propane fuel to heat their homes. A garage propane heater is efficient and effective at heating almost any size garage.
Propane infrared garage heaters – A propane infrared garage heater works in the same fashion as a natural gas infrared garage heater, except that the energy source is different. This type of garage heater is a good option for homes that are not powered by natural gas, but rather by propane.
Hot water garage heaters – A hot water garage heater may be a good solution to heat your garage if you already have a hot water heating system within your home. A boiler system is required, as is hot water piping that will transfer the heated water from the boiler to your hot water garage heater. Hot water garage heaters come in a wide variety of sizes to accommodate different size garages and heating requirements. Horizontal garage heaters are usually utilized in smaller spaces where they are placed along a wall to blow air across and out from the wall. Larger spaces are better suited for vertical garage heaters that are placed on the ceiling and blow the warm air down into the garage space.
Garage space heaters – A garage space heater is a small compact heater that is powered by electricity. It can be plugged in when needed or disconnected when no heat is needed. Garage space heaters heat up quickly and warm the space efficiently. There are different sizes of space heaters for garages, depending on the size of the space that requires heating. One nice thing about space heaters is that they are portable garage heaters, meaning that they are easily moved to another location whenever needed. A portable garage heater only needs an electric plug nearby and can be moved wherever and whenever heat is needed. Since they are only turned on when needed,they are energy efficient.
There are many choices to consider when choosing a garage heater. Garage space may dictate which type of heater is best, depending on the size of the garage and the type of fuel that services the home for its regular heating system. A heater for garage use should be properly sized to effectively heat the garage space. It must also be installed or placed in a location that allows for proper clearances and in which there are no flammable or combustible materials present.
To determine the size of the garage heater you need, you should take into consideration factors such as the size of the garage (in square feet), the height of the ceilings, whether or not the walls and ceiling of the garage are insulated, and what the climate is like where you live. You should also consider how much warmth is acceptable to you – do you spend a lot of time in the garage and want it to feel as warm as the interior of your home or are you only looking to get the chill out to make it comfortable enough to spend short amounts of time in the garage? Once you have calculated those factors, you should be able to select the best garage heater to fit your needs.
Some popular brands of garage heaters include Reznor garage heaters, Modine garage heaters and Hot Dawg garage heaters. These are just a few of the companies that make garage heaters. You can find companies that sell garage heaters online. Home improvement stores may also sell some types of garage heaters. For garage heater models that are built in and are not portable, your heating company may be able to supply and install a garage heater for you.
The best garage heaters are those that effectively heat your garage space, are energy efficient, and are safe. Finding a garage heater to meet that criteria is easy to do and will have you enjoying the warmth of your garage in no time.
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