Heating Your Garage

Most people would agree that having a heated garage is something of a luxury, but for those of us who use their garage as a workspace know how necessary heat can be in the dead of winter when the temperatures drop below freezing. It is very difficult to do any sort of task with your hands when they are cold and stiff. Whether you use your garage space for car repair, woodwork, or other such activities and projects, the cold will inhibit you from doing quality work, and it may even affect your health. For those who need a warmer environment for such work activities, there are some things to keep in mind while shopping for the right garage heater for your space.

How is the Space Used

Depending on what you use your workspace for, there are some options that need to be taken into consideration. If you work with wood or any kind of project where you need the air to be still, you might consider a radiant heat system that does not require airflow to be effective. If you will be working on cars or doing something that requires spending a lot of time close to the ground, it may be better to get a different system that has more airflow throughout the garage, so the lower areas stay warm as well.  By expressing your needs and concerns to your local provider, they will be able to guide you to the right garage heater for your purposes.

The Right Heater for Your Garage

There are several different options when it comes to the kind of heat system you can buy for your garage. Some use electricity while others use propane and other traditional heat sources. Some will run independently while others can connect with your home’s heating system. You will have to consider what is cost efficient for you and the set up of your home and garage. Say you have an attached garage; it might be easier to heat it through your home’s current heating system. If it is a separate garage, it might be easier to run an independent electric heater. Another thing to consider is the size of the space being heated and if you need the entire area to have heat coverage. How big is your workspace? Can you get away with just heating a single corner or wall, or do you need the entire garage to be heated? Certain systems may require more ventilation and others may require you to increase your fuel costs. A professional from your local heating provider will be able to help you find the best and most economic garage heating option for your situation.

Insulating Your Garage

Depending on the state of you garage, you may want to invest in making hold its heat more efficiently. Look for any cracks or gaps where heat can escape easily and seal them up. Also, most garages have concrete floors and very little insulation to prevent the heat from escaping. Upgrading your garage’s insulation and by strategically placing your garage heaters and ventilation will help lower fuel costs, and keep your workspace warm and usable during the winter months.