Key Takeaways
- Radiant heat panels and radiant underfloor heating systems are the best options for heating a garage.
- Portable electric heaters are the cheapest option, though not the most effective.
- Heating a garage without electricity can be achieved with propane heaters and wood or pellet-burning stoves.
How to Heat a Garage - Identifying Priorities
Heating a garage seems like a fairly simple proposition. But different homeowners have different needs.
Where one person wants to know the cheapest way to heat a garage, or even how to heat a garage for free, others need to know the most efficient way to heat a garage or the best way to heat an uninsulated garage.
Below we examine some of the most common scenarios before moving on to identify the best methods and types of heaters to heat a garage efficiently.
The 5 Best Ways to Heat a Garage
Radiant Heat Panels: Top Pick
Pros:
- Uniform Heat Distribution: Radiant heat panels distribute warmth uniformly throughout the area, addressing and preventing cold spots.
- Energy Efficient: These panels work at cooler temperatures yet effectively disperse warmth, leading to less energy use.
- Silent Operation Unlike other heaters that might produce noise, radiant panels offer Silent operation without disruptive noise.
- Low Maintenance: Designed with fewer components, these panels demand little to no frequent maintenance.
- Health Benefits: Infrared heating is believed to boost circulation and alleviate muscular tension.
Cons:
- Initial Cost: Radiant heat panels come with a steeper initial price tag compared to other heaters.
- Installation: It's advised to get these panels installed by professionals, which could add to the starting expense.
Portable Space Heaters
For those wondering about ways to heat a garage without major installations, portable space heaters are an accessible choice. They come in various types, including electric and propane.
Being portable, they allow for flexibility in placement, and come in a variety of types, including electric, ceramic, and oil-filled.
Pros:
- Fast Heating: Space heaters provide rapid warmth, swiftly increasing the temperature in their vicinity.
- Adaptable Placement: Their portable design allows for easy movement, providing the flexibility to change heating locations based on need.
- Diverse Options: A range of types ensures that one can select a heater that best aligns with the studio's requirements.
Cons:
- Safety Issues: Space heaters can become extremely hot, and if positioned near flammable items, they pose a fire risk.
- Coverage Limitation: Their effectiveness is localized, meaning larger studios might need several units to achieve even heating.
- Increased Utility Bills: High usage can lead to a spike in electricity consumption and subsequently higher bills.
- Ambient Disruption: Certain models, particularly those with fans, can introduce unwanted noise, potentially affecting the tranquility of a yoga session.
- Durability Concerns: Their lifespan is generally shorter than centralized systems, necessitating more frequent replacements.
- Heating Inconsistencies: Improper positioning can result in uneven heating, with certain areas feeling colder.
Ductless Mini-Split Systems
These are compact heating (and cooling) units that can be mounted on walls. They don’t require ducts, making them perfect for spaces like garages.
Pros:
- Dual functionality: heats in winter and cools in summer.
- Energy efficient: Compared to some alternatives due to the lack of ducts.
- Remote-controlled: and with programmable settings.
Cons:
- Higher Upfront Costs: Initial investment is notably higher compared to other garage heating alternatives.
- Potentially Inadequate: In colder climates, this option might not provide sufficient warmth and supplemental heating could be necessary.
- Maintenance Requirements: Regular maintenance is essential, as filters in a ductless system can accumulate debris and need cleaning monthly.
Radiant In-Floor Heating
When it comes to a seamless integration of heating technology, underfloor radiant heating stands out as a popular choice.
Using either electric elements/cables or tubes of hot water beneath the flooring, this system radiates heat upward, warming the entire space efficiently.
It is the most expensive option on our list, but potentially the most effective.
Pros:
- Consistent and Even Heating: Radiant in-floor heating systems provide uniform warmth throughout the garage, eliminating the occurrence of cold spots.
- Energy Efficiency: This system operates in a way that directly targets objects and people rather than the air, leading to reduced energy waste.
- Silent Operation: Without fans or blowing air, radiant in-floor heating offers silent warmth, making for a quiet garage environment.
- Aesthetic and Space-Saving: With all heating elements hidden beneath the floor, there's no need for bulky equipment or heaters, preserving your garage’s aesthetics and saving space.
- Low Maintenance: Once installed, in-floor systems typically require minimal upkeep.
Cons:
- Installation Complexity: Installing radiant in-floor heating can be a more involved process, potentially requiring floor removal or alteration.
- Higher Initial Cost: The upfront investment for in-floor heating is generally more than some other heating options.
Convection Heaters
These heaters warm the air, which then circulates throughout the garage.
Available in both wall-mounted designs and portable, free-standing units, convection heaters are versatile and can be suited to various garage sizes and layouts.
Pros:
- Temperature Control: Some advanced models come equipped with built-in thermostats, allowing users to set and maintain a precise temperature, ensuring comfort and efficiency.
- Safety Features: Many modern convection heaters prioritize safety, incorporating features like overheat protection, which shuts off the heater if it gets too hot, and tip-over switches that turn the unit off if it's knocked over.
Cons:
- Initial Warm-Up Time: Large garages might take a significant amount of time to heat up initially, especially if the insulation isn't optimal.
- Placement Matters: To get the most out of a convection heater, strategic placement is necessary. Keeping them too close to objects might restrict airflow, reducing efficiency.
- Installation: While free-standing models can be easily set up, wall-mounted versions might require professional installation, adding to the initial costs.
- Dependent on Insulation: Their efficiency can be significantly reduced if the garage is poorly insulated, leading to heat loss and higher energy consumption.
The Best Way to Heat an Uninsulated Garage
Beyond identifying the kinds of heaters most suitable for heating garages, the best way to ensure your garage is warm is to add proper insulation.
Proper insulation is crucial for maintaining a comfortable temperature in a garage. Here are the primary ways to insulate a garage:
Fiberglass Batt Insulation
- This is one of the most common types of insulation used in homes and garages. It comes in rolls or pre-cut panels.
- It fits between the studs in walls and under the rafters of ceilings.
- It’s relatively easy to install and can be covered with drywall or plywood for a finished look.
Rigid Foam Board Insulation
- These are large sheets of foam that can be cut to fit the size of your garage walls or ceiling.
- They are excellent for insulating without taking up a lot of space, as they can be thinner than batt insulation for the same R-value (a measure of insulation’s effectiveness).
- Common materials include expanded polystyrene (EPS), extruded polystyrene (XPS), and polyisocyanurate.
Spray Foam Insulation
- This insulation expands upon application, filling gaps, cracks, and voids. It provides an airtight seal.
- It’s more expensive than some other methods but can be more effective at insulating and air sealing.
- There are two types: open-cell (softer and less dense) and closed-cell (denser and more rigid).
Reflective or Radiant Barrier Insulation
- This type of insulation is typically in the form of shiny foil rolls or sheets.
- It reflects radiant heat, making it especially useful in hot climates where heat from the sun is a concern.
Cellulose Insulation
- Made from recycled paper products, it’s environmentally friendly.
- It’s typically blown into walls or ceilings using special equipment. It’s excellent for filling all nooks and crannies, especially in older garages that might have irregular framing.
Garage Door Insulation
- This can be done using kits that fit within each section of the garage door.
- Kits can include rigid foam panels, fiberglass, or even reflective barriers.
- Insulating the garage door is crucial since it’s often the largest surface area and can be a significant source of heat loss.
Weatherstripping
- While not insulation in the traditional sense, weatherstripping around the garage door and windows prevents drafts and helps retain heat.
- It’s an essential complement to other insulation methods.
Insulated Flooring
- Especially if you’re converting the garage into a livable space, insulated floor tiles, carpeting or mats can make a noticeable difference in comfort.
- These act as a barrier between the cold ground and the garage interior.
How to Heat a Garage without Electricity
Heating a garage without electricity can be a bit challenging, but there are ways:
- Propane Heaters: Portable propane heaters can efficiently heat a space without needing an electrical connection. Ensure proper ventilation and follow safety precautions.
- Solar Heaters: These utilize the sun’s energy to warm the space. They can be DIY projects involving black-painted cans or commercial solar heating panels.
- Wood Burning Stove: If installed safely, a wood stove can provide significant warmth. Ensure you have a proper chimney and ventilation system to handle the smoke.
- Thermal Mass: Items like water containers or large stones can absorb heat during the day (from the sun or other heat sources) and radiate it back during colder times.
FAQs
Where do garages lose the most heat?
- Doors and Windows: Especially if there are gaps, cracks, or they’re not well-insulated.
- Walls and Ceiling: Heat escapes from uninsulated or poorly insulated areas.
- Floor: Concrete floors can absorb heat, making the space colder.
- Ventilation & Gaps: Vents, along with any structural cracks or gaps, can let out warm air.
- Roof: Poorly insulated or damaged roofs contribute to heat loss.
- Connection to the House: The joint between an attached garage and the main house can be a heat escape point.
What is the best way to heat a 1200 sq ft garage?
Opt for radiant in-floor heating. It offers even warmth, efficient heating, operates silently, and needs minimal upkeep, making it a top choice for larger garages..
What is the cheapest way to heat a garage?
The most cost-effective method to heat a garage is often through insulation and sealing gaps first, as this reduces the amount of heat required.
Once that’s done, portable electric heaters have the lowest initial cost outlay.
Ending on a Warm Note
Finding the most efficient way to heat a garage hinges on understanding your space’s specific needs and combining various methods for optimal results.
Whether you’re looking for a free solution, like sealing gaps, or are ready to invest in a more permanent heating system, there’s an option suitable for every garage.
If you are looking to upgrade the heating in your garage take a look at our market leading radiant heaters or consider our radiant in-floor heating systems for larger garage spaces, and don’t hesitate to contact us for a free quote.
