Is the cold making it totally uncomfortable to spend time in your garage? Yet, you probably use it as a tool shed or a workshop. Could you be wondering what would be the best way to heat a garage? Below is a list of some heaters from which you can make a choice of your best garage heater.
Included is the buying guide to assist you make a choice that will get you completely changing the environment in the garage.
A quick look at your garage heater list
| Heater name | Features | room size | Watts | Budget | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patton Milk-House | budget friendly small space heater | 150 | 1350/1500W | $ | more info |
| Comfort Zone | budget friendly, does not dry air | 200 | 760W/1500W | $ | more info |
| Optimus H-9010 | easy instal, sun-like heating and light | 200 | 1500W | $ | more info |
| Dyna-Glo RMC-FA60DGD | powerful propane large room heater | 1350 | propane Gas | $ | More info |
| Mr. Heater F232000 | Efficient, safe, portable radiant heater | 225 | propane Gas | $$ | More info |
| Dimplex DGWH4031 | durable ,energy saver | 700 | 4000W | $$ | More info |
| Dr. Heater DR966 | Energy efficient, durable | 600 | 3000W/6000W | $$ | More info |
| NewAir G73 | hardwired, quick even warmth | 500 | 5000W | $$ | More info |
| Fahrenheat FUH54 | Powerful, quiet,durable | 500 | 2500-5000W | $$$ | More info |
| Heatstar | high fuel efficiency, durable | 500-600 | propane Gas | $$$ | More info |
| Cadet RCP402S | quick hot air, durable | 600 | 4000 | $$$ | More info |
| Modine HD45AS0111 | Efficient large room heater, gas or electricity powered | 1000 | natural gas | $$$$ | More info |
The Garage Heater Buying Guide
When you are searching for the best way to heat a garage, you need to consider several things. This is even more important as you want to ensure that heater for your garage not only serves your needs but it is also cost effective.
Below are some of the considerations when buying your preferred heating for your garage;
Do you need constant or occasional Heater for garage?
How much time will you be spending in the garage/workshop.? If you are only there for a short while, the portable heaters will do. In case you plan to spend more time in the garage, you may opt for the wall / ceiling mount or connect to your home’s central heating unit.
Is the garage well insulated?
The better insulated your garage/workshop is, the less heat output you will need from your best garage heater. Which means you can settle for a less powerful / less expensive heater. Otherwise that drafty uninsulated garage will certainly require a more powerful energy sapping or a more efficient heater to make up for the heat that is getting lost
As a precaution, check the rubber seals around the garage door to ensure that you keep out drafts and the warm air in. Take a keen interest on the bottom seal as it takes the most abuse and thus more likely to be damaged. While at it, inspect the weather stripping on the door for cracks or breaks.
For extra precaution, you may also consider fixing a rubber threshold with a silicone adhesive on the floor under the garage door.
Do not forget the check the window seals as well or better still make use of shrink film kits to keep the cold out.
Cost of running the best heat for garage
The cost is a factor of the fueling option as well as the heater efficiency. Gas heaters are usually less expensive to run. This could be your option if you have a gas connection and the right ventilation in place. The ventilation is critical to exhaust the smoke and other by-products.
Should you go for the electricity option, choose a garage heater that efficiently converts electricity into heat. This choice of electric heater will depend on how well your garage is insulated. Convection heaters work best in well insulated garages while radiant heaters can do in less insulated spaces.
At this juncture, it is important to understand the way the electric heaters work. For the convection forced air heater, the radiator will pull in air and blow it across the heating surface and then force it back into the room. However radiant heaters use a quartz or infrared to radiate heat into the floor and then the heat into the room.
Another feature that will affect the cost of running the best garage heating is the temperature control. Your costs will be higher if there is insufficient heat control and vice versa.
Therefore check out for inbuilt thermostats and timers. If your preferred garage heater is missing out on these control features, consider separate installation of the same.
What is the size of your garage?
AS you choose the best way to heat a garage in winter, it is important that you measure your garage size for various reasons.
The first reason is that heaters are designed to optimally heat spaces up to a certain size. It is therefore imperative that your heating unit is within the range for the heating you need. Multiply the length and width in feet and that gives you the size in square feet.
The second reason why the size is important is the placement of the best heater for a garage. If the garage is packed and leaves no room to place a heater, you may have to opt for a wall or ceiling mount heating option.
The third reason is that the room size will assist you calculate the wattage you require. Allow 10 watts for every square foot. E.g. if your room size is 400 square feet, you require a heater pumping out 4000 watts.
Adjustable Louvers
The garage heater with adjustable louvers will assist you get the heat to where it is desired most at the time.
Power Cable Length
It is best to acquire a longer power cable so that you can have your space heater for garage heater as close to where you are working as possible. And if your choice of best heater has a short cable, it would help if you got an extension cable that maintains high wattage.
Carrying Handle and Wheels
IF your choice of the best heater for a garage is portable, it should be conveniently movable. Does it have a carry handle to assist you easily carry it without burning your fingers?
Does it have wheels that can assist you move the garage heater option without lifting that weight? An added benefit to the heater with wheels is that you can move it while it is still in operation.
Safety Features
Your safety is paramount and as such, safety features should be a must.
These features include as tip over switch in case the heater is knocked over. In addition, check for an automatic shut off system to protect overheating.
Also confirm if your choice of safe heater for garage comes with a cool touch or wire guard to protect contact with the heating surface to protect accidental burns.
Temperature Control Features
All garage heaters offer different temperature control features and options. From thermostats to fans that will assist you control the exact temperature of the space you’re heating. In case your choice of heater for garage does not come with a thermostat, consider purchasing this one separately.
Many offer a feature that turns it off once a certain temperature is reached and then flips the device back on once the room starts to cool down. Many garage heaters also double as powerful fans in the summer months.
Main electrical power Supply
Consult your electrician to audit your mains power supply. Confirm that the supply can sufficiently support the best electric heater for garage power requirements without blowing the electric circuit.
12 Best Garage Heaters to choose from;
1. Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy Indoor-Safe :Portable Radiant Garage Heater
Power
This portable garage heater is a propane powered unit.
Heating
Is your garage/workshop about 225 square feet? Then consider Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy -a radiant heater which heats the garage from the floor up.
Do you want low heat or high heat? Or how quickly do you want to heat the garage? Depending on your needs, you can take advantage of the low 4000 BTU or high 9000 BTU heat setting.
Whichever heat setting you choose, this room heater has a porcelain coating on the heating surface will quickly project the radiate heat across the garage.
The propane garage heater has an inbuilt Piezo igniter that makes it easy to light the gas. You also get a swivel regulator for easy LP cylinder and hose installation.
Keep it close to you so as to enjoy maximum benefits from this garage heater.
Extra safety
Even though this is a propane heating unit, it is clean-burning which makes it safe for indoor use.
The downside of some propane heaters is low oxygen and the consequence is severe. However this propane garage heater is designed to sense the level of oxygen in the room and promptly shut off should the oxygen level drop severely.
What if you accidentally tip this portable heating unit? Relax, there is a safety shut off.
Take a closer look at the image above and you will notice another safety feature- the high-temperature wire guard that protects you from the hot heating surface.
Portability
When you are done with whatever you were doing in the garage, you can can move with this portable propane heater to your next destination be it the shed, tent etc.
Pros
- You get to choose your comfortable heat output as this garage heater has two settings-a low and a high
- Safety features such as the oxygen sensor, safety shutoff and high temperature wire guard makes this unit one of the safest indoor propane heaters
- This garage heater is portable. You can move with it to the next place you will be spending some time in.
Cons
- No thermostat which means that you have to shut it off manually.
- Not ideal for large garages
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2. Heatstar By Enerco F125444 Radiant/Natural Gas Best Garage Heater
Power
Natural gas
Heating
Is your garage / workshop around 500-600 square feet (2 car)? Does it have a high ceiling (7-8 feet)? Consider the Heatstar by Enerco F125444 radiant/natural gas overhead heater . This best garage heater keeps you comfortably warm as it pumps out up to 25,000 BTU per hour.
Imagine a 99.9% fuel efficiency and the Heatstar natural gas heater gets into the list of most economical heater for your garage/workshop.
Moreover this overhead radiant heater supplies you with warm and comfortable sunny feel… ooh the summer!
Installation
When you purchase the Heatstar, you also get the wall-mount bracket and thermostat. However the wiring is purchased separately. This natural gas garage overhead heater is easy to install. All you need to do is hook up the thermostat with the recommended wiring and mount it on the wall. Connect the natural gas and you immediately enjoy your heat supply.
Durability
As this hanging heater for garage is built from non-corrosive materials, it is very durable and it is CSA certified.
Pros
- Most economical cost effective heater
- Easy install
- Includes a thermostat
- Quiet and best way to heat a garage in winter
Cons
- Only good for medium spaces
- Wiring purchased separately
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3. Fahrenheat FUH54 240-volt 2500-5000-watt Electric Heater for Garage
Is your garage so packed and yet you need to throw in a heater? The Fahrenheat FUH54 240-volt Garage Heater is small (about 13 inch square) but it certainly is powerful enough to heat your 500 square feet garage, workshop or basement.
Power
Electricity
Heating
The Fahrenheat FUH54 240-volt electric garage heater produces 2500-5000 watts to comfortably heat your 500 square feet garage.
Moreover you can adjust the louvers to direct the heat to a desired target. Additionally this garage heater comes with a thermostat to control room temperature.
Furthermore it is pretty quiet as it furnishes you with lots of heat.
Durability
Can withstand harsh environments as it is constructed with high grade industrial material with the outer parts made of a solid stainless steel
Installation
This heater for your garage comes with a wall mount which can be attached to wall or ceiling.
Pros
- Small but powerful
- Wall or ceiling mount
- Optimal for small and medium-sized garages / workshops / cellars
- Durable courtesy of the robust construction
- Extremely quiet operation
- No unpleasant fumes, gases, and exhaust and a safe electric heater for garage
Cons
- Professional installation required as the Fahrenheat FUH54 has to be hard wired into a socket
- The internal thermostat may not perform as desired and it may be necessary to install one separately.
- Hot to touch
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4. Dr. Heater DR966 240-volt : The electric Garage Heater with a Heavy duty wire grill for safety
Are you looking for an electric heater that will get your garage toasty hot even when the window is open? Dr. Heater DR966 is a Heavy Duty 240V Single Phase Commercial Electric Heater which is CUL/UL listed.
Power
Electricity
Heating
This garage heating unit best serves enclosed spaces under 600 square feet. You can set the electric heater to either low (3000 watt) or high (6000-watt). The DR966 comes with an in-built adjustable thermostat for temperature control.
Installation
This garage heating unit comes with a nifty bracket that assists you mount this electric heater on the ceiling or wall. It is designed such that it is hardwired into main power supply to ensure it accesses enough power to optimal performance. All the same, you can fit a plug and connect to your normal outlet whilst making sure it can support the 3000-6000 watts requirement.
Safety features
- An overheat auto shut off
- A tip over protection
- Heavy duty wire grill to protect you, the children or pets from the hot heating surface
Pros
- Durable exterior
- High-performance heater with hundreds of square foot coverage
- Targeted and spread out heat courtesy of the adjustable louvers
Cons
- Get professional installation due to the hard wiring requirement.
- Also, the heating unit may not perform optimally on a 120V and it may be necessary to consider setting up a 240V connection
- The garage heater does not come with the wires and cords required for hard wiring into main supply
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5. Dimplex DGWH4031 4000-Watt Corrosion resistant Best Garage Heating
Power
Electricity
Heating
You will simply have to give a thumbs up to the 4000 watts Dimplex DGWH4031 when searching for the best way to heat a garage in winter. Though weighing only 12 pounds, this electric space heater churns out 13,640 BTUs of heat making it a most economical heater. This heater will heat up to 700 square feet garage.
This is one of the electric garage heaters that come with a powerful fan that distributes heat throughout the room. This fan in this space heater only kicks in once the heating element has hit a set temperature. This residual heat is what keeps your garage warm longer.
The home heater also comes with a thermostat and an automatic mode that will maintain stable temperatures in your garage.
You get to set the thermometer to your desired warmth choice in between 40 and 80 degrees.
Installation
This electric heater for your garage heater is not only portable but it also comes with a mounting bracket which can be mounted on wall or ceiling. The Dimplex DGWH4031 heater is a lot smaller than it looks which makes it easier to mount.
Safety
This heating unit has an auto shut off that prevents overheating. However, it does not have the tipping over shut off possibly because it comes with the mounting option
Durability
A corrosion resistant fabric covered with a powder coat epoxy gives you the confidence that the Dimplex DGWH4031 is the best way to heat a garage in winter. Moreover the non corrosive exterior assists the unit to survive dampness or highly humid or dry environments.
Pros
Comfortably warms large rooms up to 700 square feet
Great energy savings
Durable, rust and corrosion resistant stainless steel exterior
Environment friendly as there is no harmful emissions
Cons
This great performance comes with a very noisy fan and a higher energy bill
Can get hot to touch
Whereas this electric space heater does not have a tipping over shut off function, the other great features override this and you also have the option to wall mount.
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6. NewAir G73 Hardwired : The durable way to heat a Garage in winter
Heating
The NewAir G73 is an electric space heater to heat up your 500 square feet garage. This electricity powered heater spreads warmth efficiently, quickly, evenly as the integrated adjustable louvers boost the heat direction. Furthermore, the mounting bracket is built on a swivel so that you can target the airflow to your desired target.
Durability
NewAir G73 Hardwired Electric Garage Heater exterior is constructed with tough and rugged steel.
Installation
Installing this heating unit is easy. Hardwire this room heater to your garage and you are set to warm up the room.
Safety
The auto shut off as well as finger proof grills to keep your fingers safe. No wonder this electric garage heater is UL and CUL listed.
Pros
Efficient quick heating
Durable
Safe garage heating -Auto shut off , finger proof grill, UL and CUL listed electric heater.
Cons:
Consumes a lot of power which may push up energy bills
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7. Dyna-Glo RMC-FA60DGD 30,000 – 60,000 BTU: Best way to heat a Garage in winter with a Propane Heater
Power
Liquid Propane Forced Air Heater
Heating
Do you have a high ceiling large garage that gets pretty cold? The Dyna-Glo-RMC-FA60DGD is your heating unit that won’t burden the power bill.
Made for industrial heating, it pumps out 30,000 – 60,000 BTU. This heating unit quickly warms 1,350 square feet rooms to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. However, should you want more or less heat, make adjustments using the available heat controls.
Installation
The heater comes with a 10-foot hose and regulator which can be easily connected to a 20, 40, or 100lb propane gas tank.
Safety
Dyna-Glo-RMC-FA60DGD comes fitted with safety sensor shuts offs in case of overheating or any flame-outs, or accidentally tip –over. You also get a back pressure switch. No wonder this propane garage heater is CSA certified.
Durability
Heavy duty motor
Convenience
You will simply love to make use of the adjustable leg on the bottom of the unit which allows you to raise or lower the heater to the most desired angle.
Should you want to move from one end of your large garage to another, the swivel carry handle most certainly comes in handy.
Pros
- Very good value for money
- This propane heater powerfully heats up a large garage
- Durable
- Safety considered with an overheat and auto shut-off protection
- Easy to connect to propane gas tanks (20, 40 or 100lb)
- Portable with adjustable leg and carrying handle
Cons
- Not ideal for small areas as it does emit some gases
- The powerful fan is also noisy
- Takes close to a minute holding down the ignition
Want to know if this propane heater for garage fits within your budget?
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8. Cadet RCP402S 20 Amp “The Hot One” Electric Space Garage Heater
Power
This garage heating unit is electricity powered.
Heating
This 4000-watt capacity heater features a very powerful aluminum heating element and a fan which pumps out hot air and quickly heats up 600 square feet garages. No wonder it is bright red and appropriately branded “the hot one”!
You get to choose from two heating settings, a thermostat control dial, and an automatic control temperature switch.
You also get to enjoy a fan-only mode that helps you save power.
Installation
You have the option of using the Cadet RCP402S as a free-standing heater or mount it on the wall. You will need a 6-foot power cord. Ensure that you are connecting this electric heater to a 20 amp 240v receptacle as a standard outlet may not work.
Safety
An inbuilt high temperature safety mechanism shuts off this electric heater in case of overheating
The heating unit is ETL Listed.
Durability
Fancy the 20-gauge steel construction coupled with a baked on powder-coat paint finish and you have an electric garage heating unit that can survive dry/damp environments and thus last long.
Pros
- Quick hot air
- Durable good quality construction
- Great heat control features
- Overheating control
Cons
- Not ideal for heating large garages
- Expensive
- No handle for portability
Want to know if this free standing or wall mount electric garage heater fits within your budget?
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9. Patton Milk-House Utility :The Best way to heat a garage in winter for small spaces (150 square feet)
Who said you cannot have the best heat for a garage with a sleek design? The Patton Milk-House Utility Heater comes in a milk-house design and a metal housing that you will certainly love.
Power
Electric
Heating
This garage heater is great for heating smaller spaces (up to 150 square feet). It has an automatic thermostat to control temperature.
Since this is a convection fan forced heater, this electric heater for garage device is perfect for warming well insulated smaller garages, basement or workshop. You can set it up on 1350 or 1500 Watts depending on your garage size.
Safety
Should this heater tip over, a blower fan is fitted on the inside to provide extra protection. This safe heater also comes with affront guards for extra protection.
Pros
- Budget friendly
- Sleek design
- Good Safety features
- Inbuilt automatic thermostat
Cons
- Not ideal for large spaces
10. Optimus H-9010 –The Ceiling or Wall Mount Garage Heater
The 1500-watt heater comfortably heats areas smaller than 200 square feet.
Power
Electricity
Heating
This ceiling mount garage heater will quickly furnish you sun-like independently powered heating and lighting. You can direct the heat to your desired target by making adjustments to the flexible wall mounts.
Installation
The heating unit comes with flexible wall/ceiling mounts.
Pros
Budget friendly
Light allows for a little ambiance while working
Highly versatile mounting bracket making it easy and convenient to install
Cons
Take care not to damage the pull cord
11.Comfort Zone Ceiling Mount Quartz :The Garage Heating unit for those with sensitive lungs
Should you be looking for a garage heating unit that is nice looking, the Comfort Zone Ceiling Mount Quartz heater comes into play.
Power
Electricity
Heating
The Comfort Zone Ceiling Mount Quartz heater will comfortably heat your 200 square feet garage. Moreover you can take advantage of the three different temperature settings which are set via a pull switch.
Convenience
Do you have sensitive lungs? Well, consider this infrared heater, which does not dry the air when in use. This space heater is relatively quiet though you will note a buzz.
Installation
Mount this electric ceiling mount heater at around 7 feet ceiling height
Pros
- Budget friendly
- Nice looking
- Effectively heats up small garages
- This space heater for garage comes with three heat settings
- Comes with a little safety light
Pros
The Comfort Zone Ceiling Mount Quartz heater is not powerful to heat large garages
12. Modine HD45AS0111Natural Gas Hot Dawg: The large 1000 square feet room best way to heat a garage in winter
With more than 100 years of experience (since 1916), you can expect a masterpiece from Modine. And, this neutral color, compact, space saving design residential / industrial heater is your best way to heat a garage in winter.
Power
This heater electric/ gas for garage has a dual power option- natural gas and electricity
Heating
Are you looking at heating a large garage? The Modine HD45AS0111Natural Gas Hot Dawg Garage Heater is right on spot.
This space heater will quickly heat 1000 square feet as it has the capacity to pump out 45,000 BTUs! Moreover this propane heater’s 85 percent energy efficiency rating saves you many dollars off the running cost.
You also get to love the silent operation despite the high heat capacity.
Installation
You can quickly and easily install this powerful, heater for garage to a side wall or roof.
When you fuel using gas, you may need extra ventilation. For this purpose this electrical/gas heater comes with tube ventilation attachments.
Consider installing a thermostat to maintain the heat at comfortable levels.
Pros
- Choice of two fuel systems- Gas & electricity
- This best large garage heater is simply quiet
- Easy installation for this space heater for garage
- 85% Energy efficiency rating and that’s good value for your money
Cons
- No thermostat but you can install one separately
- You certainly get to pay more for this best heat for garage
- Should you be using gas, ensure you allow for sufficient ventilation
Your best Garage Heater General Safety Tips
As you go about the process of selecting the best way to heat a garage in winter, make a point of reading the manufacturer’s instructions. All the same keep these basic safety precautions in mind;
- Never leave your garage heating unit unattended. If you need to step out, shut it down
- Shut it down and disconnect when maintaining/cleaning the heater.
- Keep away flammable substances
- Have a fire extinguisher close by –just in case
- Keep the garage free from moisture and all leaks
So, which is the Best way to heat a garage?
From the aforementioned, several factors come into play. Understand your heating needs first, get familiar with your room measurements, use etc. It then gets easier to make a choice from the best garage heaters listed above.
Should you have any questions, comments or suggestions on the best way to heat a garage, please post them below.
Happy warming!
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