Are you getting ready to upgrade the heating system you have for your garage? Maybe you have never had heating in the garage, and you want to know more about some of the benefits it can offer and what you will need.
Fortunately, you will find that there are quite a few different methods and options available if you are hoping to add heat to the garage.
One of the most important things you will have to think about when you are choosing a heating system is the type of energy source that you will want to use. What makes the most sense for where you live and what will be an economical option?
Should You Bother Heating the Garage?
Why might you want to have heat in the garage? There are quite a few reasons.
If you have a garage that is attached to the rest of your home, any cold air that makes its way into the garage could end up getting into your home. That is why you want to have a well-insulated garage.
However, when you open up the garage door to bring in the car, cold air comes in along with it, even if you have insulation. This can make the house colder and increase your energy bills. A heated garage can help with this.
Also, if you use your garage for more than just storing your vehicle, and you spend time there working out, working on hobbies, or doing anything else, some heat will make the space more comfortable in the winter.
Essential Things to Know Before Making Your Choice
If you are getting a system, you should know a few things about the garage before you make a choice.
One of the first is the size of the garage. If you are working with a heating specialist, this will likely be the first thing they ask. You need to know just how much space you will need to heat, so make sure you have the length, width, and height of the garage door handy. This can let you know the cubic feet/meters that you will need to heat.
Also, consider how you are going to use the garage. Are you going to be spending a lot of time in the garage, or will you only be spending a short time there? You might also want to start thinking about how you will keep the garage cool during the summer months. Fans can work, but so could expanding your HVAC system into the garage, as you will see below.
Best Heating System Option
1.The Wood Stove Option
If you live in a relatively rural area and you have easy access to a steady supply of firewood, you might want to consider having a wood stove in the garage, as long as you have the space for it.
These tend to be more common when the garage is not attached to the home. However, before you start adding a wood stove to the garage, you will want to check with the regulations in your area to make sure that it will work well for your needs. There could be requirements or restrictions that you will have to meet to have one of these stoves.
Also, make sure that you are only burning appropriate materials. You never want to burn pressure-treated wood or painted or stained wood, as it can emit chemicals. Choose dry wood that you cut yourself or buy from someone else. Also, you must take the time to clean the chimney regularly to reduce the risk of a chimney fire.
2. The Natural Gas/Propane or Oil Option
These are other heating system options that you might want to consider.
Those who already heat their home using natural gas or fuel oil might want to consider extending their central system to the garage, as well.
This can work if the garage is attached to the home. If you use another heating option for your home, you can find some smaller systems that you could use in the garage. Although they tend to heat limited spaces, they are often powerful enough to heat a garage.
Direct vent systems tend to be a good option for the garage. It will draw in air from the outside, which can help with the exhaust, as well as combustion support.
When installing or extending these types of systems, your best option will always be to have a professional take care of it for you. This way, you can be sure it is done correctly.
3. The Electric Heating Option
Many people choose to use electric heat in the garage, as it tends to be one of the easiest options. There are many different types and sizes of space heaters that you can choose.
They are generally portable, and they will plug into a 120-volt outlet. Also, you can find larger 240-volt overhead options and permanent baseboard heaters. Other systems that hook up to 208 and 480 volts are available, too. Keep in mind that if you are going to be getting a ceiling unit, you will want to make sure it is aimed at the floor at about a 45-degree angle to spread out the heat.
These are easy to set up and install, they are quiet and clean, and most of the time, they will not take up much space. They do not require any ducts or a chimney.
After paying for the heater, the only thing you have to pay if the cost of running it. Depending on where you live, this might be the most economical option. If the cost of electricity in your area is high, it might not be, though.
4. Extending the HVAC System Option
As was mentioned earlier, if you have quality heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in your home, and you have an attached garage, you might want to extend it to the garage.
This will allow you to provide both heating and cooling to your garage, so you can always be sure that you can get the perfect temperature no matter the time of year.
Just keep in mind that doing this will add to the load of your HVAC system, and it will likely increase the cost of your energy. You might want to speak with an HVAC specialist to see whether this is a good idea for your garage or if you might want to choose one of the other options discussed above.
Remember the Garage Door, Your 4th Garage Wall
The garage door is virtually another wall in the garage. It needs to be adequately insulated so that it is weathertight. Otherwise, heating the garage will be far more difficult.
Your garage door might need new weather seals. Maybe the R value and the U value of your garage door are just too low and you should think of replacing it. If so, here is why we recommend Garaga garage doors. Learn more about the 2 most popular types of insulation used for garage doors.
You want to make sure you have the best garage door so you don’t end up heating the outside.
Maybe Before Getting Your Garage Heating System Your Garage Door Would Need a Check-up First?
We know and understand garage door systems, and we can help you find the door system that’s right for you. We can offer repairs, as well, and we always work to find something that will fit your budget. If you would like, we can even email you a quotation.
Call us!
Saint John: 506-633-6604
Fredericton: 506-455-3667
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