Garage Heaters for Large Spaces

By: Gene Rodriguez, III

Garage heaters are the perfect way to turn your garage into a four-season activity area. With multiple options for heat source and delivery systems, it's never been easier to get cozy in your garage.

Although primarily designed for vehicle storage, today's garage has become a multi-use part of the house. Used for crafts, woodworking and home maintenance, garage use tends to drop off in the winter due to the uncomfortably cool temperatures found there.

Portable Garage Heaters
Although inexpensive, portable space heaters can be dangerous in the garage environment. The close quarters of a typical garage can make maneuvering around a space heater a challenge. Also, ventilation is an issue with space heaters that use combustible heating sources. The closed environment of a garage is no place for combustion without proper ventilation.

Radiant Garage Heaters
Powered by electricity, propane or natural gas, radiant heaters heat objects and not the air, making them quick and efficient. Radiant heaters can be hung from the ceiling, making whole garage coverage easy. Combustion powered radiant garage heaters often come with their own ventilation kits, making them easy and safe to install. Also, since radiant heaters don't move air, they're perfect for environments with a lot sawdust or debris from sanding.

Convection Garage Heaters
Using propane or gas, convection heaters force air over hearting coils to heat large areas quickly. You can find these types of heaters in both ventless and direct vent models. Although ventless models are generally cheaper, direct vent designs limit the chances of dangerous fumes.

What To Look For In A Garage Heater
An automatic thermostat will make your garage heater more efficient and easier to use. For extra piece of mind, look for heaters with a built in oxygen sensor that will turn the unit off if the oxygen level in the room drops below a safe level.

Also, look for a heater that can be flexibly mounted and vented. A ceiling mounted system will save on valuable floor space.

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