The Best Ways to Heat Your Garage

Central Pennsylvania winters often come with frequent ice, snow and cold temperatures. If you want to have a pleasant experience going into your vehicle each morning, it helps to have a heated garage. Keeping your garage warm can also protect any temperature-sensitive items or supplies you store there.

How to Heat a Garage

The following three tips that will help you safely heat your garage in winter:

1. Determine Your Heating Needs

No two garages are alike. Before you choose a heating approach, you’ll need to evaluate several elements, such as the square footage of the space, how warm you want your garage to be and whether you have adequate insulation. If you plan to purchase a heating unit, these factors will help you determine the output it needs to deliver, measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs).

To calculate your BTU requirements, measure your garage’s length and width in feet, multiply the two figures together, and divide the result by 200. Multiply this amount by 6,000 if you have sufficient insulation or 9,000 if you have poor or no insulation to arrive at the appropriate BTU number.

2. Install or Upgrade the Insulation

Adding new insulation or replacing worn material is often the most cost-effective solution for heating a garage, as it will keep warm air from escaping. Insulate the ceiling and any walls directly exposed to the outside, place clear plastic shrink-wrap over windows, and use weatherstripping on the garage and entry doors. You can also purchase a garage door with built-in insulation for extra protection from the cold.

3. Choose a Heating Device

If you want your garage to be warmer after installing insulation, you may need to install a heating unit. Available options and some of the pros and cons of each include:

• Combustion space heaters: These units rely on a fuel source like kerosene or propane. Although they’re less expensive to purchase than electric space heaters, they require an ongoing fuel investment.
• Convection heaters: This heater type operates via circulated air currents. It will heat your garage space evenly, but it doesn’t filter the air, which can create dirt and dust accumulations.
• Ductless heaters: A ductless heating system consists of an outdoor air compressor and an indoor air-handling unit. While these devices are energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, they’re typically more expensive than other options.
• Electric panels: Ceiling-mounted panels are energy-efficient and easy to install. A potential drawback is that their elevated location may not generate enough heat in the lower portion of the garage. 
• Electric space heaters: These portable units provide maximum placement flexibility and don’t require ventilation. However, they only heat smaller areas and can pose a fire hazard.
• Forced-air heaters: This heater type uses a fan or blower to distribute heated air. They offer the convenience of connecting to your home’s propane or natural gas line, but they require regular duct cleaning. 

How to Heat a Detached Garage

Detached garages are more challenging to keep warm due to their exposure to the elements on four sides instead of three. The same heating options are available as with attached garages, although you may need a heating unit with a higher BTU output.

Contact Drake Reed Door Co. to Learn More

The experts at Drake Reed Co. can help you determine the best way to heat a garage. We also carry a wide selection of insulated garage doors to meet your temperature control needs. Contact us for more information or call us at 717-266-2698!