If you are looking to install a new or upgraded heating system in your garage, you have a lot of options. You can choose systems that go in the garage or in the backyard, giving you solutions for all kinds of replacements and upgrades.
Perhaps the most important consideration in this decision is choosing the type of heat source you will use: natural gas, electric, wood, or fuel oil.
Why does the garage need heated, anyway?
It seems fairly obvious to some, but there is a lot more to heating a garage than how much time you spend in there. Even if you don’t spend a lot of time in your garage space, you might still want to consider adding a heating system. Here are a few reasons:
1. If you have water pipes running near or through the garage that aren’t well-insulated, they might freeze if you don’t protect them from extreme temperatures.
2. If you use your garage as a workshop or, since 2020, as your remote office, the winter months are a great time to work on hobbies to keep yourself busy. Without a heated garage, you might not want to spend a lot of time out there, though.
3. Your garage, if attached, is an entryway to the home. Having an unheated garage can suck warm air out of your home and cause your house heating system to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Ask before you buy…
Before you decide on the type and size of the heating unit, you need to know a few things. Any heating specialist is going to ask some basic questions like:
1. How big is your garage? You should know the square footage, at least to an approximate point, so that you can choose the right size heating system for the job.
2. Do you need heating and cooling for your garage? If you want to use your garage comfortably in the summer months, a heating and cooling system is your best option to keep the space temperate throughout the year.
3. How is the space used? If it’s just for parking cars, that will change the heating requirements compared to using it as a full-time shop, a playroom, a fitness room, or another space where people spend a lot of time.
Among these most popular choices, which one is right for YOU?
1. Wood stoves are common
For those who live in a more remote area or who have access to wood and want an affordable solution, a wood stove can be useful. It’s fairly common to see this type of heating in detached garages, remote homes, and rustic-themed designs.
Just remember to check with your home insurance company regarding installation requirements, chimney installation standards, and other regulations to make sure that your stove is complying.
Follow all local rules and regulations when installing a new heat system in your garage, as well. This could include a limitation on types of stoves used, such as slow-burning stoves or pellet stoves.
Limit your use of wood to dry, treated wood designed specifically for heating. Pressure-treated, painted, or otherwise treated construction lumber and building materials release dangerous chemicals when they are burned and can affect the longevity of the stove. They can also have a harmful effect on air quality.
The final consideration for a wood stove is the regular cleaning that comes along with it. While wood stoves are cost-effective, they do require a little more work.
2. Natural gas, propane, and fuel oil systems
If you are already using natural gas or fuel oil to heat the rest of your home, it might be easy to extend the system to the garage.
You can find smaller systems for standalone installation, but they are usually designed for a limited-size space. You can choose from direct vent or unvented models, as well.
Direct-vent systems are ideal for your garage, and especially if you already use propane or natural gas in other areas of the home.
You won’t spend as much on gas lines or fuel sources because most of the linework is already there. Plus, this system will draw in outdoor air and exhaust all of the carbon monoxide to the outdoors.
These systems can be installed as a DIY project, but it is much more highly recommended to use a heating specialist to ensure that the job is done right. When the garage space has to be kept above freezing temperature, direct-vent systems are likely your best choice.
3. Electric heating solutions
These systems have a variety of styles and sizes available to choose from. There are nearly endless options for electric heat sources for your garage. From portable space heaters to overhead units and baseboard heating, there is something for every garage. There are even high-powered systems that can be hooked up to 208 and 480 volt systems.
Electric heaters are beneficial because they are easy to install and operate. These heaters require no chimney or venting ducts, and they are clean, quiet, and functional in most garage spaces. They also offer a better price point than most heating systems.
Of course, the cost of electricity is higher than gas in most places, so make sure that you’re not losing all of your savings on the increased electric bill. Make sure that your garage is well-insulated to get the most from electric heaters.
Electric heaters also offer a variety of installation options. You can choose from wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted heaters, as well as standalone units. Mounted heaters are ideal because they aren’t going to be in the way when walking around or working in the garage.
Make sure that you consider the following when installing a ceiling unit:
· Install the unit at a 45-degree angle for best operating capacity.
· Make sure that the thermostat is as far away from the system as possible.
· Put the heating unit at the back of the garage to ensure even heating and keep heat from escaping right out the door.
4. Consider extending your existing HVAC system
Those who have an attached garage are already ahead of the game.
Rather than running new lines for everything, many homeowners are able to increase the ductwork and existing system in their home to include the garage space.
This will not only save you money on a new system, but it will streamline your heating and cooling system and the costs associated with it. For homes in areas with less harsh winters and hot summers, this is an ideal solution.
Of course, this is going to increase how much you are using your existing HVAC unit and the wear on the system over time.
This may mean that it requires more frequent maintenance and replacement parts because it is being used more extensively.
Also, make sure that the air in the garage isn’t circulating through the home because there could be air quality issues. By allowing a specialist to do the work, you can guarantee that these issues are addressed properly.
Make the most of your garage door.
Think of the garage door as the “4th wall” to your home.
Your garage door is an important part of the picture to consider when you’re choosing a heating system for your garage.
It is designed to move and needs to be well-insulated. If your door is showing signs of age, consider upgrading to a properly insulated door to stand up to the temperatures and keep the heat from your new system locked in your garage.
Whether it just need a little fine-tuning, or it must replace, it should be the first step of your project. What are the R value and the U value of your garage door? Which one the 2 most popular types of insulation used for garage doors is it made of?
Finally, if you do think your garage door has to be changed before getting a heating source in your garage, here is why you should consider a Garaga garage door.
You Would Like to Know More About Your Garage Door Options?
Call us today at 207-784-0622 to learn more.
Our team understands garage door systems and can help you get the most from your garage, no matter what you have in mind. We can even provide email quotations with no obligation, so contact us now.
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