With the winter season just around the corner, investing in a garage heater is an ideal option. You might wonder how to figure out if there are variants in garage heaters or what things you might consider while buying one. To ease you a bit, we have compiled a detailed buying guide to keep your garage at a perfect temperature all year round.
Are there any specific types of Garage heaters?
If you are not a happy shopper, getting a garage heater can be a lot of hassle for you. It might get confusing with all the types and specifications. After careful consideration, we have jotted down the different types of heaters to keep your garage hot in the cold winter.
Infrared heaters
Electricity powered; infrared heaters use electromagnetic radiation to warm up the space. They are used for particularly small spaces to heat up a localized space around them.
Electric heaters
As the name suggests, electric heaters are plug-and-play. They use electricity to heat any space. You just have to turn on the switch, and voila. They are also cost-effective and require minimal maintenance.
Propane heaters
The propane heaters come with a tank and a connection to a gas line. It runs on propane liquid which is obtained from any gas station. It can be used for both large and small spaces. Like any other garage heater, propane heaters come with safety concerns. Always maintain a safe distance of 24cm or 3 feet between your heater and any combustible item.
Natural gas heaters
The natural gas heater is best for homes that already have a gas line installed to run appliances. It is a more viable option than electric heaters when it comes to financial costs.
Fan forced heaters
Fan forced heater comes with a built-in fan to heat the space. They are the most convenient option with minimum cost and easy usage.
What to consider while choosing the best garage heater?
Getting an appliance for your home is a one-time investment. You must carefully go through different features while buying the best garage heater for you.
Noise level
Make sure you go over different specifications of the garage heater before getting one. It will be a cause of significant disruption with excessive noise. Get yourself a garage heater that is quiet as a mouse.
Temperature control
Temperature control is also a significant factor while making a purchase. The overheat shutoff function and a thermostat will help you maintain your desired temperature and act as a safety measure.
Portability
If you are looking for something that can be repositioned in the garage and inside your room, look for a portable heater. A portable heater is easy to carry from one place to another. Electric heaters are often portable and compact in size; you just have to unplug the switch and carry it with you.
Safety Comes first
When it comes to any heating appliance, safety measures are the priority. With the upgrade in technology, many manufacturers are adding safety features like a cool-touch exterior made of either plastic or fiberglass, overheat protection, and automatic shutoff to avoid any mishap.
Availability of heat Source
The heat source will also affect your decision. If you have an oversized garage to eat up, always go for natural gas heaters as they are cost-effective. Heat output also depends on BTUs and the wattage the heaters consume. The increase in BTUs will have an ultimate impact on the increase of your budget.
Installation
Last but not least, installation of garage heaters is easy. Electric heaters require a direct electric supply and are adjusted anywhere in the garage. In contrast, the wall or ceiling garage heaters are tricky to install. They come with an instruction manual and often require extra hardware like a mounting bracket.
Lifetime of the best Garage heater
Although all these garage heaters come with a manufacturer’s warranty of one year, one must wonder how long a garage heater can last? With proper maintenance from time to time, your gas heaters will last for 16 to 20 years and even more. Feels like a lifetime, right?
When it comes to an electric heater, it will last for 20 to 30 years as well. The only problem that occurs is blown fuel. You can easily fix this issue by calling in a technician.
Best Garage heater Price Ranges
The price ranges of garage heaters vary depending on the type of heater and the size of your garage. Homeowners spend thousands of bucks to install a garage heater.
On average, it costs 1000$ -- 4000$ to install a garage heater, but the warmth is priceless. Plus, this is a one-time investment. You can get an electric garage heater which will cost you around 500$-1200$.
Frequently Asked Question
Q: Are garage heaters safe to use?
A: It is considered efficient to install a carbon monoxide detector to reduce the risk of poisoning. A proper ventilation system before installing a garage heater makes the venting easy. Keep your garage heater away from all combustible material to avoid any mishap.
Q: Can you leave the garage heater on all the time?
A: Yes, you can. Garage heaters come with a protective barrier that will keep you safe if you accidentally touch them. When the room achieves the desired temperature, the heater turns off with automatic shutoff features.
Q: Are garage heaters expensive to run?
A: Garage heaters are expensive but will keep you warm during chilly winters. An electric garage heater has the ability to quickly heat up your garage, but you will see a surge in electricity bills after using it.
Q: How far should you place your garage heater from the wall?
A: The ideal distance of 3 feet should be maintained between the heater and the wall for safety measures.
Q: Can you install a garage heater by yourself?
A: The answer is obvious. Every garage heater comes with an instruction manual which makes it easy to install. You can always hire a professional to get the job done.