n the midst of chilly winters, a garage can transform from a mere storage space or workshop into an icebox. If you're planning to spend time in your garage this year, whether for hobbies, storage, or as an extended workspace, understanding the nuances of garage heating is crucial. Today, we delve into the world of garage heaters, highlighting the top picks to help you choose the right one for your needs.
Also, if you're looking to enhance your home security along with optimizing your garage's warmth, we have a guide on the best doorbell video cameras for 2024, offering a perfect complement to your garage heater selection.
The Need for a Good Garage Heater
Most garages are not insulated like the rest of the house, leading to temperatures that can plummet to uncomfortable levels. Heating your garage is essential not just for comfort, but also to protect items stored there from cold damage. However, choosing the right heater involves considering various factors like safety, size, power supply, and installation requirements.
Top Garage Heaters
When selecting the top garage heaters, we considered a range of factors including heating capacity, safety features, energy efficiency, and user convenience, ensuring that our recommendations cater to a variety of needs and preferences for effective and comfortable garage heating.
Dr. Infrared Heater DR-975
The Dr. Infrared Heater DR-975 earns its reputation as the best all-around garage heater, thanks to its compact size and the convenience of a remote-controlled thermostat. However, it's worth noting that if you prefer a wall-mounted thermostat, this will need to be purchased separately, adding to the overall cost.
To learn more about the check out this video:
Mr. Heater Portable Buddy Garage Heater
When budget is a key consideration, the Mr. Heater Portable Buddy Garage Heater stands out for its affordability. It's praised for its lightweight design and the fact that it doesn't require electricity, making it highly versatile. However, it's best suited for smaller spaces, which might limit its use in larger garages or workshops.
To learn more about the Mr. Heater Portable Buddy Garage Heater, check out this video:
Dyna-Glo Electric Garage Heater with Thermostat
The Dyna-Glo Electric Garage Heater with Thermostat is a versatile choice for year-round comfort in your garage, featuring a wide range of settings and the convenience of remote control. While it ticks many boxes for ease of use and functionality, some users might find it slightly noisy during operation.
NewAir Portable Electric Garage Heater
Ideal for those who need mobility in their heating solutions, the NewAir Portable Electric Garage Heater can efficiently heat spaces up to 560 square feet and is easily portable. The design includes a built-in cord wrap for convenience. However, some feedback suggests that the carry handle could be designed for greater comfort during transportation.
Heat Storm Smart Outdoor Heater
The Heat Storm Smart Outdoor Heater is a modern solution with its Wi-Fi-enabled features, allowing for remote operation and schedule setting via an app. Its easy-to-read display enhances user experience. However, the heater doesn't come with wiring, which means an additional investment and possibly professional installation.
To learn more about the Heat Storm Smart Outdoor Heater, check out this video:
Mr. Heater Big Maxx Natural Gas Garage Heater
For those with larger garages, the Mr. Heater Big Maxx Natural Gas Garage Heater is an excellent choice, capable of heating up to 2,000 square feet. It comes with a handy propane conversion kit. However, be prepared to purchase the thermostat, hose, and regulator separately, which are necessary for operation but not included.
To learn more about the Mr. Heater Big Maxx Natural Gas Garage Heater, check out this video:
Considerations When Choosing a Garage Heater
When selecting the ideal garage heater, it is crucial to evaluate factors like safety certifications, the specific heating needs of your garage space, installation requirements, and additional features such as thermostats and remote controls, to ensure not only efficient heating but also safety and convenience in your workspace.
Safety
The paramount consideration when selecting a garage heater is safety. It's crucial to choose heaters that have been safety certified, ensuring they meet high safety standards. In addition to this, installing carbon monoxide (CO) alarms is highly recommended, particularly when using gas heaters, to monitor and prevent potentially dangerous levels of this odorless gas.
Size and Power
The size and power output of your garage heater should be carefully matched to the size of your garage. An oversized heater can lead to inefficient cycling, turning on and off too frequently, which can be both inconvenient and costly. Conversely, a heater that's too small for your space will struggle to provide adequate warmth, running continuously without effectively heating the entire area.
Installation
The installation process is another critical factor. Assess whether you can handle the installation yourself or if you need professional assistance. For heaters that require permanent installation, such as hardwired electric or gas heaters, it's essential to comply with local building codes and obtain the necessary permits. This ensures not only safe operation but also adherence to legal requirements.
Additional Features
In the realm of comfort and convenience, additional features can make a significant difference. Look for heaters with thermostats for temperature control, remote controls for ease of use, and automatic safety shutoffs to prevent accidents. These features not only enhance the user experience but also contribute to the overall safety and efficiency of the heater.
Garage Heater Safety Tips
It's vital to follow key safety guidelines such as never modifying your heater, maintaining a safe distance from flammable materials, using caution around combustible liquids and gases, ensuring proper ventilation, and considering the installation of a carbon monoxide alarm to ensure a safe and hazard-free environment while using garage heaters.
- Modification Caution: Never alter a heater in a way that deviates from the manufacturer's design. Unauthorized modifications can compromise the safety and functionality of the heater.
- Combustible Material Safety: Always maintain a safe distance between the heater and any combustible materials to prevent fire hazards.
- Caution with Combustible Liquids and Gases: Exercise extreme caution when operating heaters near flammable substances like gasoline or propane. Even small leaks or spills can become dangerous when exposed to a heat source.
- Ventilation: Ensure that your garage has adequate ventilation, particularly when using gas heaters, to avoid the build-up of harmful gases.
- Carbon Monoxide Alarm: Installing a CO alarm in your garage is a wise safety measure, especially if you're using a fuel-burning heater. This device can alert you to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide, which is particularly important in areas that are not regularly monitored.
By carefully considering these aspects, you can choose a garage heater that not only meets your heating needs but also ensures a safe and comfortable environment in your garage.
Warm and Safe Garage with the Right Heater
In wrapping up our discussion on garage heaters, it's essential to emphasize the importance of making informed choices. Whether you're doing it yourself or seeking professional installation from companies like National Assemblers, selecting the right garage heater is key to maintaining a warm, efficient, and safe environment in your garage.
Not to mention, our team of experts is here to assist you with your furniture assembly to your BBQ grill assembly if you require. Contact us today and let us help you with your installation!
