Are you finally going to put a heating system into your garage? Perhaps you have been thinking about it for a while, and you wanted to finally get some heat out there? Maybe you have an older system for heating the garage that needs to be replaced?
Whether you have a garage that is attached to the home or separate, you will find that there are several potential solutions.
One of the most important things to consider will be the type of energy that will be used to heat the garage.
Depending on where you live, this could vary. Typically, you will be choosing from electric, natural gas, fuel oil, and wood.
The Benefits of Heating Your Garage
Why would anyone bother heating their garage? Those who do not spend much time in the garage might not understand why the garage might need to be heated.
Of course, there are quite a few good reasons.
If you have any water pipes that run through the garage and that are not insulated, heating the garage will help to protect them from freezing.
If the garage acts as an entry point into your home, and you don’t heat it, every time you open up the door to the garage from inside the house, it will let in cold air. It can make it hard to find an ideal temperature.
Another great reason to heat the garage is if you like using it as a workspace, a place to work out, or just another room of the house for activities. If it’s not heated in the winter, you probably will not want to spend too much time there. Heat ensures you can use it all winter long.
3 Important Things You Have to Consider
Let’s look at some of the important elements that you need to think about when you are choosing what type of system you should add.
1) The Size of the Garage
This is important to think about because it will let you know just how much space you have to heat. Know the length, width, and the height of the garage. Knowing these numbers will allow you to find out the cubic feet/meters that will need to be heated.
2) The Way You Use It
Will you be using the space as an exercise room, a hobby room, or a playroom for the kids? How often will you use it? This information can let you know just how warm you will need it to be.
3) Heating and Cooling in the Summer
Some systems will allow you to cool the garage, as well, which can be helpful in the summer months.
The Best 4 Heating Systems You Could Choose
1. Heating the Garage with a Wood Stove
This is a simple solution for those who have access to wood, and it is often used for those who have garages that are separate from their home.
If you are going to add a stove, you will want to make sure that you check with the home insurance company for standards for chimney and installation, including fire resistance and heat shielding for the walls. It will reduce the risk of a fire.
You will also need to consider the regulations in your area. In some cases, only certain types of wood stoves might be allowed, and it might be required to install slow-burning or pellet stoves.
Keep in mind that you never want to burn pressure-treated wood or lumber that has been stained. Use dry wood, and make sure the chimney is cleaned correctly to reduce the risk of fire.
2. Natural Gas or Oil
Using natural gas, such as propane, or heating oil, can be a good option, as well. If you already use one of these systems to heat your home, you may want to consider expanding your current system to include the garage.
You can also find some standalone systems which you can use. However, these are often smaller and may not be able to heat the space that you have.
Direct-vent systems can be a good option, as it can pull in outdoor air to support combustion and removes carbon monoxide through a pipe in the wall.
It tends to be a good idea to have a professional come out to provide the installation for the system. These direct-vent systems could work well for those who live in climates where the temperature can get to below freezing in the winter.
3. Electric Systems
Electric heating is also quite popular, and you will find a wide range of styles and sizes to suit just about any need.
For example, you might find that all you need is a portable space heater that you could plug into a 120-volt outlet. You might choose an overhead heating unit or baseboard heaters. There are systems for different voltages and needs.
One of the most significant benefits of using these types of systems is just how easy they are to install and use. They are also quiet and clean, and you do not need to add a chimney, ventilation ducts, or make any significant changes to your system.
They are a fantastic option, as long as the cost of electricity in your area is reasonable.
If you live in a location where electricity costs are high, it might not be feasible to use electric energy.
Those who are considering ceiling units will want to make sure that it is aimed at a 45-degree angle toward the floor. Make sure to locate the thermostat far from the heat source, too. Having systems mounted toward the back of the garage is usually a good idea. Take some time to think about which of the options will be right for you.
4. Extension of Your Current System
As mentioned, it is possible to extend the current heating and air conditioning system that you have in your home and bring it to the garage. This will allow you to have the same heating and cooling capacities that you have inside your house.
This can work well for many locations, but it tends to be best for those who have hot summers and winters that do not get too harsh.
Just keep in mind that this will be making your HVAC system work harder. You also need to make sure that air is circulated properly.
Naturally, you need to be sure that you are working with professionals who will be able to install the system for you. They should be able to come to the home and let you know whether it is the right option for you or if you should choose another method of heating your garage.
Once you have a system that seems like it will be a good fit, you can get started. Just think about all of the things that you can do once you have proper heating, and perhaps even cooling, in the garage.
What About Your Garage Door?
The garage door needs to be in good condition, as well, if you want to make heating the garage worthwhile.
Your garage door is the 4th wall of your garage. It lets a lot of energy in and out and. It should be well-insulated to maintain the temperate in your garage. Whatever heating system you choose.
Your garage door might need some repairs, new weather seals, as example. Maybe the R value and the U value of your garage door are just too low and you should think of replacing it. If so, here is why we recommend Garaga garage doors. Learn more about the 2 most popular types of insulation used for garage doors.
You need to be sure that the door is weathertight and insulated correctly so you don’t put your money in buying for a heating system and then for paying your energy bills and not feeling comfortable in your garage!
Need to have your garage door checked-up before taking your project to the next step?
You can contact us at 508-563-5633.
We understand garage door systems from top to bottom and can help you find the right door for your needs and budget. We can even email you a quotation.
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Get inspired by visiting our residential photo gallery. You can also build your favorite garage doors on our Design Centre.
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