Garage Heater Installation: How To Stay Warm In Your Garage This Winter
Winter has arrived and homeowners have moved inside to hibernate from the cold temperatures. However, some have found a way to utilize an otherwise unused space off the home, all year round. Garage heaters are great for homeowners looking to maintain useable living space during the winter. Affordable options exist for those wishing to heat their garages. Professional garage heater installation, or portable garage heaters are the two most common solutions for existing homes. Homeowners who are planning the construction of a new home, can implement forced air heating or radiant floor heating.
Gas or Electric Garage Heater Installation
If you are a hobbyist, a tinkerer, or just someone who wants to extend livable space in your home, installing a garage heater is a great option. Working on cars, woodworking, and even entertaining is comfortable all year round in a heated garage. Installed garage heaters are forced air and heat air with either gas or electric. Gas powered garage heaters are more affordable to operate and are an excellent choice. Gas lines and electric connections need to be run to the unit and add to the cost of installation. Electric garage heaters use a heating element and fan to circulate warm air within a garage. This style of heater requires an electrical connection. Keep in mind that operating costs are higher with electric models. In addition, professional installation is advised for these heaters and add to the total expense.
Radiant and Forced Air Garage Heater Installation
Homeowners that are in the planning phase of building a home have two more options for heating garages. Forced Air involves installing ductwork in the garage. Heating a garage in this manner allows for using the main furnace. This eliminates the need to install a separate heating unit in the garage. Another option is to install a radiant heating system in the floor. Radiant systems use boilers and hot water to heat the concrete floor in the garage. This is the most comfortable and expensive of all options. Radiant heating also has lower operating costs.
Portable Garage Heaters
Finally we come to portable garage heaters. These are great for completing small projects during the winter . Portable units use Kerosene, Propane, or electric to provide heat for short amounts of time. This is perfect for small auto repairs, small home projects, or small get togethers. Operating costs are the highest with these units. They are often the cheapest of all options, but the fuel and electricity costs quickly devour any initial savings.
Homeowners heating a garage need to consider more than just the heater itself. An insulated garage and door are essential to maintaining temperatures and add to the cost. If you are looking for garage heater installation, and would like a free estimate, contact the experts at Polar Heating & Air Conditioning today.
