The Best Ways to Heat a Garage
A freezing garage is not comfortable enough to work on your hobbies or projects. The cold temperatures are also not favorable for stored tools, liquids or equipment. In addition, suppose you have converted your garage into an extra living space, bedroom or playing area for your kids. In that case, the freezing temperatures in a detachable garage during winter can be too uncomfortable. Most homeowners in South Charleston, WV, have a detachable garage, so the heating unit in their main house doesn’t heat the garage. Luckily, there are straightforward and effective ways of heating an uninsulated garage to create a warm and cozy space for your hobbies, projects and entertainment. You can enjoy your attached or detached garage with these heating options even when the South Charleston winters tell you otherwise.
Assess Your Needs
The first challenge you should tackle is to understand how difficult it will be to heat your garage. One of the considerations to look into is your garage space’s size and how cold it gets during winters in your neighborhood. You might consider an energy audit or an expert to help you determine your heating needs and the number of BTUs you require in the garage. Also, it’s necessary to consider the garage’s insulation and if you are willing to remodel the space to add additional insulation.
Install the Right Insulation
Most garage spaces are not insulated, which explains why they are freezing during winters. The materials used in the construction of your garage can significantly determine how it performs in cold weather. Most spaces have open studded walls that are not ideal for warming garages during winter. Therefore, it’s wise to start by insulating your garage’s walls, doors and ceiling. There are a few insulation options based on how you want the space to perform in cold weather. You can use drywall, plywood or other paneling types to finish walls and ceilings. Blown-in insulation is a perfect option if you plan to use your garage for long periods during winter.
Forced-Air Heaters
Forced-air heaters are an effective and affordable way to heat your garage during winter. They run on natural gas and generate heat to your garage via gas combustion. The forced air heaters then transfer the heat through constant air circulation. You can place the heater into one corner of the space for maximum heating for the entire space. However, they can be a little bit noisy due to their fan circulation and gas combustion.
In-Floor Heaters
In-floor heaters were initially considered bathroom heaters. However, homeowners are embracing them as a garage heating method. In-floor heaters offer the ideal comfort as they keep the ground warm if you sit or lay down on the ground. If you use the space for a mechanic project or to work on your vehicle, in-floor heaters can work well. Combine this method with other heaters for optimal garage heating.
Infrared Heaters
These use advanced technology to heat objects directly in an open garage. An infrared heater is an ideal garage heating option if your space is open and difficult to insulate properly. However, liked the forced-air heater, these heaters are more expensive than most garage heaters. You can choose from different infrared heating options, though, depending on your preferences and heating needs, such as a mounted infrared heater, infrared ceiling panel and floor infrared heater.
Convection Heater
A convection heater is also an ideal heating option for your garage during winter. These heaters are versatile and operate by propane, natural gas or electricity. They are available in different sizes and types. Some convection heaters heat garage spaces fast, while others are a bit slow at warming up a space. You can choose the variation that suits your garage space perfectly.
Enhance the Flooring
Usually, garages have concrete flooring because upgrading it can be costly. However, it’s paramount to change the floor because it gets icy during the winter months, and more people are using the space. Also, concrete flooring makes garage heating unsuccessful. Consider wooden flooring if you want to make your garage warm. You can also throw a huge rug to cover the concrete flooring or use carpet tiles or floor mats.
Ductless System
Ductless heating and cooling systems are also known as multi-split or split systems. They are the easiest to install as compared to most other HVAC systems. A ductless system also has several other properties that make it an ideal method for heating garages. For instance, it is energy-efficient, which helps to save money on utility bills. Ductless systems are also eco-friendly solutions because they meet the most efficient energy guidelines.
You can have a warm garage space for your projects and entertainment during the winters by choosing an appropriate heating source. We can help you determine an ideal heating method that saves on utility bills. We also specialize in sewer and drain services, water tank replacement, troubleshooting, repairs and installation or heating and cooling services. Talk to us at Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling in South Charleston to learn more about the best ways to heat your garage.
