Choosing a Unit Heater for Your Garage

Heating your garage can be tedious, especially if your area is prone to cold weather. On top of that, traditional heating methods that work for the rest of your home often won't suffice in your garage.

This is because running your central heating system to your garage with ductwork can cause pressure and circulation issues. For every cubic foot of air that leaves your house, your HVAC system needs to bring a cubic foot of air in. Garages that constantly open and close can disrupt this air flow balance.

Luckily, there are plenty of heating alternatives made specifically for garages. One of the most efficient options is a unit heater. Unit heaters are single-source, compact heating systems that produce high amounts of heat for a designated space. They work well in garages because they are high-powered and separate from the rest of the heating throughout your home.

Unit heaters come in many variations, but most fall into three categories determined by their fuel source: electric, gas, and hydronic.

Gas unit heaters draw their heat from either a natural gas line or a propane tank. The fuel combusts to create heat, and the fan in the unit heater pushes the heated air into your garage. Propane and natural gas are affordable heat sources that are easily accessible for most households. Natural gas unit heaters also warm an area much quicker than other types of heaters.

Gas and propane heaters also require venting that leads outside to expel flue contaminants. Luckily, garages have a close connection to the outdoors, so the installation process is not too disruptive or costly. Ceiling mounted heaters make this process even easier while staying out of the way of your car or workspace.

If you’re looking for a simple, inexpensive heating system, consider a gas or propane garage heater. Although, be sure that you do not have any combustible materials close to the unit heater in your garage.

Electric unit heaters are the most common heating system used for garages. This is because they can plug directly into an electric power source without needing ducts, vents, or filtering systems.

This benefit also lowers installation and maintenance costs. The best electric garage heaters are lightweight, with compact and sometimes even portable designs. If you cannot or prefer not to run gas lines or vent pipes to your unit heater, then electric heating is an effective alternative.

The only downside to electric unit heaters is that they can be more expensive to run. This is because the cost of electricity as a resource is usually higher than other fuel sources. However, the longevity, energy efficiency, and reliability you get from an electric unit heater is often worth the cost.

Hydronic unit heaters draw power from hot water or steam to transfer and disperse heat. If your home has a boiler, you can run pipes directly from it to the hydronic heater. Hydronic heaters can withstand harsh conditions and temperature changes while providing warm air to your whole garage.

Another large plus for hydronic unit heaters is that they operate quietly. Gas and electric heaters tend to be slightly louder heating systems. So, if noise levels are an important factor for you, consider a hydronic unit heater. Hydronic heaters are on the more expensive side, but they often have more safety features and are longer lasting for it.

You can further categorize unit heaters by the method with which they transfer heat. Unit heaters can be either forced air, convection, or radiant systems.

A forced air heating system uses a fan blower to move warmed air from a heat source and circulate it throughout an area. Forced air heaters can have a few different power sources. Many forced air heaters can attach to your home’s main furnace, whether it is gas or electric. The furnace generates heat, and the forced air system transfers the heat into a designated space.

Some forced air systems can also draw heat from an electric or geothermal heat pump. If you have a forced air heater professionally installed, you can have it linked to your home’s gas or propane line as well. Their versatility and localized heating make them an attractive option for garages.

A con to forced air heating is that if you use your garage as a workshop, the blasting air will blow around debris, sawdust, and other residue. This could be a major disturbance, especially if you’re working with wood, spray paint, or other loose materials.

Convection unit heaters work by having convection currents pass over a heating element to warm and circulate air. They rely on the principle of heat rising to heat garages from bottom to top. Convection is versatile and can work with both electric and gas-fired unit heaters.

Compared to other types of unit heaters, some convection heaters may take slightly longer to heat the air. Determine how rapid of a heating system your garage needs before purchasing a convection unit heater.

Radiant or infrared heaters heat objects and people rather than the air. They provide a quick, immediate heat output that allows heat to naturally circulate throughout a room. Radiant heaters can connect to either an electrical or hydronic source. While they are more expensive, radiant unit heaters cost less over time because of their high efficiency ratings.

If your garage needs localized, quiet heating that saves energy, then radiant unit heaters are a great option. However, direct radiation can cause heat damage to objects that get too close, such as cars and flammable objects. Make sure you have enough space to install a radiant heater before purchasing.

Once you’ve chosen the best unit heater for your garage, you will see many benefits. Having a heated garage does more than just keep it warm in colder temperatures. It also keeps your car warm, which decreases wear on the engine and extends battery life. You won’t have to spend as long warming up your car before you leave the house, which decreases unnecessary fuel consumption.

Heated garages also save you money on your overall heating bill. When you constantly let cold air from your garage into your home, your central heating system must draw more power to compensate. A warm garage maintains the temperature and pressure balances throughout your home.

With the right garage unit heater, you can attune the heat settings to fit your specific needs. Then, you'll have a new, multipurpose space that you can use for extra storage, workshopping, and more.

HomElectrical offers an extensive selection of electric, forced air, and convection unit heaters to choose from. Browse our unit heater catalog to find the perfect heating system for your garage.