Proper Heating For Every Space In Your Home – A Selection Of 7 Best Electric Garage Heaters
One of the most neglected spaces in terms of heating is probably your home’s garage. You may think that it is useless to have a warming device there, but specialists beg to differ.
Today’s article reveals the main reasons why you should get an electric garage heater. Learn more about what features make such a device a perfect match for your needs.
Check out our selection of outstanding electric heaters, carefully analyzed. Last, but not least, we’ll give you some tips on how to ensure proper maintenance of your garage appliance.
Why Should You Get A Garage Heater?
To put it simply, a heater in your garage brings both comfort and utility.
For those passionate of fixing things, the garage is most likely the space where you spend time doing it. Whether we talk about mending your car or having your very own workshop there, a freezing garage is by far ideal.
An electric heater allows you to keep working even in winter time or during the cold, late hours of the night. You should feel warm and comfortable while tinkering in your garage, in any season.
Believe it or not, the garage is one of the spaces that can influence the temperature of your entire home. Communicating with the exterior, this space is often the entryway for cold air into the house.
Consider adding a heater to avoid large variations of the indoor temperature. Proper insulation of all the walls is also recommended.
Besides discomfort, temperatures below freezing point also cause damages. They can affect the integrity and well-functioning of your car. Other materials or appliances stored in the garage can be victims of the freezing air.
To avoid a dead battery in ice-cold mornings, an electric garage heater will do the trick.
Time makes space for changes. Often, homeowners transform their garage into a living area. Whether we talk about an extra bedroom or a small apartment, renovating a garage is easier with a heater.
Keeping the space warm enhances the drying speed of construction materials and paint. Remember, having a constant indoor temperature helps the construction materials last longer. You wouldn’t want your walls to crack or peel, right?
It may also be an official requirement to have built-in heaters in your garage. Depending on the area where you live, the homeowners’ association can ask you that. It can be mandatory due to extreme weather conditions.
The purpose is to ensure that the building’s structure is safe, as well as its inhabitants (and their pets).
How To Choose The Best Electric Garage Heater?
If you do a little research, you’ll notice there are various options of garage heaters on the market. The old-style, heavy-duty versions have slowly turned into more portable and efficient devices. Nowadays, you can choose from fan forced, radiant (infrared), or ceramic heaters.
Depending on the type of fuel, your options vary from diesel, natural gas, kerosene to electric. According to your space, you can opt for a free-standing garage heater or a mounted one.
The electric heater is under the spotlight today. So, let’s figure out what kind of features you need to keep in mind. Making a well-informed decision ensures your investment meets your needs and budget.
- Measure Your Space & Heating Needs
This is something you have to do whenever you plan to get a device to warm up or cool down your space. Having a clear idea of how much space you want to heat helps you tick off the list those units that are too strong/weak.
Remember, you don’t want an appliance that can’t provide enough heat for your entire area. At the same time, a heater that blows too much hot air equals a waste of fuel and warmth (adding to your bills too). Rely on the wattage or BTUs to give you an idea on the power of an electric heating unit.
- Check Out External Factors
The garage walls’ insulation, location, frequency of use, all impact your heater’s performance. An insulated garage will conserve heat a lot more and also warm up faster. If your walls don’t have this extra-protection layer, we recommend a high-performing heater.
The spot where you’ll install your heater makes a difference on how well the hot air gets distributed. You should also consider how accessible a power source is, so you can plug in the cord with ease. For occasional garage heating, there are also budget-friendly, energy-efficient models.
- Estimate the Frequency of Relocation
Depending on whether you want to change the spot of your heater or not, there are two main types of garage heaters. A wall-mounted version saves you some floor space. In tight or overcrowded garages, that can be a true blessing. It also provides a higher angle for warmth spreading.
If you prefer having your heat source closer or take it with you around other spaces, go for a portable model. One of these garage heaters will allow you to place it wherever it is convenient for you. These are also smaller and lighter and don’t require professional installation.
- Look Out for Maintenance & Functioning Costs
Remember, you want to spend your budget on something that will make your life easier and even help you save up. Thus, opt for a modern, energy-efficient heater. The easier to use, the better, though that shouldn’t mean less features.
Weigh in all the pros and cons, so you choose a device that saves, not consumes your time. Low maintenance and adequate performance mean your energy bills won’t melt your budget.
- Get the Best of Safety Features
If you have children running around your garage (or not), safety is always recommended. Modern electric heaters come with extra features to keep your home and health at bay. Opt for a device that has the overheat protection included, if you plan to use it for long periods of time.
This way, you know both your garage and heater radiator won’t get damaged. An automatic tip switch off also comes in handy and can prevent accidents. A built-in thermostat takes some weight off your shoulders as well. You just set the desired temperature for your indoor space.
The thermostat monitors and adjusts accordingly. Consider getting a model with the cool touch feature. This guarantees the external surface of the heater stays cool and safe to touch. Your kids can play around and you can move at ease, free of worries that you can burn your skin by accident.
- Don’t Settle for Less Comfort
Aside from safety, many electric heaters come with additional features that increase comfort. An electric heater with a longer cord is easier to plug in even if the outlet is in a less accessible spot.
Depending on what activities you perform in your garage, this can come in handy. It lets you place the heater closer to you, as you move around the space. Built-in wheels and handles make transportation easier. Not to mention that they help you stay away from back injuries, for example.
And if you want more than just a one-direction current of hot air, look after adjustable louvers. A heater with this feature permits you to adapt the air flow according to your needs.
Our Most Recommended Electric Garage Heaters
1. DIMPLEX DGWH4031G Garage and Shop Large 4000 Watt Forced Air, Industrial
Getting too focused on technical details can leave you cold. So, how about we get you warmed up with some outstanding models available on the market? Check out our recommendations for the best electric garage heaters.
This way, you’ll get a better idea of what would be suitable for your needs. We prepared a list of seven models that will meet even the most exigent demands.
A sturdy and reliable unit, the DIMPLEX DGWH4031G Heater is a real beast. Going up to 4000 watts, this stainless-steel heater can provide up to 13, 640 BTUs. Get even the largest garage or workshop heated fast.
Thanks to the mounting bracket included, you can install this device in any corner, on a wall or even the ceiling. Rely on its high-performance engine to operate effectively, at any time and in any space. A propeller fan ensures the hot air gets well distributed.
You can leave behind the worry for temperature control. The unit self-adjusts temperatures between 45 – 77 degrees F. Overheating gets ruled out too, thanks to the automatic shut-off.
Pros:
- high performance (4000 watts/ 13,640 BTUs)
- automatic temperature control
- compact, stainless steel structure.
Cons:
- limited warranty (only one year)
- noisy
- high consumption of energy (according to some users).
2. Dr. Heater DR218-1500W Greenhouse Garage Workshop Infrared Heater
Plant-lovers and greenhouse owners will love the Dr. Heater DR218-1500W Infrared Heater. Super-easy to use, powerful and durable, this heater keeps any greenhouse warm and cosy. Thanks to its portable, lightweight design, you can take it with you wherever you need.
It features a heavy-duty ball-bearing motor, designed to last for many seasons. The water splashing protection will take some worries off your shoulders. You know this electrical heater can survive humidity and help your plants thrive.
The built-in thermostat allows you to set the ideal temperature. The automatic shut-off guarantees safety in case of overheating.
Pros:
- compact, easy to transport design
- heating coverage of up to 150 square feet
- low maintenance
- single-setting menu, easy to use
- heavy-duty steel structure
- overheat and water splashing protection.
Cons:
- limited warranty (one year)
- frequent complaints on thermostat wiring (prone to burning).
3. NewAir G56 5600 Watt Garage Heater
The NewAir G56 5600 Watt Garage Heater will sweep you off your feet. Capable of heating up to 560 Square Feet, this unit is both sturdy and practical. The built-in overheat protection complements the steel structure, for a reliable usage.
It meets the safety requirements and also comes with certifications to prove it. A built-in thermostat and automatic shut-off add to that. Its temperature range varies between 45 to 95 degrees F. You don’t have to worry much with finding the right spot for it. Just place it on the floor, wherever you need.
Pros:
- high efficiency (heats up to 560 square feet)
- easy to use (single-pole thermostat)
- portable, practical design
- stainless steel construction
- overheat protection.
Cons:
- limited warranty (some users complained about the product not lasting long)
- noisy (according to some users)
- requires a specific type of plug.
4. Comfort Zone CZ220 5,000W
To warm up your garage without losing any floor space, opt for the Comfort Zone CZ220 Heater. Heavy gauge steel is the secret behind its durability. Designed to face drastic temperature variations, this fan-forced heater helps you save space.
Ideal for small or medium sized areas, it is easily mounted on the ceiling. Adjust the mounting angle and use the louvers, to control the direction of the hot air flow. You don’t have to struggle to know how to use it. The two-knob thermostat lets you have control over the temperature and operating mode.
Pros:
- overheat protection (built-in sensor)
- easy to use (dual-know thermostat)
- compact, durable design
- power indicator light
- resistant to temperature variations.
Cons:
- noisy
- assembly flaws (according to some users, the fan is not securely tightened).
5. KING KB2410-1-B2-ECO KB ECO2S Garage Heater w/ Bracket
Energy-efficient performance is what the KING KB ECO2S Heater brings to your garage. Extra-comfort, from any corner of your space is now possible with this powerful, 5000W unit. Use the remote control to adjust the operation mode.
This smart device features a 2-stage heating. Set the Eco mode, to use a low wattage to warm up the space. Rely on the integrated fan to distribute hot air efficiently. In case of overheating or abnormal operation, the unit turns off automatically.
You will need to perform a manual reset in such a case, an extra-safety setting you may find useful.
Pros:
- easy to install and use (features a remote control)
- dual-stage heating (for energy efficiency)
- designed for safety (the steel fins mold into a coil heating structure, flooded by airflow)
- automatic shut off
- adjustable louvers.
Cons:
- rather noisy
- highly sensitive thermostat (according to some users)
- requires manual reset in case of shut down.
6. Fahrenheat Ceiling-Mount Industrial Heater
Heavy-duty power in an easy to install unit. That is what the Fahrenheat Ceiling-Mount Industrial Heater promises. Proudly manufactured in the U.S.A., this heater will keep you warm and save you space.
With various mounting options, it gives you the freedom to choose how to direct the airflow. Perfect for garages or workshops, this electric heater won’t leave you with cold feet. The fan function starts automatically.
But that is only after the heating element reaches the proper temperature. Talk about synchronization, right? The heater structure is also resistant to corrosion, thanks to the epoxy coating.
Pros:
- flexible mounting options
- easy installation
- automatic delayed fan action
- adjustable downflow positions
- 2 years of warranty.
Cons:
- some users accused loose, faulty wiring
- gives best performance in insulated spaces
- high consumption of energy.
7. Dr. Infrared Heater DR-988A Garage Shop
Stylish, portable and budget-friendly, the Dr. Infrared Heater DR-988A is hard to resist. Thanks to the built-in handle, you can easily take it with you, wherever you need. Its compact, eye-catching structure is capable of heating your garage in no time.
Thanks to thermostat control, overheating is a worry of the past. Fine tune the temperature as you wish, as your options go from High to Low. Although it goes up to 5600 W, this heater keeps noise level down at 45 dB. And accidents are also kept away, with the discharge grills and finger-proof surface.
Pros:
- portable, compact design
- built-in thermostat, overheat protection
- budget-friendly performance
Cons:
- limited warranty, compared to other models from the same manufacturer (one year instead of three)
- some users accused limited durability.
Tips For Taking Care of Your Electric Garage Heater
Don’t worry, taking care of your electric garage heater is not as complicated as it may seem. One of the main aspects you should look out for is cleaning it regularly.
Depending on the type of work you perform in the space, your unit might need more frequent cleaning. If your garage or workshop gets very dusty, you need to remove the dust or lint from the heating element.
This way, you avoid any unpleasant smell or smoke from polluting the indoor air. Remove the heater’s shell by unscrewing the front panel. Use a soft brush or the vacuum cleaner to get rid of the grime. You can also do a periodical cleanse of the fan and motor.
The back protective grill should also be removable. You can use a soft cloth or brush for this step. Make sure you securely tighten all the screws when placing back the grills or panels.
It’s very important to keep your electrical heater away from humidity. Place it in areas where there is low traffic or without many items nearby, to reduce the risk of accidents. Never proceed with cleaning the heater unless you turned it off and unplugged it.
Check out the manufacturers’ recommendations and user manual. There, you will find more specific instructions for the model of heater you purchased.
Overview
How does owning an electric garage heater make your life better? Well, first of all, it turns your garage or workshop into a warmer, more welcoming space. Easy to use, it also helps protect the integrity of the goods stored there.
As a secondary heating source, they do a great job for temporary use and keep your bills under control. Most models are rather silent (compared to other types of heating units) and efficient. Our list of seven best electric heaters includes both portable and ceiling-mounted options.
Depending on your available space, we are confident you’ll find a winner to take home.
Take your time to review our tips and recommendations. Let us know in the comments how you would benefit from using an electric heater in your garage. And for a completely warm and cozy home, check out our articles about other indoor and outdoor heaters.