The garage, like most parts of the house, will need some heating to keep you warm during cold days. However, there are a lot of considerations to make before you choose a heating system for that space.
The good news is that you have a lot of garage heater installation options. Each of these options has pros and cons. It is therefore important to understand what these options are and how they work. Keep reading to find out all the details along with their pros and cons!
The Classic Wood Stove
The classic wood stove is the most common heating option not for garages only but for many homes.
It is also cheap to install and run as well since firewood is readily available. The biggest downside is that wood stoves require a lot of maintenance.
You will need to clean them regularly and replace certain components of the stove. Besides, there are some areas where these stoves are highly regulated as part of local fire and environmental codes. So, before you get yourself this type of heater, consult widely with authorities in your area.
Propane and Natural Gas Heater
In case you want something a bit more sophisticated than the classic wood stove, then the propane and natural gas options are highly recommended. It is a cleaner and classier option and will give you the soothing warmth you need to get by every winter.
However, propane and natural gas heaters are not cheap. First, you will need to install a vent system to supply the heated air all over the garage if it's not there already. The equipment needed to set up the heater can be a little expensive.
However, you are likely to benefit from low gas prices and besides, these heaters require very little maintenance. So, in the end, the garage heater cost will be manageable.
Electric Heating Systems
For people who want something low maintenance, easy to install, and quite effective in heating the entire garage, then you must pick electrical systems. There is a huge variety of electric-based garage heating solutions, and it will all depend on your budget.
The great thing about these heaters is that they can be installed in a few minutes. But if you don’t have air vents built to move the air, the project may take longer. Also, some of these heaters may require special outlets to run, something that may not be available in the garage.
Nonetheless, they do offer so many benefits albeit they don’t come cheap. And there is also the small matter of the electric bill which can skyrocket when these heaters are used.
Extend the HVAC System
If the three options listed above do not look appealing to you, there is always the option of actually extending the HVAC system into the garage. A lot of people don’t often plan for this when installing the main HVAC but it’s very doable. A few things will need to be in place, though.
First of all, ensure that air vents that carry heated air in and out of the garage are installed. Secondly, you will also need to get in air filters as well. This project can be done within a very short time. But you have to consider whether the central HVAC system is strong enough to support the entire garage.
What to Consider Before Choosing Garage Heating
There are some important things you should remember before you choose garage heating. First, how big is the garage? Bigger rooms may require bigger more advanced systems. Also, try to check the fuel source. How cheap or expensive is it?
Finally, you may also want to check if the space that you are using is prepped enough. For instance, for people that want to install an electric system, certain wiring requirements will be required. Finally, ensure that the heating systems you have chosen are acceptable based on local fire codes.
Do you need a pro to extend or repair your heating system? Then request a free quote today and start saving money!
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