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In This Article
Better Homes & Gardens
For those who care towork in their garageorworkshopall twelvemonth troll , a service department smoke is good to keep you well-situated . Garage bullet are similar tospace heaters , but you will require to ensure they ’re large and powerful enough toheat the intact space .
Traci Fournier , vice chair of operations at One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning , notes that the idealistic size andtype of heaterdepends on how large your service department is , the climate you live in , and intended economic consumption .
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
We put gaseous state and electric hummer to the test in our own homes to see which ones were the most efficient in warming a garage . We also address to Fournier , who offered inscrutable insight on how to choose the skilful garage warmer .
What We Tested
We try service department heaters at home plate and valuate them based onsetup , performance , and features . For more on how we test heaters , seeour testing processbelow .
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Mr. Heater Big Buddy Propane Heater
It has a across-the-board power end product range of 4,000 to 18,000 Btu between three setting .
It does not come with a gun hose .
Lightweight and portable , theMr . Heater Big Buddy Propane Heaterhas high , medium , and down mount bring out 4,000 , 9,000 , and 18,000 Btu , severally . It ’s design to heat spaces up to 450 hearty feet . The runtime is just over three hours on low-down and skinny to two hour on in high spirits .
Credit: Amazon
During examination , we matt-up that itheated the room evenly , and we were capable to observe the warmth up to 15 feet away . It was observably more in effect at heating the garage than the 110 - volt infrared way heater we used previously .
The heater realise bonus stop from us because it was wanton to set up and came with clear instructions that explained how to determine up and operate the hummer . However , no gas hosiery was include , so we ended up purchasing one with an adapter to use during our tests .
We found it fair quiet for apropane smoke , even with the sports fan running . However , we remark that heat radiated upwardly from the unit , so areas that were below the heater did not get as warm . And we would have preferred a longer cord so we could have more elbow room to move it around .
Product inside information : Power root : Propane| Max Heat Output:18,000 Btus| Dimensions:19 x 12 x 17.75 inches| Room Size:450 hearty feet| Installation Options : Portable
Key Terms to Know
Btu : Btu , or British Thermal Units , are mensuration that show the amount of DOE a smoke needs to produce heat . The higher the Btu rating , the more powerful the heater .
Best Propane
Mr. Heater Portable Propane Forced Air Heater
It can quickly inflame up a prominent area ( up to 1,500 square foot ) thanks to a maximal 60,000 Btu output .
The warmer does not have a built - in thermostat .
In just five second , theMr . Heater Portable Propane Forced Air Heatermade a chili pepper , 34 ° F blank feel noticeably warmer , particularly in the stain where we directed the heating . It ’s one of the best service department hummer we quiz in term of power , featuring a maximal 60,000 Btu output .
Plus , it can feed 12 hour at a sentence on a single 20 - pound armoured combat vehicle , making it a dear selection to have in case of ablackout or emergency situation . promiscuous - to - use dials let you crank the heat up or down , while a gas hosiery and governor control flatulence pressure . The heater also has handles for easy carrying .
It can hot up up to 1,500 satisfying foot , so it work for sensitive to large garages or job sites . While the manufacturer says it is 50 pct quieter than other hummer , it was pretty loud ( like a loge buff on high)—you might need noise - canceling headphones to drown out the roar .
While we found this service department heater effective , it is n’t the mostenergy efficient , as it does n’t have a built - in thermoregulator and ca n’t automaticallyadjust temperaturesif it arrive too warm .
intersection particular : Power Source : Propane| Max Heat Output:60,000 Btus| Dimensions:15.98 x 8.82 x 13.5 inches| Room Size:1,500 square feet| Installation Options : Portable , floor ride , tabletop mounted
Best for Large Garages
Briza Infrared Electric Heater
It features an IP55 rating , indicating a sure level of weather protection , so you could use it indoors and outdoors .
There are no precise temperature control setting .
TheBriza Infrared Electric Heaterheats objects instead of the atmosphere around them , whichcan save energy , especially if you have a with child service department . Although there is no way to set an exact temperature , it offers three warmth levels at 900 , 1,200 , and 1,500 watts .
In our mental testing , we were capable to feel the fastball ’s heating effects in athree - car garagewithin transactions . The bullet mechanically turns off if it fee over , which is a nice safety feature . An IP55 rating offers protection against dust and lactating atmospheric condition , so you may utilise it toheat a patioor balcony .
We liked that the smoke could be ceiling - mounted or countersink on the floor using an adjustable ( included ) 48- to 75 - in tripod . While we apprize the versatility , it can only be pose horizontally , which limit where it can fit — we like we could tilt it vertically to come out it in the garage corner .
As long as we remained within 10 understructure of the heater , we were able to sense the oestrus . But not as much heat energy emit from the back of the fastball , so it felt significantly cool behind the gimmick . Our pet view is that the smoke does n’t have a fan , making it well-nigh silent .
Product particular : Power Source : Corded electric| Max Heat Output:1,500 watts| Dimensions:35.5 x 4 x 4 inches| Room Size:1,000 square feet| Installation Options : Wall , cap , or tripod
Best Ceiling Mounted
Comfort Zone Ceiling Mount Heater
It has a remote control with a timer that you’re able to programme to turn on and off base on your agenda .
The unit price , as well as installation fees , make this one of the most expensive simulation on the list .
Although theComfortZone Ceiling Mount Heateris more expensive than other options , we think it ’s worth it foruncluttered blank in the garage . add the heater up high also let the warmth to disperse evenly , so you wo n’t have to worry about inhuman pocket .
We supplied our own gas hose to connect the propane tank to the unit.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Made of heavy - gauge blade , it has a remote control with a 12 - minute timekeeper that cycles the car on and off automatically , plus an overheating sensor . During testing , we witness that the warmer effectively maintained the temperature at 50 ° F .
We found that it made a quiet humming when running that did n’t drown out conversation or music . The heater is available in 5,000- , 7,500- , and 10,000 - watt models , so you have a few options to comfortably accommodate your blank .
facility is a flake more complicated , as the heaterneeds to be hardwiredwith the help of an electrician . Combining installation fees with the overall whole toll does tot up up , making this one of the more expensive pick .
Product Details : Power beginning : Hardwired| Max Heat Output:10,000 watts| Dimensions:17.88 x 14 x 14.5 inches| Room Size:1,500 square feet| Installation Options : cap
Best Hybrid
Dewalt Hybrid Portable Heater
It has a across-the-board base which make it hard to strike hard over .
This heater demand lots of ventilation , which might not always be potential in cold , winter month .
TheDewalt Hybrid Portable Heaterwas easygoing to use , and we feel it was a safe option , even with kids nearby . This is because of an excess - wide basis that take a leak it intemperate to accidentally pink over , and a safety switch that mechanically shuts off the gas if the flame become out .
During examination , we observed that the handle did n’t get burning hot when the fastball was on , so we could pick it up and move it around . It ’s powered by electrical energy with backup 20 - volt max electric battery , making it great for blackouts or to take camping . ( remark : We did not test the battery feature . )
It ’s herculean , featuring 68,000 Btu — enough to heat a three - elevator car service department in the winter . We liked that it heat the space chop-chop on a snowy , 11 ° F day . But keep in mind that it needsplenty of ventilation(open doors or windows ) to prevent the buildup of toxic gas .
On cold twenty-four hour period , the heater might take a while to warm up . Our only other complaint is that the heater was extremely loud , and we could only take a conversation if it was n’t set at the max .
merchandise Details : Power Source : Hybrid ( corded electric , propane , battery)| Max Heat Output:68,000 Btus| Dimensions:20 x 13 x 17 inches| Room Size:1,700 square feet| Installation Options : Portable
Best Electric
Heat Storm Wifi Infrared Heater
Smart features such as an Amazon Alexa and Google Home - compatible app allow you make a warming agenda .
It comes in special coloring options .
While you could certainly install theHeat Storm Wifi Infrared Heaterin your service department , it ’s suitable for practically any elbow room of your rest home . The fastball ’s power output is 52,000 Btu , and is designed for rooms between 150 and 750 satisfying feet , bet on how well insulated they are .
The heater has commodious features , such as a thermoregulator , a remote , and an app that pairs with Amazon Alexa or Google Home , grant you to make a warming schedule . you’re able to also setyour preferred temperaturevia the remote control or the touchscreen panel on the body .
It scored top home run for condom during our tests — it remained cool enough to touch while run , and we felt prosperous leaving it on while our 3 - year - old was in the room . We like that the smoke can be wall - mounted or portable , thanks to removable foot you’re able to slue under the heater .
We determine the fastball passing effective ; it was able to warm up our two - room garage within 10 minutes and has an energy - saving mode . It ’s also fairly sleek compared to other options , but we would have be intimate other colors besides black and whitened .
Product Details : Power germ : Corded electric| Max Heat Output:1,500 watts| Dimensions:4 x 19 x 16 inches| Room Size:150 square feet| Installation Options : Wall and portable
Other Garage Heaters We Tested
Heat Hog 18,000 BTU Indoor/Outdoor Portable Propane Heater
Amazon
TheHeat Hog Portable Propane Heaterhas 18,000 Btu and is able-bodied to tip back so you could direct the heat on the dot where you need it . While you’re able to use it to heat small garages up to 450 square feet , it is quite minor and burns through propane quickly . We suppose it might be better suited for camping or tailgating .
Remington REM-80T-KFA-O Kerosene/Diesel Forced Air Heater with Thermostat
At 80,000 Btu maximal power turnout , theRemington REM-80T - KFA - Ois a beast that can rapidly heat up your garage . We tested this heater in 4 ° F weather and it took just 15 minutes to warm the entire service department significantly .
But because it run on kerosene or diesel , sustain respiration is a must to murder carbon monoxide exhaust . If you ’re intimidate by fuel - powered smoke , this one is not for you . If you require a fast way to rear garage temperatures , however , it ’s one to consider .
Our Testing Process
We tested a variety of service department heater including portable freestanding fashion model , infrared electric , and flatulency - powered models . For portable framework , we were able-bodied to move them around as needed , and for any modeling that needed to be hardwired , we charter an electrician to install them .
First , we set up the heaters for use in the garage , making sure we had a informant of public discussion toavoid carbon monoxidebuildup . We set a thermostat about 10 understructure away from the heater and left it in shoes for an minute to get a baseline temperature before we turn it on .
For the first three uses , we put down the temperature before heat , after 15 minute , and after we turned the heater off for that special Clarence Shepard Day Jr. . We also noted outside temperature and weather conditions ( snow , wind , rain , sun , etc . ) and how many fomite were in the garage .
We assessed safety feature include timers , confidential information - over automobile - off , exterior temperature of the machine , and overheat aegis . We also tested any additional feature that fare with the smoke , such as thermostat , timekeeper , humidity sensing element , and eco modes .
Other factors like disturbance level , how well-to-do it was to ferment on and off , and how sluttish it was to move if it was portable were also debate . For electric example , we noted any change in our energy bill and vigor consumption during the examination flow .
What to Know About Garage Heaters Before Shopping
Type
Garage heaters are primarily uncommitted in gas or electric model . Out of the two , electric heaters are more straightforward to set up and use because they only need to be plugged into an electrical release to ferment .
Keep in mind that there are also infrared electric warmer usable , which are more energy - effective than regular galvanizing heaters because of the mode they transfer heat ( these warmer heat objects and not the melodic phrase around them ) .
Gas heaters are more cost - efficient but not as easy to set up . For a natural flatulency heater , you ’ll have to install a gaseous state line if your garage does n’t have one already . The space should also be well - ventilated to preclude carbon paper monoxide buildup . Portable gas heaters melt on propane , kerosene , or diesel .
Size
Fournier put up a foolproof pattern to encounter the veracious size fastball for your blank space by forecast 10 watts for every square invertebrate foot . “ For object lesson , in an region that is 20x24 feet , you would require 4,800 watt of power , ” she aver .
Power Source
Garage fastball are typically power bygas or electrical energy . While flatulence heaters can be cheap to run away , you require to have a natural gas communication channel installed in your garage or buy fuel for it to work . Your service department should be well - ventilated to avoid buildup from carbon paper monoxide and other toxic gas .
Installation
You might have to hire an lineman depend on the type of service department hummer you desire . Some galvanizing models have to be hardwired or mounted on a bulwark or ceiling , which needs professional expertise . Also , natural gas garage heaters fire by natural gas require anatural gas line .
Fournier says , “ Professionals have the expertise to value your garage ’s specific needs , urge the ripe fastball size and type , and install it safely . This minimizes the risk of malfunctions or safety hazards associated with DIY instalment . ”
Your Questions, Answered
What is the most efficient type of heater for a garage?
Gas heaters are generally considered to be more zip - effective than electric warmer . However , many New electric heaters have energy - saving feature such as eco - mode and programmable thermostats that will lower the heat if your garage gets too red-hot .
How many Btu are necessary for heating a two-car garage?
As a general rule , the enceinte the region , the more Btu are needed to heat up it . The average 500- to 700 - foot , two - car garage needs around 45,000 Btu .
How much does it cost to install a garage heater?
harmonize to Fournier , the cost depends on the size , fuel eccentric , and efficiency of the model selected . If you ’re on a budget , there are portable garage heaters you could grease one’s palms for around $ 100 . Expect to pay more for big models or those that have to be hardwired by an linesman .
Who We Are
Nor’Adila Hepburnis a author who narrow in write in - astuteness purchasing guides for Better Homes & Gardens . To happen the best vacuum mops , Hepburn used lab insights and verbalise toTraci Fournier , vice chair of operations at One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning .
The heater requires a gas hose to connect to the propane tank, and you’ll likely need an extension cord due to the short power cord.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
The heater can only be set horizontally, which may limit its placement in some garages.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
The heater displays the temperature and an LED light indicates that it’s on.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
The heater should be used with ventilation.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
An LED display shows the temperature in the garage.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Amazon
Credit:Amazon
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
