Buy A Garage Heater Now!

Why heat a garage? As discussed in one of my previous articles, a garage makes up about 20% of usable space in the average home and represents the most under-utilized space in most climates during the winter months. Think what you could do with that extra space on those cold winter days. Afterall, a heated garage can be a lot more than a depository for cars and junk.

Think of the possibilities. A heated garage can be used for:

Recreation (exercise equipment/table tennis)
Woodworking and crafts
DIY Auto repairs / Mechanical maintenance
Painting & refinishing furniture
Repairing household items
Pet comfort
Laundry
Entertaining
Home business
Child day care

In addition, a heated garage provides damage protection. Cold temperatures in the garage can be detrimental to vehicles and house plumbing. In a cold garage, ice, snow and road salt can stay frozen and gradually corrode auto sheet metal, cold engine starts can damage engines, and plumbing in adjacent walls may freeze up.

Another great reason to have a garage heater warm garage = warm car = happy wife.

To state the obvious, garages are great places to set up a workbench to do basic tasks, repairs and hobby work. No garage should be without a good workbench and a place to store tools.

Eight years ago, I installed a 25,000 BTU vent free infrared gas heater directly above my workbench in the back of my two car garage. I love being able to turn the thermostat up when Im at my workbench, then turn the thermostat down again when I leave. This keeps cost of operation very low just pennies a day to keep at 55 to 60 degrees all the time. It helps that my garage is well insulated.

There are many garage heater options on the market. I recommend going online and doing a search. Personally, I prefer a vent free gas infrared heater, like the one in my own garage, or a vented infrared garage tube heater. What if gas is unavailable? Electric forced air heaters are a great option because theyre quiet and dont require venting. All you need is 240V service from your electrical panel.

Unsure what type of heater is best for your situation? A qualified heating professional can help you determine the amount of BTUs youll need, then help you select just the right heater for the job. A little research and a phone call or two can get you ready for cold months ahead. Now is the best time to buy. Dont wait for the cold.