When it comes to heating areas such as your shop or garage, there are a lot of factors to consider. You want to find a heater that will heat the space efficiently and be cost-effective.
Things to consider:
Safety
As always, consider the safety of yourself and others around you. Whatever choice you make for heaters, make sure you follow all guidelines for proper and safe installation. Make sure your wiring is done correctly and that there are no fire hazards in the way.
If you choose to use a portable electric heater or any sort of space heater, make sure to never leave them running unattended. This goes for some other types of heaters as well, so make sure to read the handbook and safety guidelines.
For portable space heaters or other heaters that sit on the ground rather than being installed, search specifically for heaters that have an automatic “tip-over” safety feature that will turn the heater off if it should tip over. Otherwise, the heater could become a dangerous fire hazard.
Size
The size of your garage or shop will affect what kind of heater you are able to use. If you have a small shop or garage, you might be able to get away with a fairly small and inexpensive electric space heater. A larger garage or shop area will need a larger unit and will likely need to be installed accordingly.
Just as you wouldn’t want to purchase a heater that is too small to adequately heat your space, you do not want to run a heater that is too large either. Most heaters will come with directions that specify the size of space they are best suited to.
Insulation
Is your garage or shop insulated? Insulation is one way to keep the temperature of your garage controlled. Insulating your garage is one of the best methods of keeping your garage warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Especially if you are looking at options for heating your garage, you will want that heat to stay inside your garage rather than seeping out through the walls, doors, and windows. Proper insulation can save you energy and money.
Thermostats
Whatever electric heating option you choose for your shop or garage, it is a good idea to install a thermostat as well. Most systems will probably come with a thermostat, but if it doesn’t you will want to set one up yourself.
A thermostat will not only help you set and control the temperature but will also save you energy and money by making sure the system is only running when it is supposed to. With a programmable thermostat, you can set the system to turn on and off on a timer or set it to auto to keep a certain temperature.
Heating your garage or shop with an electric heater is a great way to make use of your extra space during the colder months. If you shop smart, insulate, and follow all safety guidelines, you should be able to heat your space effectively and inexpensively.
