Garage heating
A warm garage on cold days: Ways to heat your garage
A place to keep a vehicle – for a long time, that was the main reason why garages were built. And yet, from the very beginning, there were carriage sheds that stood out from the crowd. They were larger and more comfortable, or had special extra features. In 1910, for example, Carl Benz, the inventor of the first road-worthy automobile, had a garage built in his home region of Baden-Württemberg in a historical tower design, even incorporating a study on the upper floor. And today? Today, a garage is much more than just a place to keep a vehicle. It’s used in lots of different ways in fact. This had led many people to consider the question of how to heat a garage. Heating can also be beneficial for vehicles – especially for classic cars and high-end models. It reduces the risk of damage to the paintwork, battery and other components from frost or damp. And a heater is also useful if you’re planning to store non-hardy plants in the garage. Below we set out some useful hints and tips on heating a garage.
Heating a garage: Points to clarify beforehand
There are some basic aspects you need to consider when looking for an efficient garage heating system.
Regulations: Regulations governing the use of garages may vary from country to country and region to region. If you are intending to use the garage for other purposes on a permanent basis, and buying a heater or a heating system for it, you should consult the competent planning authority to ascertain whether what you are intending is allowable. It’s also a good idea to inform your neighbours accordingly, so as not to get involved in disputes. Additionally, a fire extinguisher may be useful – or indeed required by law – when installing a garage heating system.
Power: In particular detached garages away from the house itself often do not have their own power supply. A power source is essential, however, if you are looking to install an electric heating system or heater. So you may have to retrofit a power connection in your garage.
Insulation: Many garages are inadequately insulated – if at all. As a consequence, the heat output from a heater can quickly dissipate through the garage's walls, ceiling, floor or door. Insulating a garage is therefore essential, and insulation should be incorporated into the build wherever possible. You will then have to ensure sufficient air exchange, so as to eliminate the risk of rusting or mould. Because only a limited degree of air exchange will be possible once the insulation has been installed. In such a case, install a ventilation system in the garage, or fit a window. And don't forget to insulate the garage door too! One-piece garage doors can often be insulated post-installation; roller and sectional doors cannot.
Options for efficient garage heating
You nowadays have lots of options for heating your garage, each entailing different levels of cost and effort. Here are some examples.
Electric heater: A power source and a small amount of space is all you need for an electric heater. Fan heaters, electric convector heaters and other small heaters for the garage are available at low cost. Once plugged in, they quickly provide warmth and are easy to use. If you want, you can even connect them up to solar panels that fit on the garage roof for example. But be aware: If you want to keep the entire garage warm for an extended period of time, you will have to dig deep into your pocket – their running costs can skyrocket.
Infra-red heater: If you only want to warm one corner – and yourself while working – you can use an infra-red radiator. It uses electromagnetic waves to generate heat. When they hit a body or object, it is heated. An infra-red heater can thus provide rapid heating of a limited area – but it is not suitable for continuous use and for heating the entire garage.
Gas-fuelled radiant heater: If your garage has a power source, you can also use a gas-fuelled radiant heater. Crucially, it needs to be approved for use. Also bear in mind that you will need space for the gas cylinder. This solution is particularly suitable for selective temporary heating. A catalytic furnace, in addition, is a special form of mobile heater for garages. It requires no exhaust pipe, and produces no open flame. But be aware: You must ensure good ventilation!
Stove: A stove is another option, though it does entail slightly higher initial outlay. An essential prerequisite for this is a chimney outlet, and thus also a professional to check it. You will eliminate the need for a power supply, using sustainable wood for heating, and benefit from a solution that heats the garage within a very short time. If you live in a household with small children, however, you will need to take extra safety precautions, as a stove poses a number of dangers.
Central heating: The most comfortable solution is to connect the garage to the house's central heating system. But that’s not always possible – especially if the garage is at the other end of the property. If you are planning to retrofit central heating in your garage, you need to allow for some cost and time commitment, and the garage must be well insulated. Once it has been installed, you will enjoy many benefits: The running costs are low, which means that the garage can be heated for a long time without problem. It also heats up quickly, so the room can be used in a variety of different ways.
Weigh up potential uses from the outset
Choosing the right heating system for your garage is thus closely linked to its usage. If you only need warmth in the garage for short periods at a time, you can use simple temporary heat sources. If you want to use the space more intensively and for longer, you are better off with other solutions. When making your choice, also consider the general condition of the garage: How big is it, and which areas are you wanting to heat? Is it adequately insulated? Does it have power? And take safety precautions for all family members using the garage.
