How to Heat a Garage?

Does it rain and snow in your city's winter? Yes? Try to heat your garage to make it feel like spring inside.

This keeps us comfortable when we use the garage as a workplace, home gym, or for other purposes. We won't get frostbite staying in the freezing garage. 

Even though you just park the vehicles in the garage, it's still important to heat your garage, or at least the garage door. When the garage door is powered by electricity, a proper heating method will keep it functioning in cold and snowy winters. Your car won't be locked in the garage.

Find heating your garage important? Read on and let's see how to keep the garage warm in cold winters!

Part 1: How Do I Heat Up My Garage

First of all, let's check on some overall methods to heat the garage. Time to upgrade your garage! Buckle up.

To heat the garage, there are a few garage heaters we can apply: electric heater, gas/propane heater, radiant floor heating, and wood stove. Let's go through them all.

Electric heater for garage:

It may confuse you though. An electric garage heater is just an indoor heater including forced air heaters, radiant heaters, and ACs. It's just what we use in the houses. We can use them in the garage too.

Compared to other heating methods, an electric appliance like this is safer and easier to install. There's no risk of air pollution. You won't need to dig holes on the floor too.

The only bad thing about it is the cost. To get a heater that can keep the garage (about 300 square feet) warm, you need to pay about $300. Also, the fee of keeping it functional monthly is another several hundred bucks.

Gas/propane heater for garage:

There are different types of gas heaters on Amazon and eBay. You can also go to local supermarkets for it. 

It's much cheaper than an electric one. Also, if you didn't wire in the garage when building it in the first place, a gas heater is the ace for this. You won't need to connect a live circuit and install an outlet for an electric heater.

However, pay much attention to the garage ventilated. Propane and other gases will produce harmful gases when they're not burnt completely. Leave the door or window open with a gap.

Radiant floor heating for garage:

Compared to other heating methods, a floor heating solution can cost more and take longer to install. You will need to hire a contractor to install the heating system. Also, in some cities, adding a new floor heating system may need a permit from some offices.

But once the heating system is installed, things get easier. There are no more manual setups or adjustments. You can use it for decades without changing.

Wood stove for garage heating:

Any comment for the wood stove? No, it's the most affordable solution. Though the prices of wood are higher in winter, you can manage to get some cheap ones. Maybe start to buy some in summer or go to some rural areas to get some cheap ones.

Remember one thing: keep the garage ventilated like using a gas heater.

How to Choose A Garage Heater

To get a heater for your garage, consider the following factors:

• The size of your garage: For a big garage, a gas heater, a floor heating system, and an AC work better.
• The wiring in your garage: If there is no outlet in the garage wall, an electric heater is not helpful unless you install one.
• When will you need it: You need it now? Forget about AC and floor heating. Get a portable electric, gas, or wood heater. If there are months ahead of the cold winter, a floor heating system will be good.
• What's your budget: Just several hundred bucks? Get a wood stove. No higher than a thousand bucks? An electric or gas heater will both do. No limit? Well, get yourself a floor heating system.
• Ventilation: Don't take risks. If there's no window or vent in the garage, don't buy a gas heater or wood stove.

Part 2: How to Heat Up My Garage Door?

The garage door, which usually represents the largest opening in your garage, can cause significant heat loss. Here are some specific ways to deal with this draughty problem:

• Invest in insulation: Installing an insulated garage door is the best long-term solution. These doors are pre-filled with insulation materials such as polystyrene or polyurethane, greatly reducing heat transfer.
• DIY insulation kit: If replacing your door is not an option, consider adding insulation to your existing door. These kits usually entail adding pre-cut foam boards or reflective foil panels to the inside of your garage door.
• Weatherstripping magic: Weatherstripping seals gaps around the door frame that allow warm air to escape. Ensure there are no gaps between the door and the frame on all sides, and replace any worn-out weatherstripping with new material.
• Bottom seal savvy: Pay close attention to the bottom of your garage door. Over time, the seal at the base may wear away, allowing cold air to enter. Invest in a top-quality bottom seal developed exclusively for garage doors.

By using these methods, you may considerably reduce heat loss via your garage door, increasing the efficiency of your heating system and keeping your garage noticeably warmer, particularly during the cold winter months.

How to Seal Around Garage Door?

A leaking garage door is a key cause of wasting heat and enabling drafts to enter. Fortunately, sealing around your garage door is a simple DIY repair that can significantly improve its comfort and energy efficiency. Here's everything you'll need:

• Caulk (silicone or latex): Select a caulk type that is suited for exterior applications and compatible with the material of your garage door frame.
• Caulk gun: This equipment distributes caulk smoothly and evenly.
• Utility knife: Used to remove old caulk and cut new caulk.
• Rags: To wipe surfaces and remove excess caulk.
• Weatherstripping: Select a weatherstripping material that is compatible with your garage door frame (such as foam or vinyl) and appropriate for the size of the gaps you need to fill.

Steps for Sealing

Prepare the surface:

Begin by thoroughly cleaning the area surrounding the garage door frame where you will apply caulk. Using a moist rag, remove any dirt, dust, or cobwebs. Allow the surface to fully dry before proceeding.

Remove old caulk (if Applicable):

If your garage door already contains caulk, use a utility knife to carefully cut and remove the dried-up substance. Be careful not to damage the frame itself.

Apply caulk:

Cut the caulk tube's tip at a 45-degree angle, leaving a small space. Load the caulk gun and apply a continuous bead of caulk to the gaps between the garage door frame and the adjacent wall or aperture.

Smooth the caulk:

Using a wet rag, smooth out the applied caulk for a clean, even finish. It's critical to achieve a tight seal with no gaps.

Let it cure:

As the manufacturer directs, let the caulk cure completely. Curing time normally ranges from 24 to 48 hours.

Weatherstripping:

Cover any leftover gaps around the door with weatherstripping after the caulk has hardened. Measure the gaps and select the right weatherstripping size for a snug fit. Weatherstripping is often sold with adhesive backing for easier installation.

Additional Sealing Tips

• Pay attention to details. Seal gaps around the garage door frame's top, sides, and bottom. Don't forget to fix spots where wires or pipes enter the garage to ensure a proper seal.
• Inspect regularly: Inspect the caulk and weatherstripping for signs of wear and tear. Reapply caulk or replace weatherstripping as needed to ensure proper sealing.

Following these measures and sealing around your garage door will provide a strong barrier against winds and heat loss. This will not only make your garage more comfortable, but it will also help you save money on your energy bills over time.

How Much Does an Insulated Garage Door Cost?

The cost to heat up a garage can vary depending on several factors, but here's a breakdown to give you an idea:

• Size of door: A single car's standard-sized insulated garage door usually costs between $500 and $2,500, while a 2-car door can cost between $750 and $4,000.
• Material: Steel doors are ubiquitous and provide high insulation, although wood or fiberglass doors are more expensive.
• Insulation level: Insulated garage doors have aired R-values, which indicate their thermal resistance. Higher R-values indicate better insulation and are often more expensive.
• Brand and features: Prices might vary depending on the brand and features, such as windows or additional reinforcement.
• Installation: Usually costing between $200 and $500, professional installation raises the overall cost.

Part 3: How to Heat Up the Ceiling?

A chilly garage ceiling can contribute to heat loss, leaving your feet uncomfortable even when the heater is turned on. Here, we explore two viable ways to address this issue:

1. Radiant Heaters

Radiant heaters are an excellent alternative for heating your garage ceiling, and they have several advantages:

• Targeted warmth: Radiant heaters warm items directly in their path, unlike forced-air heaters. This creates a more comfortable warmth, particularly around your head and shoulders.
• Zoned heating: Radiant heaters can be deliberately placed to direct warmth to specific parts of your workspace or workbench.
• Energy efficiency: Since radiant heaters don't waste energy heating empty air, they are typically energy-efficient.

There are two major types of radiant heaters appropriate for garage ceilings:

• Overhead Gas Heaters: These hung heaters produce radiant heat downward, warming the items and people beneath. They are suitable for larger garages and require professional installation to ensure correct gas line hookup and safety measures.
• Infrared Ceiling Panels: These flat panels are mounted directly to the ceiling and emit infrared radiation, which heats the items and persons in its path. They are a wonderful choice for finished garage ceilings and provide a more discrete appearance.

2. Insulated Ceiling Panels

For a more thorough solution, try installing insulated ceiling panels. These panels combine insulation with a heating element, offering thermal resistance and radiant heat. They are especially useful if you have a finished ceiling:

• Reduced Heat Loss: The insulating core effectively decreases heat transmission from the garage to the attic or higher level, keeping your garage warmer.
• Efficient Heating: The inbuilt heating element directs warmth downward, offering comfortable and targeted heating.
• Finished Look: These panels give your garage ceiling a clean and finished appearance.

Installation Considerations

Installing insulated ceiling panels usually necessitates professional assistance, particularly if electrical wiring is involved. Ensure qualified specialists are installed for optimal operation, safety, and building code compliance.

Selecting the Right Option

Your budget, preferred level of warmth, and garage layout determine the ideal option for heating your garage ceiling. Radiant heaters are a more targeted and energy-efficient option, while insulated ceiling panels provide a complete solution with built-in insulation.

Tip: Draw A Blueprint for A Heating Upgrade for Your Garage

When you're up to build a floor or ceiling heating system for your garage, it's a better idea to draw a blueprint first. Just to make sure the upgrade is available and won't cause any other damage to the garage and vehicles.

Importance of making a blueprint when heating a garage:

• Wiring safety: Pipelines and wires are buried under the floor or above the ceilings. Before we take any actions to break the concretes, we must make a clear wiring plan. So the construction team knows where to shut the circuit off first and how deep they can dig.
• Easy Maintenance: Also, years after this construction, you know how to upgrade or repair the current system.
• Save budget: If you hire a contractor, sure, they will do everything for you and they will charge for what they do. In this case, you can save money by doing the blueprint yourself. And you only need to pay for the construction and skip the design part.
• Make the cost clear: With a blueprint, you know how much concrete to dig and how many materials to use. No one can fool you around. 

Steps to make a blueprint for the garage heating system

Visit EdrawMax Online and use its blueprint generator to make a plan for your garage upgrade. This is a free online maker for indoor design. You can make a layout and export the blueprint as a picture or file for free.

For those who have no idea how to make a blueprint, don't worry. This is an AI-powered generator. Input the situation of the garage and your requirement for the layout, and click the OK button. EdrawMax will give you the best result.

Not satisfied with the blueprint? Keep giving the AI prompts to polish the blueprint. Or you can manually edit the plan with drag-and-drop and other easy operations.

Let's try it now!

Conclusion

It doesn't have to be hard to deal with the cold in your garage. Using the tips in this guide, you can turn a cold garage into an inviting refuge. As always, a two-pronged method is best. First, heat loss can be stopped by sealing gaps and adding insulation.

Next, pick a heating system that fits your needs and budget. You can make your garage more welcoming and useful for all your garage-related tasks by fixing the garage door and warming up the floor and roof.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you heat up the room above the garage?

Heating a room above a garage requires a different approach. Consider insulating the garage ceiling (which becomes the floor for the room above) to prevent heat loss. If you need additional heating, explore options like electric baseboards, radiant floor heating, or installing vents from your central heating system.

How much insulation do I need for a 24x24 garage?

The amount of insulation you need depends on your climate. In general, colder regions require higher R-values (insulation rating). For a 24x24 garage, experts recommend R-13 to R-15 for walls and a whopping R-30 to R-60 for the ceiling to ensure maximum heat retention.

How to heat a garage cheaply?

As this lowers the required heat, sealing gaps and insulating a garage is frequently the most economical way to heat it. After that, the initial cost of portable electric heaters is the lowest.