How To Heat a Garage Cheaply
How to heat a garage cheaply. Garages are great for several reasons. They offer a place to keep your vehicle protected from the elements; they provide storage space and can even be used as living space if you have an apartment or condo without enough room inside.
As helpful as garages may be, though, they do not come cheap, especially when you factor in monthly utility costs.
However, with a bit of effort, it is possible to reduce those energy bills by using your garage more efficiently and harnessing natural energy sources to heat it during colder months.
Read on for more information on how to heat a garage cheaply.
How To Heat a Garage Cheaply
One choice for heating garage cheaply is to use radiant heat ceiling panels that can be mounted on the wall or even on the ceiling.
These will radiate heat into the area, unlike space heaters or other forms of heating that might be installed in your garage.
1. Insulation
One of the first things that you will want to do is make sure that your garage is well insulated from top to bottom, side to side.
Garage doors are notorious for allowing heat to escape, so you will want to make sure that yours is closed at all times, and you can insulate it even further with heavy curtains or other materials to help trap the warm air in.
Even if you plan to use your garage as a living space and have a door open most of the time, it still pays to add insulation because even open doors let out quite a bit of cold air during winter months.
2. Add Weather Stripping for Windows and Doors
Just like insulation, weather stripping will help reduce energy loss through windows and doors by keeping the cold air from seeping through cracks and crevices when your garage door is opened.
It’s inexpensive and easy to apply yourself (apply it to the door frame and window trim) and can help drastically reduce your energy bills.
3. Use Your Garage for Storage
When you’re not using your garage, ensure that it’s used for storing things like boxes or other items that you don’t frequently need and want to keep out of the elements (these items draw in cold air).
This will ensure that your garage doesn’t become a catch-all for anything and everything, which will help reduce the amount of time you spend vacuuming or sweeping up leaves and dirt during fall seasons.
4. Use A Ceramic Heater
For an alternative heating source, consider using a ceramic heater. Not only do these items require little effort on your part (you plug them in, and they do the rest), but they also emit very little heat, which is good if you’re trying to save on your energy bills.
As a bonus, many ceramic heaters come with built-in fans, which will help circulate the air and speed up the healing process.
5. Install A Gas-Powered Furnace
If you don’t feel comfortable using a wood stove or electric heater, consider installing a gas-powered furnace in your garage.
These heaters will provide warmth for longer and keep the air around them much cleaner, making them ideal if you like to work with garage doors open or use your garage as an “indoor” room. Just make sure that you only use the heater when necessary (so as not to waste gas) and always ensure proper ventilation.
6. Use A Fireplace
For a more traditional heating source, consider using a fireplace. While these appliances can cause quite a bit of damage and need careful venting to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
They will provide your family with warmth during the winter months and serve as an attractive centerpiece that matches the decor in any home.
7. Limit the Number of Doors and Windows Open at Once
One of the easiest ways to keep warm during winter is limiting how often you open your garage door. Also, keep floor vents partially closed so that cool air doesn’t escape from underneath the garage door.
Not only will this make it easier for heat to radiate throughout, but it also helps prevent cold drafts from entering with each opening. As a bonus, this will keep insects and other pests out during warmer months.
8. Use Partitions to Separate Areas
If you like to use your garage for multiple purposes (for example, working on projects and storing items), consider using partitions to separate them into different areas.
This will make it easier for you to control the temperature in each room and maintain a higher level of comfort without bringing several heat sources along with you.
9. Make Sure the Floor Is Made of Concrete
If the floor of your garage is made from something other than concrete, consider adding thermal insulation or covering it up with some carpeting material.
By doing so, it will be easier for the objects inside your garage to retain their lower temperatures and thus keep the garage itself a little bit warmer for longer.
10. Insulate the Garage Door
If your garage door is hollow, consider using insulation to stop heat from escaping. You can buy pre-cut insulation at most hardware shops or wrap some bubble wrap around the door.
Both of these methods have proven effective and will help keep the ambient temperature in your garage higher than it would be otherwise.
11. Install A Garage Heater
Installing a garage heater is one of the easiest ways to keep warm during winter months while also enjoying activities such as working on projects or storage inside the garage that generally would have been impossible due to freezing temperatures.
These items don’t cost very much money (usually around $50) and only take about 30 minutes to install, making them a no-brainer for anyone looking to keep their garage warm.
12. Install Some Shelves and Cabinets
Installing more shelving units and cabinets in your garage will help improve its overall look and organization – but these items can also serve as an effective way to keep warm during winter.
By using these items to store your heavier clothing, blankets, and other necessities, you’ll not only keep them out of the way but also have quick and easy access to them when temperatures start to drop.
13. Get A Heated Floor
If you want to take your garage warming methods up a notch, then consider installing a heated floor. This will keep the space warm underfoot and help circulate heat throughout the garage more effectively.
While this option may be a bit more expensive than others on this list, it is definitely worth the investment for those looking for a more permanent solution.
14. Hang Some Curtains
One of the easiest (and cheapest) ways to keep your garage warm during winter is by hanging some curtains over the door and windows.
By doing so, you’ll be able to keep the warm air inside while also preventing cold air from entering. Not only will this make your garage more comfortable to be in, but it will also help reduce your energy bill by preventing heat from escaping.
15. Use a Space Heater
While space heaters are not effective for entire heating garages, they can keep specific areas warm.
If you have a storage unit or cabinet that you’d like to stay warm but don’t want to raise the temperature in your entire garage, place a space heater nearby and turn it on whenever necessary.
FAQs
What is the easiest way to keep my garage warm during winter?
The easiest way to keep your garage warm during the winter months is by using electric space heaters. These small appliances can be placed near objects in your garage and do not require any installation whatsoever.
How long does a space heater take to heat a two-car garage?
Typically speaking, a good quality space heater will take 30 minutes and 1 hour to heat a two-car garage. If you have an oversized garage, it might be a good idea to purchase more than one space heater so that the entire space can be heated evenly.
What is the best way to keep my garage warm in the winter?
The best way to keep your garage warm during the winter months is by using a combination of methods such as installing a heater, adding insulation, and using curtains.
By using these different techniques, you’ll be able to keep your garage at a comfortable temperature without spending too much money.
Is it worth installing a heated floor in my garage?
Installing a heated floor in your garage is worth it for those looking for a more permanent solution. Not only will it help keep the space warm, but it will also improve circulation and prevent energy from escaping outside.
Is there an alternative to a space heater?
An alternative to using a space heater in your garage is installing overhead lights that include heating elements.
These types of light fixtures can be installed on the ceiling and walls and provide more than enough heat for objects in your garage, such as furniture or tools.
How do I know which type of heater to use in my garage?
The best type of heater for your garage depends on many different factors such as budget, ease of use, safety precautions, etc.
Before purchasing any heater, you should always do some research online to learn about the different available options. By doing so, you’ll be able to find the perfect heater for your specific needs.
Conclusion
How to heat a garage cheaply. There are several different ways to keep your garage warm during winter. By using one or more of the methods listed in this article, you’ll be able to save your garage comfortable and cozy all winter long.
Not only will this make it a more pleasant place to be in, but it will also help reduce your energy bill by preventing heat from escaping. So don’t wait any longer; start warming up your garage today!
If you have any additional questions or comments, please feel free to share them in the comments section below. Thank you for reading. Have a nice day!
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