If your garage is unheated, you’re probably not inclined to spend much time there in the winter. Maybe you’ve thought about heating it so that you can make it a place for doing projects or just having a warmer place to start your car in the morning.
Appliances that might be kept in the garage will last longer and operate better if they’re not subjected to extreme temperatures. Cold weather will cause hoses to crack, while fuel in lawn equipment may turn to gel. Water heaters in the garage will have to work harder to heat water.
And while it’s far from ideal to keep a pet in a garage, if you have to do so occasionally, you will want to make sure the garage is heated (and air conditioned in the summer).
Here are some suggestions for creating a warm garage:
Insulation
Make sure your garage is insulated before you invest in heating equipment or you’ll be wasting your money. Correct any gaps or cracks in the garage door so that cold air can’t enter the garage space. Air sealing your garage may in itself be a big project.
Then choose from among the several types of insulation available for your garage walls: rigid foam, fiberglass batts, loose-fill fiberglass or cellulose, or spray foam. Your choice will depend on how your garage is constructed.
Space Heater
This may be the quickest way to heat your garage. You can choose an electric model or one that’s gas-operated, but the latter has to be vented. You may not be comfortable leaving an electric heater on, although many of the newer models are much safer than in former days.
Two increasingly popular electric-powered space heaters are the infrared or ceramic types. Infrared heaters are probably best for small spaces like a garage.
Mini Split
Mini splits are a great choice for a ductless space. They can provide heating and cooling — and do so efficiently. However, they will be a higher-cost investment.
For more information about creating a warm garage, contact Ace Hardware Home Services. We provide Dayton homeowners with quality HVAC repairs, maintenance, and installations.
