There are many different types of garage heaters available today, which brings you at a crossroads in deciding which model to obtain. From new technologies to the more primitive, each has its own drawbacks or pluses in cost and features to be discussed.
An electric heater is a good buy for a garage that isn't too spacious. Electric heaters have been known to be slower to warm up a large amount of space, and also less able to reach higher temperatures than other forms of heating. The plus side is that electric heaters are very good on energy efficiency, require little to nothing to setup, and are very safe to operate in a family environment.
A heater that uses propane will be more expensive, but it can get a room heated very fast. It's best for when you have to heat an entire garage in little time. They work best with insulation, whereas you can quickly heat the garage and then turn it off and enjoy the warmth. Being a gas alternative, it may also not sit well with those who are pro-environment.
You can choose between getting a portable heater or a mountable heater. If you are looking for a long term solution, you should opt for the mountable heater and place it on the wall or ceiling. Portable options are better if you intend on working in different parts of a large garage, or intend on taking it out of the garage for usage elsewhere.
Several features should come with garage heaters today, so make sure you obtain a model that is modern for safety reasons. All heaters should have a shut down feature that will turn off the heater if it somehow overheats. This is common when they are put in a small space on high power, or are on for a long period of time. Without the shut down feature, it would quickly turn into a fire hazard that will be a very costly burden to carry for you and your family.
Heating your garage will most likely take a lot of energy, if even it is only a short space to heat. To keep your energy bills down, you should focus on keeping the heat inside with well placed insulation. You should do this before you go out and buy a heater if possible, as otherwise you are just wasting your money. If that isn't possible, consider limiting the time you spend in the garage during cold weather.
Closing Comments
Garage heaters are perfect for the handy man who likes to work on projects, even in the middle of Winter. They make a great Christmas gift or birthday present, and can easily be found in hardware stores. Internet retailers often have great deals on them and ship worldwide.