DC Homeowners: There Is A Right Way To Heat Your Garage

In Mid-Atlantic climates like Washington, DC, you can squeeze a little bit more warmth out of winter. But there's nothing more frigid than working in your cold, drafty garage in February. Thankfully, there are several easy ways to heat your garage, or, for more serious mechanics, permanent fixes for a seriously insulated workspace. Read on to learn more.

Types of Garage Heaters

You have the tiny space heater tucked under your desk at work, but there are many mobile—or more permanent—options that can heat your whole garage. The most popular are electric, but you might want to consider one of these lesser-known mediums as well.

• Electric: For small garages, especially attached models, electric heaters are ideal. They boast a compact size and maximum portability so you can plop them right next to your work area. Plus, there are added safety options like automatic shut-off and ultra-efficient models.
• Propane: Like electric, propane heaters are easily portable and affordable. These models are great if you need to move around your workspace when working on projects—just tote it along with you.
• Natural Gas: If you have a slightly larger budget to work with, natural gas heaters are like small furnaces. You can install them in your most-trafficked areas for excellent warming capabilities. This option does require a bit of commitment, however, since once these heaters are installed, they’re there to stay. Additionally, this installation will require a professional.
• Radiant Heat: Radiant heaters are also an excellent option if you have a little more to spend and rely heavily on your garage as a workspace. These also run on natural gas, but differ in that they use infrared rays to heat up objects they come into contact with—like you, your tools, and your workbench. They are highly efficient and effective, but you’ll need to consider a heftier investment.

Should You Insulate Your Garage?

If you want a more permanent, efficient solution, you might consider insulating your workspace. Most garages aren’t sufficiently insulated, which is why they feel so cold in the winter months. If you are a dedicated craftsperson or spend a lot of time working in your garage, enlist a professional contractor to insulate your walls and ceilings.

Like your home, you’ll want to prevent heat from going straight out the garage window or door. You might want to replace your garage door for a better insulated model. It might seem like a big expense at first, but this will pay dividends in heating costs—and comfort—once you’re done.

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