Garages need to remain functional for some homeowners even through winter. If you find yourself in such a situation, you should check out these tips from the best Realtor on heating a garage.
What you should learn are the vital factors to consider to keep your garage warm and comfortable. Also, you should carefully choose the best heat source while keeping a few points in mind. That is to warm your garage with the best solution for your needs and preferences. Of course, this guide includes some of the best heat sources to consider too.
Here’s What the Best Realtor Recommends about Heating a Garage
Essential Factors to Consider for Heating a Garage
Essential Factors to Consider for Heating a Garage
There are vital factors to consider while planning to heat your garage. These points help you achieve efficient results with minimum to no drawbacks. They help make your garage fully functional through winter as well.
1. How Cold Winter Can Go in Your Area
It’s vital to know how low the temperature can get in your area during the winter months. In Detroit, for example, winter can drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s why the top Realtor in Michigan suggests you choose a powerful heating system for your garage.
2. Size of Your Garage
Next, consider the size of the space you want to heat. In simple words, you need more heat for a larger area. Meaning you need equipment that can meet such a demand. The best Realtor reminds you that such a factor is essential for choosing a heat source.
3. Functions of Your Garage
What do you usually do in your garage? Does your garage have specific functions? Remember that certain heat sources are perfect for particular functions. On the other hand, some aren’t suitable for certain purposes.
For example, an in-floor radiation unit isn’t that great if you frequently accumulate sawdust in your garage workshop. Also, a ductless mini-split system is perfect if your garage serves as an additional room for the household.
4. Your Garage Insulation and Ventilation Features
The ventilation and insulation features of your garage should complement the heating system that you install.
For example, you should have sufficient ventilation when using a fuel-based heater. The best real estate agent reminds you that it helps avoid carbon monoxide accumulation in your garage.
On the other hand, efficient insulation helps you control heat exchange. It keeps warm air inside and cold air outside during winter, and it does the opposite in summer. That means insulation keeps warm air inside your garage and keeps your heating equipment from working harder. In other words, good insulation keeps your heating equipment from consuming more energy; thus, keeping your energy bills from rising.
And here’s how to insulate your garage properly:
- First, seal all cracks and gaps on the garage walls. Check both the interior and exterior of the walls so you won’t miss anything. The best Realtor suggests you use caulk or masonry sealant for quality results.
- Insulate the ceiling, walls, and floors. For the ceiling and walls, fiberglass panels are the popular choice. Buy some rubber matting for the floor.
- Then insulate your garage door and windows with weather stripping. For best results on the door, use adhesives to stick the weather stripping on each door panel.
5. Choose a Heating Equipment
If you’re in a place that experiences mild winter, high-quality insulation is already enough to keep your garage warm. But if you need more than just insulation in your garage, you should pick the best heating equipment to buy and install. The next section in this article will guide you.
How to Choose a Heating Equipment for Your Garage
The top-ranked Realtor reminds you to buy and install a heating system that suits your garage. Along with the factors above, you should consider these points when shopping for a heat source too:
1. Type of Heating Equipment
There are many types of heaters on the market today. Think of electric appliances, fuel-powered heaters, and radiant heaters, among other options. You should pick the best type for your garage size and function. Again, for example, you should avoid in-floor radiant heaters if you frequently produce sawdust.
2. Heating Power
Check the British Thermal Unit or BTU ratings of heating equipment to identify its heating power. The best Realtor says you should select one with a suitable BTU rating for your garage. Remember that too high or too low BTU ratings can cause drawbacks, such as damages to heating equipment.
If you have a large garage space, for example, pick one with a higher BTU rating. However, the intensity of winter cold in your area is a significant factor for determining the correct BTU rating as well.
3. Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency must work harmoniously with the power of equipment. This will help efficiently heat a garage with a minimum of energy consumption. That means minimizing your energy bills as well. To determine an energy-efficient heater, look for the Energy Star logo on the product you’re buying.
4. Choose Quality Brands
Of course, you should purchase a heater that can last a long time without the need for repairs and heavy maintenance. That’s why you should only purchase from reliable brands for quality products. Moreover, the best brands offer excellent warranty deals. In addition, buying from a popular brand would make it easier for you to find replacement parts when needed.
5. Cost
Yes, the upfront purchase cost is a vital factor to consider. But the best real estate expert also reminds you to weigh the ongoing expenses.
You should avoid unbelievably cheap products. After all, most quality heating systems have higher price tags. In addition, consider the power source of the equipment. For example, buying an energy-efficient heater helps you save more than using a fuel-powered one.
Here are the Best Heaters for Heating Your Garage Today
Now, you’re ready to select among the best heaters for your garage today. Here are the top choices as suggested by the best Realtor:
1. Electric Space Heater
Putting an electric space heater in your garage is the easiest solution on this list. You only need to position or hook the equipment somewhere in your garage, and it’s good to go. It is also portable enough that you can bring it in your home when necessary.
However, an electric space heater has a specific demand for quality insulation. After all, it is not a piece of high-power equipment; thus, you need to contain the heat that it releases. Moreover, it heats a space slower than other options too.
2. Ductless Mini-Split System
A mini-split system is a flexible heater that you can place anywhere in the garage. You can even install it on the ceiling. The thing is, that you need to put its air handler in the garage and its compressor outside.
But if you successfully install the unit, it can serve you all year-round. That is because most models come with air cooling capacity along with the heating system. Most units also come with remote controls for easy temperature adjustments.
The problem with such equipment is its heating capacity. It cannot heat a large garage, and it is only suitable for mild winters. Moreover, you need a professional HVAC service to install a mini-split system. In addition, you need to clean or replace its filters regularly.
3. Combustion Space Heater
The best Realtor also suggests you consider a combustion space heater. This equipment is similar to its electric counterpart, only that it runs with the use of fuel. Think of propane or kerosene.
A combustion space heater is popular because of its low purchase price. It won’t stop running during power outages too. However, you need to remember a few vital precautions when firing it in your garage.
First, its fuel requirement makes you spend big in the long run. Second, it requires sufficient ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide built-up in your garage. And third, it is wise to install a functional carbon monoxide detector in your garage along with such a space heater.
4. Radiant Heating System
Now, here is the best option for a high-quality heating system in your garage. A radiant heating system is a machine that sits underneath the floor panel, and it heats the surface instead of the air. That’s how it evenly heats the entire garage.
However, you need the best expert to install such a system in your garage. It requires sufficient skills in handling the radiant equipment along with plumbing skills for installation. Plus, the entire system comes with a high price tag.
Keep these Notes from the Best Realtor for Heating Your Garage Today
Preparing your garage before winter comes is not that complicated. However, you should refer to this guide to help you properly heat your garage. Pick the best solution and equipment that the best Realtor recommends, and your garage can stay warm through the cold months.