Heating solutions like garage and industrial heaters are routinely indispensable in spaces where temperatures are extreme or unpredictable. With a range of models designed for different placements and environments, each heater offers unique safety, convenience, and efficiency features, catering to diverse needs.
- Types of Garage and Industrial Heaters
- Calculating Heater Size
- Electrical Requirements
- Plug-in vs. Hardwired
- Safety Considerations
- Features
- Consider This
Types of Garage and Industrial Heaters
There are three main types of garage and industrial heaters, and they're all efficient ways to heat areas with extreme temperature changes:
- Electric/Fan-Forced: Easy to install and use, electric portable heaters are popular anywhere, including garages. Electric garage heaters convert electrical energy into heat and use a fan to disperse it around your entire space. Since they must be plugged into a wall, check the power requirements before purchasing yours.
- Radiant: Radiant heaters provide simple spot heating to objects in a room. They work like the sun's rays, where warmth is radiated from the unit to objects or people in its path. You must be near the heater to feel any temperature change, so they don't warm entire garages like electric heaters. They're also efficient, heat more quickly than other heaters, and are ideal for people who want to heat specific areas like a workstation.
- Gas/Diesel/Kerosene: While not recommended in garages or enclosed areas, gas or diesel heaters are standard for industrial applications. These powerful heaters take a little longer to warm up but can heat your space as efficiently and effectively as other heater types. Gas heaters are popular for various industrial applications like water damage restoration, new construction drying, and warming large unheated job sites.
Calculating Heater Size
Power
Industrial heaters measure power using watts or British Thermal Units (BTUs). The more watts and BTUs offered, the more space your model can heat. It's a good idea to purchase a slightly more powerful heater than suggested for garages and industrial spaces since there isn't a central heat source in these areas, and they usually don't have insulation.
If you're heating a small area in your garage, consider a radiant or infrared industrial heater. You can also check out fan-forced heaters that provide around 1,500 watts for heating smaller workshop spaces. Heaters with about 4,000-5,000 watts are typical for larger garage heating, while gas-fueled industrial heaters are better for large event spaces or industrial job sites.
A few environmental conditions to consider while looking at heater size and power:
- Insulated vs. Non-insulated Space: An insulated garage or industrial space means the walls and ceiling are insulated, with quality windows and a garage door installed. Non-insulated spaces require more heat, so consider buying a slightly stronger unit if your space isn't insulated.
- One- or Two-Car Garages: Are you heating a one- or two-car garage? You'll need a larger heater to warm an entire garage or industrial space. But if you're only heating a specific part of your garage, like a workspace, consider a radiant heater that offers directed heat to your location.
- Ceiling Height: The ceiling for a garage or industrial space is generally at least 8 feet. Higher ceilings mean more cubic area in your space and will require more BTUs of power to heat the space.
- Temperature Rise: If you live in a particularly cold region, you'll need a more powerful heater to warm the same-sized space. Temperature rise is simply the difference between your desired indoor and outdoor temperatures. Look for a heater with enough power to achieve your desired temperature.
Electrical Requirements
Since garage and industrial heaters are generally more powerful than residential heaters, many don't use standard 110-120 volt outlets; instead, they require 220-240 volt wiring. 120-volt heaters can simply be plugged into most household outlets, while heaters with 240 volts can heat larger spaces but won't work with most residential plugs. Fortunately, many industrial areas and garages are wired for more powerful appliances, so confirm the voltage requirements for your space before purchasing.
Other industrial heaters use kerosene or gasoline as fuel, ideal for construction sites or other well-ventilated spaces. These powerful models are popular because they don't require any electrical hookup. Simply carry them to your workspace and turn them on for instant heat. Dyna-Glo heaters are becoming increasingly popular for their powerful heating capabilities, portable designs, and adjustable features.
Plug-In vs. Hardwired
Most people are familiar with plug-in workshop heaters, but other models can be hardwired into your wall or ceiling. Mounts and instructions for hardwiring your heater make installation as quick as possible. A primary power source must be available to hardwire your heater, and cables connect your heater directly to the circuit. All wiring must conform to national and local electrical codes.
Plug-in installation is far less permanent and offers a much quicker set-up than hardwired models, so those are suggested for people who don't plan on using the heater regularly. On the other hand, hardwiring offers secure installation and saves you valuable floor or desk space.
Safety Considerations
In addition to electrical considerations, there are several other safety features to consider when purchasing a garage or industrial heater:
- Tip-Over Switch: This feature automatically turns the unit off if it is tipped or pushed over.
- Overheat Protection: An overheat protection switch turns the heater off to avoid overheating if it reaches a specific temperature.
- Cool-touch Housing: Some heaters have exterior housing that stays cool to the touch while heating your space.
- Clearances: Manufacturers provide suggested clearances to walls, ceilings, and combustibles. Be sure to measure them before installing a garage heater.
- Don't Block Vents: Don't block vents, exhaust, or any other openings on your heater.
- Turn Off: Always turn off your heater and unplug it before cleaning, moving, or maintenance.
Features
Garage heaters use thermostats to control their heat output, and most use a manual knob to adjust the amount of heat entering your space. The most common thermostats have low and high heat settings. They keep your space warm without overheating and make operation hassle-free. Thermostats are also efficient because they stop heating once your heat level is reached — unlike other heaters that run continuously until they're turned off.
Look for other convenience features, including:
- Adjustable Louvers: They let you direct heat to a specific location, so point them at your workstation for quick heating.
- Long Power Cord: Industrial spaces and garages can be large, and a long power cord makes maneuvering your space even more convenient.
- Carrying Handle: Move your heater around large spaces or place it anywhere with an easy-to-use carrying handle.
- Wheels: More common in large industrial heaters, wheels help you quickly move your heater.
- Mountable Option: Garage heaters represent some of the most versatile and rugged heaters today. Several models can be mounted on the wall or ceiling to save floor space and allow the heat to reach you quickly.
Consider This
Purchasing a propane heater for your garage is not suggested. With several flammable materials housed in garages (kerosene, paint, wood, etc.), propane heaters can be a severe safety concern. We recommend using the other heaters discussed above — electric heaters are the most popular for enclosed spaces.
Still Have Questions?
Review our extensive product listings, our Garage and Industrial Heaters FAQs, and additional Knowledge Center articles for more information on specific heaters and other indoor air treatment solutions. Not sure what's best for you? Contact our product experts toll-free at 1-800-934-9194. We want to help you make your indoor environment healthy and comfortable.
