DIY Garage Heating What You Should Know Before Getting
Started
HVAC is the industrial term for heating and cooling systems. Overtime
there have been considerable advances in HVAC system design which have produced
many furnaces, electric heaters, air conditioners and humidifiers that can save energy,
improve air quality, and create an ideal indoor temperature.. These advances can help lower energy bills and
create a more comfortable environment.
Why Air Flow Matters
When shopping for an HVAC system for your home, pay attention to the how duct work is
connected. Duct leaks can affect the air moving through
the system and make it difficult for your heating unit to function at
its capacity. Also consider any home repairs that can help boost energy
efficiency--caulking, repairing or replacing windows and doors as
needed. Keep in mind that garage and
shop heaters can only be used in
areas that are well-ventilated and have adequate air-flow.
Energy Efficiency
If you're looking to replace a furnace or other HVAC systems, look
for one with a high efficiency rating. Many furnaces have
energy
efficiency ratings of 92 to 94 percent, which is a much higher figure
than the 78 to 80
percent efficiency models common 10 years ago. There also are furnaces
with advanced HVAC controls, such as built in humidifiers and air
cleaners to improve the air moving through the home.
Many of these products fall under the government's Energy Star
rating system, meaning they meet strict guidelines for energy
efficiency. How you use energy is also worthy of consideration. Do you perform
routine maintenance or do you use a set back thermostat?
Garage Heating Options
Before thinking about heating, think about some of the steps you can
take to ensure you won't need as much energy to heat your garage.
Considering whether you've tried caulking, fixing air leaks, double
panning window, and insulating doors and walls. If you've taken
these steps, you've instantly reduced your short and long term energy
costs. But considering what area you live in and what you use your
garage for, you may require additional heat.
Electric garage heaters and
propane heaters are great options to
consider when heating garages. Choosing between electric and propane
heaters will depend mainly on the square footage of the space you're
trying to heat. If your garage is about 500 or more feet, then it may
work for you to go with a propane heater; however, if it's less than 500
square feet, then it might be best to go with an electric garage heater.
Garage
heaters can heat areas up to 400 square feet
and run on 240 volts. These types of heaters are extremely safe
and provide blasts of warm air onto the body. They usually
function as spot heaters that keep your work area feeling nice
and warm. Take a look at our
recommended shop and utility heaters.
Infrared heaters make excellent choices for commercial
and industrial areas because they provide instant heat to people
working in the immediate area. Additionally, they are much more
energy-efficient than other heaters. See our
recommended infrared heaters.
Propane heaters are heaters that use
pressurized gas to warm up places in a structure that are not
insulated. They are often handy or portable so they do not have
to be in one place all the time. They are also standalones,
which means they do not have to be wired permanently to a source
of gas. If you are looking for a portable heater than you can
hide when not in use, then a propane heater might be for you.
Because it's a stand-alone, a propane heater does not need
electricity for it to light up. They are usually lit with a
match and it has a portable tank of gas attached to it. Propane
heaters are normally used to warm up lawns and patios or outside
areas whenever needed, like when hosting special celebrations.
What to consider before buying a propane heater
The primary thing you need to do before buying a propane
heater is to measure the area you want heated and the increase
in temperature you want to achieve.
Here's the formula, you will need to know these:
Area (cubic feet) - Length x Width x Height
Temperature - Temperature with heater - temperature without
heater
The propane heater you will need is measure by BTU or British
Thermal Unit. To know the BTU you require: (Area x 133) x
(temperature).
Propane heater use is similar to oil-fired use in that
they're best suited for larger areas
Kerosene heaters are sturdy, safe, and can rapidly warm up
large areas. However, these portable and lightweight heaters
are geared towards spaces with ample ventilation such as
warehouses and factories, as well as outdoor areas such as
farms.
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