The garage is a great place to store all of your tools, lawn equipment and other items that can’t fit in the house. It’s also a great place to do all your mechanical and woodworking projects.

But when it starts getting cold outside, you may start wondering if a garage heater is right for your home. Let’s review what an indoor garage heater is, the different fuel types and how installing one could improve the comfort level in your garage.

What Is a Garage Heater?

Unlike a furnace, a garage heater doesn’t need ductwork. They’re often referred to as an overhead garage heater, since they’re typically mounted on the ceiling to save space. They deliver enough warmth to keep your garage toasty, even on the coldest days in Omaha.

There are three different types of garage heaters: propane, electric and natural gas.

Propane Garage Heater

A propane shop heater is a great option for homes or shops without natural gas service. They generally have a lower operating cost than ones that run on electricity.

Homes that use propane as their main fuel source will likely have a tank installed outside near the garage. This is what the heater will draw from to generate heat.

Electric Garage Heater

Electric garage heaters are a good choice if you’re worried about combustion or don’t have easy access to natural gas or propane. The only downside is they can be a little more expensive to operate than the other two kinds.

Homes that use electricity as their main fuel source will likely have an outlet near the garage that can be used to plug in the heater.

Natural Gas Garage Heater

If your home or shop has natural gas, a natural gas garage heater is the best option. They’re more efficient than propane heaters and are less expensive to run than electrical heaters. You can also get a high-efficiency natural gas garage heater model to keep your energy bills low.

You’ll likely have a gas line run directly to the garage. This is what will power your heater when you turn it on.

6 Benefits of a Garage Heater

  1. You don’t need to have ductwork. Installing ductwork is costly and can get complicated if your garage or shop is detached from your home.
  2. Eliminates dangerous space heaters. Portable space heaters might seem convenient, but they can be dangerous. They cause an estimated 25,000 fires each year, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
  3. Great for dirty or dusty conditions. If you get a gas or propane garage heater, you can choose one with a sealed combustion unit to ensure dependable performance.
  4. Keeps your space toasty. This means you can enjoy a comfortable workspace year-round, as well as a temperate place for extra storage or even pets.
  5. Keeps your car warm. A garage heater helps eliminate cold starts and having to warm up your vehicle for long periods of time.
  6. Warms difficult-to-heat rooms. Bedrooms above the garage can be notoriously difficult to heat, but a garage heater can provide a little extra warmth.

We’ll Help You Find the Right Garage Heater for Your Needs

Winter in Nebraska isn’t for everyone but having a garage heater can make it more tolerable. Want to learn more or request a free estimate? Give A-1 United a call at 402-593-7500. We offer affordable and reliable garage heaters in Omaha, NE, and surrounding areas!