Which Garage Heater is Best for Edmonton's Weather?

Are you wondering which garage heater is best for Edmonton's weather? We have compiled some vital information to help you decide which one is right for you and what you can expect from your heating installation company. This article will explain what you need to know to heat your garage, no matter if it's attached or not.

Here are some garage heater basics

Air Conditioning Edmonton will inspect your garage and give you a cost estimate. There are some things you should know before asking these questions:

Are you able to have an attached garage or a separate one?

Many detached garages can be connected to electricity to allow for automatic doors to operate. They are unlikely to have natural gas lines, so you can't use a natural gas heater. Air Conditioning Edmonton will need to dig an underground gas line to your garage if you want it heated with natural gas. Natural gas heaters are a slightly larger project, but we've done it many times before.

Attached garages have power and, more likely, easy access to hook up natural gas lines. Access to gas lines allows you to install a forced-air heater that runs on natural gas.

What kind of insulation is in your garage?

Are your garage walls well insulated? If the air is not warm enough, it's no use installing a heater. Are your windows double-glazed? Are your windows and doors properly sealed? These are the steps you need to take to ensure your garage is warm after installing your heater.

What permits are you required?

You will need to obtain gas permits from your municipality to do the job correctly. A gas permit ensures that you comply with local code requirements, including installation location, safety clearances, service clearances, venting options, and, if necessary, whether venting should be done via the roof or sidewall.

You will also need a licensed contractor to complete the work and get all permits.

Your Heating Options

Two main methods are available to heat garages in Edmonton:

1. Forced Air

2. Radiant Heat

Natural gas, propane and electricity are the primary sources of heating power. This article will focus on fixed and mounted units.

Forced air heaters

Forced air heaters, which operate on natural gas, are the most popular option in Alberta. Nearly all models have adjustable thermostats and built-in safety features. Avoid blowing air from thermostats, usually below the unit or as recommended.

The unit should have enough BTU output to heat your space. Double garages typically only require a 30,000 to 45,000 BTU forced air heater. Manufacturers will specify how much square footage the heater can handle, whether a one-car garage or a two-car garage with an 8-foot ceiling. Air Conditioning Edmonton checks the calculations according to the area to heat, the ceiling height and insulation levels, and the comfort level desired.

You will need to run a gas line from your house to get natural gas to the furnace. You will need to have the required qualifications to install the gas line.

Radiant Garage Heaters

Radiant heaters can use electricity or natural gas using polished reflectors that radiate infrared heat. There is no blown air inside the garage, unlike forced air heaters. Because a radiant heater does not blow sawdust about, woodworkers love them.

A separate circuit may be required if the device is electrically powered.

Radiant heaters provide steady heat and, as previously mentioned, do not blow air. Radiant heaters heat objects more than air. You may notice that your body is warm, but the cupboard tools are cold when you use a forced-air unit. Radiant heaters will heat everything! Although they are more costly to install than forced-air, they are also cheaper to run monthly.

Heater Installation

Gas-powered Heaters

Mounting the unit on the ceiling opposite your garage doors is the most popular method. It isn't in the way, it's not a distraction, there are no cords that can trip over, and your head won't bang. 

You can mount the unit in three ways:

1. Horizontal air delivery perpendicular to joints

2. Vertical air delivery - Recessed between the joints

3. Horizontal air delivery parallel to Joists

The heater can also be wall-mounted. 

You will need to consider the following factors when choosing a set-up:

· Installation of electric power and gas lines

· Clearance of combustible material and access to service

· If necessary, plans for venting

· Assessment of fire hazards, including the proximity to neighbouring houses

Air Conditioning Edmonton will advise you on all aspects of garage heating.

Electric heater installation

You can mount electric heaters to a garage ceiling or wall. You can also install the heater yourself. You should know that electric heaters use more power and may need a separate circuit. Electric heaters can be costly in Edmonton, where natural gas heating is more affordable.

What is the cost of a garage heater?

Garage heaters are a luxury that will not add value to our homes. Natural gas units tend to be more expensive than electric units. Natural gas is usually more efficient than electricity and costs less to run.

Natural Gas Powered Units

Prices for the best units range between $2,400 and $5,400. Prices depend on whether permits are required and how much custom gas work is required, such as venting and piping.

The monthly gas cost for operating costs is only $15-20 per month. You could heat your vehicles year-round for as little as $20 per month in heating costs.

The location and the fees will affect the utility rates.

Electric-powered units

An electric garage heater costs anywhere from $400 to $1,000+. Although homeowners can install them, larger units will require an electrician to run the electrical.

Expect to pay $100 per month in the colder months for keeping your garage warm in the winter.

Summary: Which Garage Heater is Best?

All you need is information, including the costs and requirements. Air Conditioning Edmonton can help you navigate and fine-tune your options. You can call Air Conditioning Edmonton if you are ready to start, especially if your garage is unheated and uninsulated.

https://air-conditioning-edmonton.ca/which-garage-heater-is-best/