As its name implies, a detached garage stands freely away from a home. In turn, this space requires dedicated heating equipment separate from the rest of the property. So what are the best heaters to use? We researched for you, and here are the products we found.
The five best heating systems for a detached garage include:
- Senville LETO Mini-Split Air Conditioner and Heat Pump
- Bromic Heating Portable Radiant Heater
- andily Space Heater
- Della Mini-Split Ductless Air Conditioner Inverter System with Heat Pump
- HEATWAVE Electric Radiant Floor Heating System
Think about choosing heating systems that are also usable in different weather. Heaters that can also act as air conditioners may provide excellent value to homeowners. Keep reading to learn more about the best heaters to use for separated garages in greater detail.
Best Heaters for A Detached Garage
Detached garages can obtain proper heating with mini-split systems, radiant heating units, and space heaters. You can choose from five of the best models for these heating systems:
1. Senville LETO Mini-Split Air Conditioner and Heat Pump
This mini-split system provides cold and hot air into garages, which users can modify at any time. Aside from being an air conditioner and heating unit, this model also has a dehumidifier and fan. With these features, this product can help reduce and prevent moisture-related problems in detached garages.
Click here to see this product on Amazon.
2. Bromic Heating Portable Radiant Heater
Detached garage owners who have a flair for contemporary design might want to think about getting this model. This radiant heater has a stylish modern appearance that should go well in different garage décor.
Aside from being aesthetically pleasing, this unit should also do a fairly good job in providing comfortable warmth to individuals and objects 15 feet from it. This product also has a safety shut-off feature, which turns off the gas flow if it detects over-tilting or a flameout.
Click here to see this product on Amazon.
3. andily Space Heater
Reasonably small detached garages can take advantage of this portable space heater. With fairly compact dimensions of 6.2 x 4.7 x 8.3 inches, this handy unit is easy to lift, carry, and store. It also comes with three heating modes: High (1,500 watts), Low (750 watts), and Fan Only. Users can change the product’s power consumption at any time to avoid spending more energy than necessary.
Check out this space heater on Amazon.
4. Della Mini-Split Ductless Air Conditioner Inverter System With Heat Pump
This cooling-and-heating mini-split system has features for detached garages in inclement climates. For instance, it has a smart defrost functionality to prevent the ice buildup in its logic control box when the AC becomes colder than usual.
Furthermore, this product has a dehumidification mode. This feature allows users to dehumidify and drain collected moisture when the internal temperature goes below 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit.
Click here to see this product on Amazon.
5. HEATWAVE Electric Radiant Floor Heating System
Radiant floor heaters often require more complicated setup instructions than other types of space warming systems. But if done correctly, the in-floor heating system, such as this particular product, can provide even warming throughout the detached garage.
This radiant floor heating unit from HEATWAVE is even safe to use in wet locations. It means that this model is safe to use in damp areas, which may include a dedicated bathroom in your garage. You can also install this in-floor heater on different types of flooring, including cement and tiles.
Click here to see this product on Amazon.
Can A Mini-Split Heat A Garage?
Also called a ductless heat pump, a mini-split uses an outdoor and indoor unit while taking advantage of inverter technology. The outdoor module collects heat, compresses it, and efficiently delivers the collected temperature to the connected indoor space like the garage.
Additionally, a mini-split system can also work well in cooling a room. Certain variants come with air conditioning and heat pump features, allowing users to enjoy these products in hot and cold seasons.
A lot of mini-split systems can maintain efficient functionality in temperatures as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit. However, users living in regions that experience temperatures below 10 degrees Fahrenheit should opt for a unit heater or wall furnace instead to bring comfortably warm temperatures to their garages.
Check out this Pioneer ductless mini-split air conditioner and heat pump set on Amazon.
What Is A Good Temperature For A Garage?
The ideal temperature for a garage depends on how you use the space. For instance, take note of the items inside the garage storage area when thinking about an ideal temperature range.
For example, you’re using the garage to store your car. Lead-acid batteries for vehicles can remain optimal functionality when stored in temperatures between 41 to 113 degrees Fahrenheit.
On the other hand, you might be keeping some power tools in your garage. If so, various battery-operated machines generally use Lithium-Ion (Li-ion), Nickel Cadmium (NiCad), or Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) power cells or packs. These units usually need to be in storage areas with temperatures of 32 to 113 degrees Fahrenheit.
Take note that the garage should still be at an ideal temperature range to stick to a dew point. Dew point is the capacity of the air to hold moisture and humidity at 100%. If the temperature in the space drops below the dew point, excess condensation and moisture will begin to form, causing risks of issues like corrosion and mold growth.
Check an online map to see the ideal dew point range for different states. For example, some locations in Wyoming should prevent moisture-related issues in their homes and garages if their spaces are within 30 to 35 degrees Fahrenheit. In comparison, Florida requires a dew point of 60.1 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Moreover, garages used as living spaces should remain comfortable at 64 degrees Fahrenheit.
Take note that some heating systems, such as radiant heaters, may need unique thermostats for efficient controls. Read the following post for more information about that particular topic: Do I Need A Special Thermostat For Radiant Heat?
Do Garage Heaters Use A Lot Of Electricity?
Garage heaters, particularly space heating models, often require significant electricity to function. The average power consumed by a standard space heater in a typical American home is between 5,000 to 30,000 kW per year. However, the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) saw an average of 10,715 kW per month electricity usage for many residences in the country.
Consequently, garage space heaters can skyrocket costs if left unchecked. Homeowners can expect an increase of about $1,200 to $6,000 per year to their energy bills if heater usage is frequent.
Interested buyers can opt for space heaters that require less electricity on average. However, expect that these models to have less heating prowess than their high-powered counterparts. Another option is to use propane heaters, albeit these choices are generally less safe to use than electric heaters.
Still, if these gas-powered warmers are used properly, homeowners can save a significant amount of money from their energy bills.
Check out this Brightown portable electric space heater on Amazon.
Where Should A Heater Be Placed In A Garage?
The ideal location for a garage heater is the coldest part of the space. Test different locations in your garage by standing in different areas. Check for drafts or fairly cold activities in those zones. Then, place the heating unit in the coldest area for optimal heating.
Take note that you should avoid placing a garage heater near combustible and flammable objects. These items include (but aren’t limited to) bedding, clothing, curtains, pillows, and paint.
Read this post to know more about space heating units: Types Of Space Heaters For Homes.
Final Thoughts
Detached garages need dedicated or allocated heaters since these spaces are separated from homes. Dedicated heaters, such as mini-split, radiant, and space warmers are often good choices for these isolated spaces.
Furthermore, certain heaters provide better heating prowess than others. Some examples include the Senville LETO Mini-Split Air system, Bromic Heating Portable Radiant Heater, and andily Space Heater. Make sure to check each product to understand its features.
Take the time to think about your upcoming purchasing decision so that you can get the most value out of the transaction.
Also, check the following post if you want to know the best heating systems for screened porches: 10 Best Heaters For A Screened Porch.