Furnace Problems? What to Check When It’s Not Working

Your garage is more than just a place to park your car or store tools—it’s a versatile space that can serve as a workshop, gym, home office, or even a hangout spot. But whether you're working on DIY projects, exercising, hosting friends, watching your favorite game, or simply using the space for extra storage, one thing is clear: comfort matters. If you've ever found your garage too cold to work in during winter or too hot in the summer, you know how important it is to have a climate-controlled space. Here’s your ultimate guide to heating and cooling your garage year-round. Why Should You Heat and Cool Your Garage? Before diving into the best systems and methods, let’s look at why it’s beneficial to regulate the temperature in your garage: Year-Round Comfort: Extreme temperatures can make a garage feel uninhabitable during certain months. Heating your garage in the winter keeps it usable for projects, hobbies, or even parking your car. Cooling it during the summer ensures a more comfortable space for work or relaxation. Protecting Your Equipment: Sensitive tools, electronics, and vehicles can suffer damage from extreme temperatures. Heating and cooling help protect your investment by keeping everything in good working condition. Keeping items from freezing, having a climate-controlled space for pets, and stored items from sweltering heat are all great reasons to heat & cool a garage space. Increased Home Value: A climate-controlled garage adds usable square footage to your home. Whether you’re using it as a living area, home office, or storage space, a comfortable garage can increase the overall value of your property. Energy Efficiency: Modern heating and cooling systems are more energy-efficient than ever. With the right equipment, you can save on energy costs while still maintaining a comfortable environment. Best Heating Options for Your Garage When it comes to heating your garage, you want a solution that’s effective and cost-efficient, without wasting energy. Here are some of the best heating options: 1. Space Heaters For smaller garages or quick spot heating, portable space heaters can be an affordable option. They’re easy to move and store and come in both electric and propane varieties. However, they may not provide even heating across larger spaces. 2. Electric Garage Heaters Electric garage heaters are an excellent option for consistent heat. They come in wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted versions and are designed to provide steady warmth without taking up much space. Look for models with adjustable thermostats for better control over your garage’s temperature. Pros: Easy to install, low maintenance, no need for gas lines or venting, safe to use indoors. Cons: Can be more expensive to operate than gas-powered heaters. These units typically take a larger 240V circuit which may be difficult to install in a finished garage. 3. Gas Heaters For larger garages or more intense heating needs, a gas-powered heater might be your best bet. These systems are capable of heating bigger spaces faster and more efficiently. Options include natural gas or propane models, both of which require proper ventilation. Many installations are using a low-profile unit heater like a Modine Hot Dawg . Pros: More energy-efficient for larger spaces, lower operating costs compared to electric heaters. Cons: Installation can be more complex, requiring gas lines and venting. 4. Infrared Heaters Infrared heaters provide heat by directly warming objects and people in their path, rather than heating the air. These are great for spot heating and will quickly raise the temperature around you, making it ideal for a garage that doesn’t need to be uniformly heated. Infrared heaters can be purchased in electric or gas (natural or LP) models. Pros: Energy-efficient, fast heating, no need to heat the entire space. Cons: May not be the best option for large, open garages. Ventless infrared heaters are also against code in many municipalities. 5. Radiant Floor Heating Radiant floor heating involves installing electric or hydronic heating systems beneath your garage floor. This option provides consistent heat by warming the floor and allowing the heat to rise into the space. While it’s more expensive to install, it offers a luxurious level of comfort, particularly in cold climates. Pros: Even heat distribution, comfortable, energy-efficient in the long run. Cons: High initial installation costs and must be completed before concrete is poured.