How to Keep a Garage Warm in Winter

Do you use your garage as a workshop, gym, or a man cave to hang out with friends? Using a garage for these purposes is a great way to extend your living space. However, with colder weather approaching, you may wonder if this space will soon be off-limits. Fortunately, several strategies can help keep your garage warm throughout the winter months.

Why Do Garages Get So Cold in the Winter?

If you’ve ever tiptoed into the garage on a cold winter's morning to grab something out of the car, you know just how cold garages can get. Garages become cold in the winter primarily because they are often poorly insulated (or not insulated at all) and have less temperature control compared to the rest of the house.

The lack of central heating means they are more exposed to outdoor temperatures. Additionally, the garage door, typically made of thin metal, allows a significant amount of cold air to enter.

Tips to Keep Your Garage Comfortable in Cold Weather

You can keep your garage warm and comfortable this winter by incorporating some of the following tips:

1. Insulation

One of the best defenses against winter cold in your garage is proper insulation. Insulation helps retain heat and keep cold air out. Start by insulating the walls and ceiling of your garage. Fiberglass batts or foam board insulation are common choices and can often be installed using DIY methods.

For the garage door, consider using an insulation kit or panels designed specifically for this purpose. Don’t forget to insulate any gaps around windows and doors, as these can be significant sources of heat loss.

2. Install a Ductless Mini-Split

If you’re serious about keeping your garage warm this winter, consider installing a ductless mini-split. This system consists of an outdoor condenser unit and an indoor air handler mounted on the garage wall.

The two units are connected by a conduit that contains refrigerant tubing, a power cable, a condensate drain, and suction tubing. Although a significant investment compared to other options, a mini-split can provide both heating and cooling, ensuring year-round comfort.

3. Install a Heater

Aside from a ductless mini-split, some other heating options that are commonly installed in garages include:

• Electric Heaters: Easy to install and use, electric heaters are ideal for small- to medium-sized garages. They come in wall-mounted units, space heaters, and ceiling-mounted options. Electric heaters are a popular option due to their efficiency, low cost, minimal maintenance needs, and safety compared to propane and natural gas heaters which produce carbon monoxide when they burn fuel.
• Gas Heaters: For larger garages or those needing more robust heating, gas heaters might be more suitable. They require proper ventilation and professional installation to ensure they're safe to use, but they can effectively heat larger spaces quickly.
• Infrared Heaters: These heaters warm objects and people directly rather than heating the air, making them efficient for spot heating in smaller garages. However, if you own a bigger garage with large doors and poor insulation, it might be best to invest in a more powerful heating solution such as a gas heater.
• Convection Heaters: Convection heaters are effective for heating the air in a garage and can circulate warm air throughout the space, making them ideal for areas with frequent movement. However, they may be less efficient in very large garages and can take longer to warm up compared to other types of heaters.
• Propane Heaters: Propane heaters require proper ventilation and should be rated for indoor use. Propane heaters are highly effective at rapidly heating large garages and offer strong, consistent warmth.
• Radiant Heating: This option involves installing electric cables under the garage to heat the floor directly, radiating warmth upwards. Though more expensive, radiant heating is energy efficient, comfortable, and safer than gas or propane heaters. It also provides even warmth throughout the garage.

4. Seal Drafts and Gaps

Drafts and gaps can allow cold outdoor air to seep into your garage. Check for leaks around windows, doors, and other openings. Weatherstripping or door sweeps can effectively seal gaps and keep warm air from escaping. Pay special attention to areas where pipes or cables enter the garage, as these can be significant sources of drafts.