How do I heat my garage with natural gas?

Heating a garage with natural gas can be an effective and affordable way to keep your garage warm during cold weather. Natural gas heating systems provide steady, even heat that can make working in your garage comfortable year-round. There are a few key factors to consider when selecting, installing and operating a natural gas heating system for your garage. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of heating a garage with natural gas, considerations for selecting the right natural gas heater, steps for installation, operating costs and maintenance tips. With the right information, heating your garage with natural gas can be straightforward and economical.

Benefits of Natural Gas Garage Heaters

Heating a garage with natural gas offers several key advantages:

• Cost-effective – Natural gas prices are typically more affordable than electricity or propane. This can make natural gas garage heaters cheaper to operate in the long run.
• Powerful heating capacity – Natural gas heaters provide strong heat output, making them capable of heating even large, uninsulated garages.
• Consistent temperatures – Natural gas heaters provide steady, even heat that maintains consistent temperatures. You don’t get the temperature fluctuations sometimes experienced with electric heaters.
• Easy installation – If your home already has natural gas service, connecting a natural gas garage heater is relatively simple, often requiring only a dedicated gas line run to the garage.
• Better for the environment – Natural gas combustion produces fewer greenhouse gases compared to heating oil or propane.

Overall, natural gas can be an efficient, cost-effective heating fuel for garages. The high heat output and steady temperatures of natural gas heaters make them well-suited for garage environments.

Considerations for Selecting a Natural Gas Garage Heater

If you decide to heat your garage with natural gas, it’s important to select the right heater for your specific needs. Key factors to consider include:

Garage Size

Consider the square footage and height of your garage. Large, tall garages will require more BTUs of heating capacity. Make sure to select a natural gas heater appropriately sized for the dimensions of your unique garage space.

Insulation Level

Poorly insulated garages require more heating power. If your garage is uninsulated or lightly insulated, opt for a high-capacity natural gas heater. Well-insulated garages may be able to get by with less BTUs.

Location

Think about placement of the heater within your garage. Natural gas heaters are available as wall-mounted units, ceiling-mounted heaters or portable space heaters. Make sure to pick the style that best fits your garage’s layout.

Zoned vs Unit Heaters

Zoned heaters have different heat settings for specific areas, while unit heaters provide heat for the full garage space. If you only work in a portion of your garage, a zoned heater may be most efficient.

Ventilation

Natural gas combustion produces greenhouse gases and water vapor. Make sure your garage has adequate ventilation to safely remove these byproducts. This is especially important for attached garages.

Special Features

Some natural gas garage heater models offer useful features like programmable thermostats, multiple fan speeds, and configurations for vertical or horizontal installation. Choose options that best suit your usage needs.

Carefully considering these factors will help you select the ideal natural gas heater for heating your garage effectively.

Natural Gas Garage Heater Types

There are three main types of natural gas heaters suitable for garage installations:

Gas-Fired Forced Air Units

Forced air units work by heating air and circulating it through ductwork. This allows heated air to be directed to different areas. Gas-fired forced air heaters provide strong heating capacity for large garages.

Natural Gas Infrared Heaters

Infrared heaters work by heating objects rather than the surrounding air. Infrared waves radiate out and are absorbed by floors, vehicles, tools and other objects in the garage space. This directed heat is ideal for spot warming.

Gas-Fired Radiant Tube Heaters

Radiant tube heaters use a long steel tube to direct heat across ceiling surfaces. The radiant heat is then absorbed by the garage space. Radiant tube heaters can be an efficient system for heating large garages because they avoid losses from re-heating air.

Within these main categories, there are vented and non-vented models. Vented heaters use ducting to remove exhaust gases, while non-vented models recirculate combustion gases back into the garage space.

How to Size a Natural Gas Garage Heater

One of the most important considerations when selecting a natural gas garage heater is proper sizing. An undersized heater will not be able to provide adequate warmth. Conversely, an oversized heater is a waste of money and energy.

To determine the right size natural gas heater, you need to calculate your garage’s heating requirements. Here are the key factors:

– Garage dimensions – Length x width x height

– Insulation factor – Heating needs increase with poorer insulation

– Climate zone – Colder regions require more heating capacity

– Desired temperature rise – The difference between interior and exterior temps

As a general guideline, a typical two car garage needs between 30,000 to 45,000 BTUs for most regions. Large or poorly insulated garages may require 60,000 BTUs or more. An easy way to determine your specific heating needs is to use an online BTU calculator. Simply input your garage details for an accurate BTU recommendation.

Properly sizing your natural gas garage heater using a BTU calculator will ensure it can efficiently bring your garage space to comfortable temperatures.

Installing a Natural Gas Garage Heater

Once you select the right natural gas heater, it’s time to tackle installation. Proper installation is critical for safe operation and peak performance. Here are the key steps:

Run Gas Line

If your garage doesn’t already have a gas line, this will need to be professionally installed. Running a dedicated gas line for the heater is recommended. Make sure the line is sized to provide adequate gas volume and pressure.

Venting

Vented heaters require running exhaust ducting outside. This removes combustion byproducts from the garage space. Proper venting is extremely important for safety.

Mounting

Wall-mounted units will need to be safely secured to a wall with adequate load capacity. Ceiling-mounted heaters must be fixed to structural framing in the ceiling.

Gas and Electrical Connections

A qualified technician should hook up the gas and electrical connections according to the manufacturer instructions and local building codes.

Testing and Adjustments

Test the heater and make any adjustments to ensure proper operation before regular use. Pay close attention to the burner flame patterns and ventilation flow.

Always have professional tradespeople handle the gas, venting and electrical work. When installed properly, your natural gas heater will provide efficient, comfortable heat for your garage space.

Operating Costs of Gas Garage Heaters

One of the key benefits of natural gas garage heaters is lower operating costs compared to other heating fuels. Here are some estimates for the operating costs of a typical 40,000 BTU natural gas garage heater:

– Natural gas price of $0.90/therm

– 40,000 BTU burner input

– 70% efficiency rating

– 6 hours/day operation

– 5 month heating season

Natural gas consumption:

40,000 BTU x 6 hours x 150 days / 70% efficiency = 34,286 therms

At $0.90/therm, annual gas cost is:

$0.90 x 34,286 therms = $30,857

This translates to a seasonal heating cost of approximately $615 for a typical 2-car garage. Actual costs can vary based on garage size, insulation, climate and natural gas prices in your local market. But for most regions, heating a garage with natural gas is one of the most economical options.

Maintenance Tips for Natural Gas Garage Heaters

To ensure your natural gas garage heater provides safe and reliable operation, periodic maintenance is essential. Here are some key maintenance tips:

Inspect the Burner

Check that the gas burner flames are blue and steady. Yellow, wavering flames indicate the need for adjustment or cleaning.

Clean the Fan Blades

Use a vacuum with brush attachment to remove dust and debris from fan blades. This allows proper air circulation.

Change Air Filters

Replace disposable air filters at the beginning of each heating season. Clean reusable filters periodically.

Inspect Venting System

Check vent pipes and exhaust cap for blockages, corrosion or leaks. Ensure combustion gases vent safely outside.

Check Gas Connections

Use leak detector fluid on joints and connections to test for gas leaks, which can cause dangerous CO accumulation.

Service Annually

Have a professional technician do a complete inspection and tune-up before each heating season. This helps ensure many years of efficient operation.

Following proper maintenance procedures for your natural gas garage heater reduces operating costs and maximizes performance and longevity.

Safety Tips for Gas Garage Heaters

While very effective for heating garages, natural gas heaters do come with certain safety considerations. Be sure to follow these essential safety tips:

– Install carbon monoxide detectors

– Maintain adequate garage ventilation

– Avoid using in closed spaces with poor air exchange

– Keep combustibles away from heater

– Turn off unit when garage is vacant

– Keep outdoor exhaust clear of snow, leaves and other blockages

– Do not leave heaters unattended for extended periods

– Have professional handle all installation and repairs

– Follow manufacturer guidelines for clearances to objects

– Keep children and pets away from active heater

With proper usage and precautions, heating your garage with natural gas can be accomplished quite safely. But always place safety first when operating your natural gas heater.

Finding the Right Natural Gas Garage Heater

If you’re ready to enjoy comfortable, affordable heat in your garage, choosing the right natural gas heater is the critical first step. Here are top recommended garage heaters to consider:

Mr. Heater MHU50 – 50,000 BTU Natural Gas Garage Heater

– 50,000 BTUs to heat up to 1,250 square feet
– Hi/lo 36,000/50,000 BTU settings
– 96% energy efficient
– Thermostat-controlled unit heater

ProCom MG10000TDA – 100,000 BTU Blue Flame Vent Free Garage Heater

– 100,000 BTU heating capacity (also 70k and 50k BTU models)
– Blue flame radiant heat, no blower required
– Can mount horizontally or vertically
– Built-in thermostat

Modine HD45AS0111 – 45,000 BTU Hot Dawg Garage Heater

– 45,000 forced air BTU heating for up to 1,125 square feet
– 80% energy efficient
– Operates on 120V electricity
– Compact, low-profile design

These highly-rated natural gas garage heaters offer the heating power, efficiency and features to keep your garage warm all winter. And heating your garage with natural gas provides comfort and cost savings with minimal hassle. By selecting the right heater and following proper installation and safety measures, you can easily transform your cold garage into a warm workshop or hobby space.

Conclusion

Heating a garage with natural gas offers an efficient and cost-effective way to make your garage comfortable year-round. Natural gas heaters provide steady, powerful heat perfect for garage environments. Choosing the properly sized gas-fired forced air, infrared or radiant tube heater will provide the heating capacity needed for your specific garage’s dimensions and insulation. Having the unit professionally installed and following key maintenance and safety tips allows you to maximize performance and value from your natural gas garage heater safely. With this practical guide, you can confidently heat your garage with natural gas.