Should I get a gas or electric heater for garage?

Choosing between a gas or electric heater for your garage can be a difficult decision. Both fuel types have advantages and disadvantages that are important to consider based on your specific needs. This comprehensive guide examines the key factors like efficiency, safety, cost, and more to help you determine which type of garage heater is the best choice.

How Do Gas and Electric Garage Heaters Work?

First, it’s helpful to understand how gas and electric garage heaters work to heat your space.

Gas heaters burn natural gas or propane fuel to produce heat. The gas is ignited by a pilot light or electronic ignition source which heats up a metal heat exchanger. A fan then blows air across the hot heat exchanger and circulates warm air throughout the garage. Gas heaters provide radiant heat which directly warms people and objects in the garage.

Electric heaters use electricity to heat a metal element or pass current through heating coils. As the coils or element get hot they warm up air particles which a blower fan then distributes through the garage. Electric heaters provide convection heat by warming up the surrounding air.

Efficiency and Cost of Operation

When evaluating garage heater efficiency, an important factor is the AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating. The AFUE indicates what percentage of fuel is converted to usable heat. The higher the AFUE rating, the more efficient the heater.

Gas Heater Efficiency

Most standard gas garage heaters have an AFUE between 80-95%. Condensing gas heaters are the most efficient with ratings over 95% AFUE. This means over 95% of the supplied gas gets turned into heat. High-efficiency condensing gas heaters maximize heat production while reducing fuel waste.

Electric Heater Efficiency

Electric heaters are 100% energy efficient as all the supplied electricity gets converted to heat. However, loses can occur from inadequate insulation allowing heat loss. Overall, electric heaters are generally lower maintenance and provide cheaper operation costs compared to gas.

Operating Costs

Heater Type	Average Energy Cost per kBTU
Gas	$0.015/kBTU
Electric	$0.036/kBTU

Based on national averages, gas heaters are around 2-3 times less expensive to operate than electric heaters. This can add up to over $100/year in potential savings with a gas heater. However, costs can vary significantly by location. Always check rates with your local energy providers.

Heating Power and Efficiency

Another consideration is the heating power and efficiency level needed for your garage size. Electric and gas heaters come in a range of power outputs to match different space requirements.

Electric Garage Heaters

240-volt electric heaters range from 5,000-10,000 watts for heating single car garages up to 750 sq.ft. Larger 480-volt electric heaters from 10,000-30,000+ watts can heat 2-3 car garages up to 1,500 sq.ft. Going too small risks not being able to reach desired temps. Oversizing wastes energy. Pick electric heater wattage based on your garage size.

Gas Garage Heaters

Gas heaters range from 40,000-150,000 BTU for heating garages up to 1,500 sq.ft. Each 10,000 BTU can heat up to 300 sq.ft. Size your gas heater based on garage dimensions. Like electric heaters, undersized units won’t heat sufficiently while oversized wastes fuel.

Installation Requirements

Installing electric or gas garage heaters also comes with different requirements you’ll need to factor in. Professional installation is recommended for both heater types.

Electric Heater Installation

240-volt electric heaters need a dedicated 240V circuit installed. This requires running thick 6-3 guage wiring from your electrical panel to the heater location. Proper grounding is critical for safety. A master electrician can assess your panel capacity and wire the new circuit.

480-volt commercial electric heaters require three-phase power. They often need upgraded wiring run from the utility transformer to your panel. Commercial electricians can handle these enhancements.

Gas Heater Installation

Gas heaters need to be installed by licensed HVAC pros or plumbers. They can determine proper venting, gas piping, and clearance requirements. Any gas line sizing, hookups to meters, or venting through walls requires professional expertise. Always pull permits for gas heater installations.

Safety Considerations

Both gas and electric garage heaters come with certain safety concerns to keep in mind depending on which you choose. Proper selection, installation, and operation is key to safely heating your garage.

Electric Heater Safety

The two main electric heater safety risks are electrocution and fire. Using a damaged power cord, inadequate wiring, lack of proper grounding, or overloaded circuits can lead to shock or electrical fire if short-circuiting occurs. Always use heaters with tip-over and overheat protection. Check for UL listing as this verifies the heater meets safety standards. Keep combustibles at least 3 feet away.

Gas Heater Safety

Gas heaters introduce carbon monoxide risks if not properly vented or malfunctioning. Be sure your unit gets serviced annually. Install CO detectors in your garage. Also check for gas leaks which can lead to fire/explosion hazards. Turn heaters off when not in use. Locate away from flammables and provide sufficient clearance to combustibles.

Overall, following all manufacturer safety instructions for installation, operation, and maintenance is crucial to prevent accidents with both electric and gas heaters.

Environmental Impact

The environmental impact of gas vs electric garage heat also differs. This may influence your buying decision.

Gas Heater Environmental Impact

Gas heaters lead to direct carbon emissions when operated as the fuel is burned on-site. This increases greenhouse gas output which contributes to climate change. Gas also risks some air pollution and depletion of finite natural gas reserves. However, gas heaters are generally more efficient than electric ones if sized properly for the space.

Electric Heater Environmental Impact

Electric heaters have no direct emissions from your garage. However, the electricity generated often comes from fossil fuel power plants which do produce emissions. There are also line losses in transmission. But in areas with clean energy sources like solar, hydro, or wind power, electric heaters can provide environmental benefits over gas. They also don’t deplete finite resources.

So electric heaters are often viewed as more eco-friendly, especially as grids use more renewable energy. But their higher electrical demand strains power plants. Gas heaters are usually the greener choice over electric if powered by clean natural gas.

Comfort and Convenience

Both gas and electric heat provide warm forced air heating. But there are some comfort differences to consider:

• Gas heaters warm people and objects directly through radiant heat which some find more comfortable.
• Electric heat mainly warms the air itself. This leads to more dry heat.
• Gas heaters heat up quicker and can be zoned to heat only occupied areas.
• Electric heat maintains more consistent temperatures.
• Gas heaters rely on electricity only to power fans/controls. Electric heaters rely solely on power.
• Gas heaters are self-contained. Electric heaters require professional wiring upgrades.

Evaluate your specific heating needs and which offers the convenience and comfort you desire.

Maintenance Requirements

Proper maintenance is key to efficient, safe, and reliable operation of both electric and gas heaters. But the required upkeep differs.

Electric Heater Maintenance

Electric heaters have very little maintenance other than:

• Replacing air filters periodically
• Cleaning exterior and vents to prevent dust/debris buildup
• Checking power cord and connections for damage
• Testing tip-over switches and heat sensors

Overall electric heaters are simple to maintain yourself.

Gas Heater Maintenance

Gas heaters require more extensive maintenance:

• Replacing air filters monthly during heating season
• Annual professional tune-ups to clean, inspect heat exchanger, check gas line, test ignition system, etc.
• Periodically checking exhaust vent for blockages
• Inspecting gas connections for leaks/damage
• Checking clearance requirements are met

Routine pro maintenance ensures efficient operation and safety. Neglected gas heaters risk dangerous malfunctions.

Noise Levels

Excessive noise when running may influence which type of heater you find most appropriate for your garage space.

• Electric heaters operate very quietly, with noise limited to the fan blowing heated air.
• Gas heaters produce some operational noise from combustion and moving air. But they should never be unusually loud if properly maintained.
• Larger commercial gas heaters tend to be noisier. Electric heaters are near silent.
• Always choose gas heaters with sound-dampening casing to reduce vibrations.
• Install heaters on vibration absorbing mounts and flexible gas/exhaust lines to minimize noise transfer.

For especially quiet operation, electric heaters are the optimal choice. But standard residential gas heaters can also run relatively quietly with proper sizing and installation.

Garage Size Suitability

The right heater type also depends on your garage layout and dimensions.

Electric Heaters

Electric heaters work well for:

• Standard single car garages up to 750 sq. ft.
• Two car garages around 1,000 sq. ft. or less.
• Spaces with lower ceilings like basement garages.
• Workshops and finished garage spaces used regularly.

240V electric heaters can sufficiently heat small-medium garages. Going too big wastes energy.

Gas Heaters

Gas heaters are better suited to:

• Two-three car garages from 1,000-1,500+ sq. ft.
• Extra tall or uninsulated spaces.
• Detached garages located far from main electrical panels.
• Occasionally used large garages requiring zonal heating.
• Northern climates with colder winters.

Gas heaters can be sized up as needed for maximum heating capacity in large garage spaces.

Climate Considerations

Your geographic location and local weather can also help determine the best garage heater type.

Colder northern climates with below freezing winter temperatures often benefit more from gas heating. Gas heaters provide greater heating output potential and faster temperature recovery after opening doors. They reliably heat garages even in frigid conditions.

Mild southern climates may do fine with either electric or gas. Although gas heaters provide more flexibility in zonal heating just the workspace as needed. In temperate coastal areas, electric is often sufficient for occasional garage heating.

High altitude areas sometimes favor gas heaters. Electric heaters lose efficiency at altitude while gas combustion remains unaffected. For mountain garages, gas units maintain their heating capacity better.

Evaluate your typical winter temperatures and heating needs based on climate. Pick gas for cold regions, electric for milder areas.

Initial Cost

Upfront purchase price plays a role for shoppers on tight budgets. Here’s how gas and electric garage heaters compare:

Electric Garage Heaters

– Small 5,000W unit: $150-$300
– 10,000W heater: $300-$500
– Ceiling-mount: $400-$800
– Commercial 480V: $800-$1,500

Gas Garage Heaters

– 40,000 BTU: $350-$700
– 60,000 BTU: $450-$900
– 80,000+ BTU: $700-$1,200
– Venting kit: $100-$300

Electric heaters are cheaper for smaller garages. But larger gas heaters still cost somewhat less than big commercial electric heaters. Installing new electrical wiring also adds expense for electric units.

Zonal Heating Ability

For large garages, you may only want to heat selective zones or work areas as needed instead of the full space. This can save on energy costs.

Gas heaters offer superior zonal heating capabilities since they heat up rapidly as soon as turned on. You can aim movable units right where you’re working.

Electric heaters are slower to heat up and mainly warm the surrounding air. This makes them less ideal for quickly heating individual zones on demand. Stick with gas if zonal heating is a priority.

Conclusion

When choosing gas vs electric garage heaters, key factors to weigh include:

• Efficiency and operating costs – gas heaters are often more energy efficient and cost effective to run.
• Installation requirements – electric needs new wiring while gas requires venting.
• Safety – both come with risks if improperly installed. Follow all guidelines.
• Environmental impact – electric has lower emissions but higher energy draw.
• Comfort and convenience – gas offers radiant heating and faster warm up.
• Maintenance – gas requires more professional upkeep.
• Noise – electric units run quieter.
• Garage size suitability – gas for large, electric for small-medium.
• Climate conditions – gas excels in colder regions.
• Purchase price – electric cheaper for smaller garages.
• Zonal heating – gas units better for selective area heating.

Carefully weigh your needs, garage details, and heating requirements. For most homeowners needing reliable, cost-effective full garage heating, gas heaters are usually the best option. But electric heaters work well for smaller installations and occasional use. Get professional installation for safe operation. With the right heater properly sized and maintained, you can enjoy comfortable garage temperatures all winter long.