What is the best way to heat a garage? Our HVAC pros agree this is the clear winner

The garage is one of the most useful, functional areas of the home. From parking cars to storing seasonal decor, it's a space that really does it all. But, how do you keep it warm?

To avoid mold, condensation and burst pipes, it's important that garage temperatures don't drop too low in winter. As our HVAC experts warn, there's no point in turning your attention to heating the space before solving any insulation woes.

Here, our pros share the best way to heat a garage (and they're all in agreement) and give their tips on acing your insulation. While you may know how to keep your garage cool in hot weather, it's vital to get it right in winter, too.

The best way to heat a garage

Our HVAC pros all agree when deciding how to heat a garage efficiently and that's to make use of the best types of space heater.

HVAC expert Veggeberg says, 'For homeowners looking to heat their garage for short periods of time a few times per month, we recommend an electric space heater, such as the PELONIS PTH15A4BGB Ceramic Tower 1500W Indoor Space Heater with Oscillation available at Amazon.'

The only time you might want to opt for a more expensive solution is if you have converted your garage, and will therefore be spending a lot of time in it.

Home remodeling expert Barres explains, 'There’s no use putting in that much effort into heating this space, unless you’re going to be finishing it and spending significant time here, say, if you turned it into a studio. But otherwise, a good space heater takes care of all your needs.'

Bearing in mind that garage conversions are actually a DIY home improvement that could devalue your property, as most homeowners will be looking to buy a property with a functional garage, only undertake such projects if you're an accomplished DIY-er who can do it to an acceptable standard, or hire a handyman or professional contractor instead.

When running a space heater, do not place it on rugs, furniture it can topple off, and keep it away from other items to ensure adequate air flow. Do not run without supervision, never overnight and be mindful of moisture levels. If it's too high, the space heater can become an electrical risk in your home.

Don't neglect garage insulation

The best way to heat a garage is by using space heaters but Rick Berres, owner of Honey-Doers points out there's no point in heating your garage at all if it is not insulated correctly.

He says, 'I always say that there’s no use heating your garage if you’re going to allow the warm air to get out and the cold air to get in through the cracks, so the very first thing I want you to do is seal up all those bits around the door – I know you have them! And only then you can think about heating.'

So, to winterize a garage, begin by insulating the garage door, using insulation board, such as the FOAMULAR NGX F-250 2 in. x 4 ft. x 8 ft. SSE R-10 XPS Rigid Foam Board Insulation available at Home Depot.

Then, seal gaps around doors and windows with caulk, such as the 18152 DAP Caulk available at Amazon, and sealant tape. You may also want to use spray insulation, suggests Max Veggeberg, CEO and founder of Tetra. For example, we recommend the Great Stuff 99108824 Smart Dispenser Gaps & Cracks available at Amazon, for precise control and maximum durability.

In extreme circumstances, if the damage is beyond DIY repair, it is worth considering replacing your garage door or windows altogether, which will help to cut energy bills.

Pair these insulation solutions with curtain hacks for a warmer home in winter and thermal-reflective insulation paint, suggests Francisco Fuenmayor, insured handyman at LocalProBook, for affordable, additional layers of insulation.

Learn when to insulate above a garage, and when to avoid in our dedicated guide.

Once your insulation is in place and all drafty spots have been sealed, get your space heater on the go.

All prices correct at time of publication.

FAQs

Where do garages lose the most heat?

Your garage will lose the most heat through the garage door, which is why, when necessary, you may need to get clued up on how much it costs to replace a garage door. Of course, this will be influenced heavily by size and material, but our expert guide dives into the details.

What temperature should a garage be kept at during winter?

Much like setting your thermostat to a consistent temperature in winter inside your home, you should aim to do the same in your garage. But, of course, this doesn't need to be kept at the same comfort level. Instead, aim to keep your garage at between 40°F and 50°F, and use a thermometer, such as the ThermoPro TP49 Digital Hygrometer Indoor Thermometer available at Amazon to accurately keep an eye on the temperature.

Struggling to organize a garage with too much stuff? Start by decluttering your space before investing in effective storage solutions to set yourself up for success.