Best Gas Garage Heater

Depending on where you live, garages can get extremely cold. If you want to work comfortably in your garage, you need to choose a good garage heater. The best gas garage heater enables homeowners to use their garages year-round.

There are a lot of gas garage heater options you can choose for your garage. With so many options available, you might get confused. Awareness about the features and other things you need to consider before buying will help you choose wisely.

Below are five of the best gas garage heaters available in the market now. We have reviewed each garage heater model in-depth, and we have highlighted each product’s features and the pros and cons of each product.

Best Gas Garage Heater Reviews

Dyna-Glo BTU Natural Gas (30,000) Blue Flame Vent Free Wall Heater – Budget Pick

The flawless performance and high-quality construction of the Dyna-Glo have made it a favorite among consumers. It is an ideal choice for indoor heating.

As these heaters don’t need electricity, you can operate them in emergencies when power is off or when you need heating. The heat gets evenly distributed, and this ensures warmth in every part of the garage.

The vent-free wall heater is high on safety features. The heater has a built-in oxygen depletion sensor. The sensor works by shutting off the heater if the oxygen level is low or detects high carbon dioxide levels.

You can cut down on energy bills when you choose to use the heater to warm the garage, which will help save money. 

Highlighted Features

·         State-of-the-art vent technology doesn’t need a chimney or flue, and it makes the Dyna-Glo a perfect choice for garages, homes, and cabins.

·         The blue flame vent free wall heater has a burn efficiency of 99.9%.

·         The heater automatically adjusts to the desired temperature.

·          The garage heater operates on natural gas.

·         The gas garage heater has a press battery supported igniter.

Pros

·         The blue flame heating technology works best for insulated areas.

·         The adjustable heat output is ideal for a 1,000 sq. ft garage.

·         The thermostat control knob helps maintain the heat level automatically.

·         The assembly and installation process is simple.

·         The heater unit includes brackets and hardware necessary for mounting.

·         It gets sold with a one-year warranty.

Cons

·         Gas tank not included with the garage heater.

·         Fan blower not included.

·         The heater can get slightly noisy.

 

Mr. Heater Big Maxx MHU50NG Natural Gas Unit Heater (F260550)

Mr. Heater Big Maxx works quietly and is capable of heating a 2 – 3 car garage. The low-profile design of the heater needs only one-inch clearance from the ceiling. The LP conversion kit gets included with the unit, and this helps in easy changeover.

A built-in high-velocity electric fan pulls cool air into the heater. The cool air passes the rear of the heater and across a heat exchanger. This process forces warm air into the surrounding areas of the garage and it helps heat the entire garage.

A small clearance of eight feet is required from floor to base for the natural gas unit to function properly. The use of natural gas will help save on energy bills.

Highlighted Features

·         The natural gas heater offers 50,000 BTU per hour. It can help heat up 1,250 sq. ft.

·         Liquid propane to natural gas conversion kit included.

·         The heater unit includes two angel brackets for mounting it on the ceiling.

·         The powered exhaust ensures horizontal and vertical venting.

·         Three-year factory warranty on burners and all other parts. Ten-year warranty on defects (heat exchanger).

Pros

·         Oxygen depletion sensor is available. It indicates when the oxygen levels go down in the garage heater.

·         Spark ignition features have a self-diagnostic control module.

·         The garage heater uses natural gas.

·         The Big Maxx heater is ideal for mid-sized and large garages.

·         Fuel efficient.

·         Remote control included.

Cons

·         The natural gas heater can be noisy at times.

·         It might be hard to install.

·         The venting kits get sold separately.

·         The heater weighs a lot.

 

Empire Vent-Free Blue Flame Heater Natural Gas, Thermostatic Control, 30000 BTU

The Empire Blue Flame heater warms the garage in a quick and efficient manner. The hydraulic thermostat helps in continuous temperature control. Natural gas helps heat in a clean and efficient manner.

The natural gas unit continues to function even when there is no power. The controls to operate the heater are on top and this makes it convenient to use. The safety features include the oxygen depletion sensor.

The hydraulic thermostat enables you to control the temperature by presetting it to a specific comfort level. It makes the heater energy efficient.

Highlighted Features

·         Operational controls on top of the heater unit.

·         Oxygen depletion sensor shuts down the unit if lower oxygen levels are detected.

·         Hydraulic thermostat helps modulate the temperature from 8,000 BTUs – 30,000 BTUs. 

·         The heater is available in propane and natural gas.

 

Pros

·         Thermostat helps provide balanced temperature control.

·         You don’t need electricity to operate the natural gas heater unit.

·         Outside venting is not required. It makes the heater 100% fuel-efficient.

·         Push button start.

·         The heater has a scratch-resistant and durable finish.

·         Three-year limited warranty on heater parts.

Cons

·         Installation might be difficult and you may need professional help.

·         The natural gas heater is expensive.

 

Heatstar Natural Gas Ceramic Heater, 30000 BTU, HSRR30SPNG (For Use in Garage & Shops) – Editors Pick

The Heatstar is an ideal gas heater for garages and shops. The design of the gas ceramic heater helps warm the garage within no time. The thermostat will help control the temperature setting.

The decorative grate of the heater helps protect the burners from damage. It also functions as a wind guard. The natural gas version of the heater makes it fuel-efficient.

The extra burner orifice enables you to increase or decrease the output of the heater. You can choose to mount the gas heater horizontally. The heater unit includes brackets that enable you to install it at a 45-degree angle.

Highlighted Features

·         Compact design ensures that the gas heater doesn’t take a lot of space in the garage.

·         Fuel efficient.

·         The heater gets manufactured with non-corrosive materials and this makes it long-lasting.

·         No electricity is required for starting and venting purposes.

Pros

·         30,000 BTU per hour.

·         Spark ignition feature.

·         Limited warranty of one year.

·         The heater can get mounted on the wall or ceiling.

·         No direct venting required

Cons

·         The garage heater needs ventilation.

 

Modine (HD45AS0111) Natural Gas Hot Dawg Garage Heater 45000 BTU with 80-Percent Efficiency – Premium Pick

The meticulously designed Modine is expensive but is definitely worth the investment due to its amazing features. The low-profile neutral-coloured unit looks stylish.

The electrical ignition of the heater uses 115V power. The total amperage necessary for the circulation fan and ignition system is 3.7 A. It makes the heater energy efficient.

The dual piping positions make installation easy. You can connect the pipes either to the right or left of the heater. Ceiling brackets help mount the heater unit on the ceiling, and the heater cannot get mounted on the wall.

The Modine Hot Dawg gas garage heater provides the best quality, safety and ease of use. The high-quality garage heater lasts long and provides value for money.

Highlighted Features

·         Compact heater makes it easy to install and operate.

·         The natural gas heater is available with a propane adapter kit.

·         The heater is available with a high-altitude kit.

·         Side ventilation feature enables you to mount the heater close to the ceiling.

·         The gas burner efficiency is at a high of 80%.

 

Pros

·         Heating capacity of 45,000 BTU.

·         The garage heater is easy to install.

·         Low-profile unit makes the garage heater look stylish.

·         The motor is permanently lubricated and this makes the heater dependable.

·         The power exhaust is standard and helps with side-wall or roof venting.

Cons

·         It might get slightly noisy at times.

·         The 60-pound weight makes it heavy.

 

Top Features to Consider When Choosing the Best Gas Garage Heater

A gas garage heater is an excellent choice for your garage, but most people don’t know what to look for when choosing one.

Type, fuel source, portability, heating capacity, safety, and installation are some things you should consider when choosing a garage heater.

Type

There are three types of gas garage heaters.

1.    Forced Air – Forced air garage heaters draw cold air from the outside space, and the cold air is then heated and pumped back into the garage.

 

2.    Convection – The convection heaters are popularly known as blue flame. These heaters warm the air around them, and it starts a cycle of rising warm air and cold air going back to the heater.

 

3.    Radiant – The heat gets projected onto objects within the garage space, and it is a good option if you want to heat a workbench.

Gas garage heaters are available in two variants.

1.    Direct Vent Heaters – In this type of heater, the gases get exhausted outside. These heaters are expensive and pose a challenge during installation.

 

2.    Ventless Heaters – In this type, the exhaust enters the heated space.

Fuel Source

Propane and natural gas are the two fuel sources for operating a gas garage heater. If you have a natural gas supply for your home, you can use it to heat the garage. Natural gas will burn cleanly, and there is always an adequate supply available.

Propane is also a good fuel choice, and it burns cleanly too. It is best always to keep a full tank of propane to heat your garage. One of the crucial things you need to know is that propane and natural gas tanks cannot get interchanged.

The nozzles on the propane and natural gas tanks are different, preventing interchanging the gas tanks.

Portability

Do you want the gas garage heaters to get mounted or remain portable? Depending on your choice, you can opt for mounted or free-standing units. The free-standing heaters are portable, and you can move them wherever you need heat in the garage.

Mounted gas heaters get fixed to a particular place in the garage, and they often get mounted on a wall, which keeps them away from any harm. These units are primarily large and can heat the entire garage.

Heating Capacity

The output or the heating capacity of the gas garage heater is another essential factor you need to consider. Measured as BTUs (British Thermal Units), it indicates the heating capacity of the heater.

A BTU capacity of 80,000 – 1,00,000 units is ideal for large garages, and small garages will need a BTU capacity of 30,000 units. If you want to heat only the workbench, you would need a BTU capacity of 5,000 units.

Safety

Propane and natural gas are safe and clean-burning, but you need to take safety precautions when using them. When you have a gas heater in the garage, the risk of accidents increases if there are no safety measures.

Most of the best gas garage heaters have many safety features, including a child safety lock. When safe combustion is not possible, the heater will shut down.

Carbon monoxide detectors will warn when it exceeds the danger levels, and help you shut down the garage heater. All these safety features ensure there is no accident in the garage when you use the gas heater.

Installation

A portable gas heater doesn’t need any installation process. A mounted gas heater installation is more complex, and you will need specialized brackets when you mount a gas heater on the wall.

FAQs

Is it safe to use gas heaters in the garage?

Gas garage heaters are entirely safe for use if you follow all the safety measures specified by the manufacturers.  You should follow all the instructions for installation and service. Always ensure that the carbon monoxide detectors are working well.

What size of the gas heater do you need for a two-car garage?

There are different sizes of gas heaters available in the market. You can make a choice depending on the size of your garage. Apart from the size of the garage, you should also pay attention to the weather where you live.

If you have mild winter, you can opt for 30 BTUs per sq. ft. If you experience freezing climates, you might have to double the BTUs per sq. ft.

A garage of 500 sq. ft will need 15,000 BTUs in a warm climate, whereas it will need 30,000 BTUs in a cold environment. If the garage isn’t insulated, then the BTUs will increase substantially.

Is ventilation necessary when using a propane gas garage heater?

Depending on the construction of the propane heater some of them need ventilation, whereas others don’t. it is best to check the manufacturer’s instructions when installing and using the heater.

What is the life expectancy of a gas garage heater?

Good quality garage heaters have a life expectancy of 15 – 20 years. You should also factor in regular repairs and maintenance when calculating life expectancy.

A well-maintained heater will last long. Humidity levels will also affect how long the heater will last. Avoid using a garage heater that doesn’t work properly as it can affect your safety.

What are the benefits of a natural gas garage heater?

Natural gas garage heaters don’t need any electricity. These heaters will help provide emergency heating whenever you lose power in your garage. It is safe for the environment as only natural gas gets used. Gas heaters are simple to operate.

Conclusion

With all the above information, shopping for the best gas garage heater would become more manageable. When you know what to look for when choosing a garage heater, you make an informed choice.

When you read the reviews, you can understand the highlighted features and pros and cons of each product. With this knowledge, you will gain confidence and choose the gas garage heater that is appropriate for your garage.