How to Choose the Right Garage Heater Size Based on Square Footage
You can’t beat a little garage heat
Highlights
Your garage square footage determines the necessary heater size.
You should aim for 20 to 30 BTUs (British Thermal Units) per square foot of space.
You should go for more BTUs if you live in a colder climate.
Garage heater installation costs $2,075 on average.
Choosing the right garage heater size is crucial to achieving a cozy space for your car or workspace. The size of your garage plays the biggest role in determining the right heater size. Before installing a garage heater, you should learn about the various sizes available, how to measure your garage, and what to do if you have the wrong size heater.
What Is the Standard Garage Heater Size?
There isn't a one-size-fits-all standard garage heater size because the appropriate size depends on various factors, including the garage's square footage, insulation, and intended use. However, a common guideline is to aim for approximately 20 to 30 British Thermal Units (BTUs) per square foot of space.
For example, if your garage is 500 square feet, you would require a heater with an output of around 10,000 to 15,000 BTUs (500 sq. ft. x 20-30 BTUs/sq. ft.). This is a general rule of thumb, and individual circumstances, such as insulation quality, local climate, and personal preferences, may influence the specific heater size needed.
It's essential to thoroughly assess your garage space, considering factors like insulation, garage ceiling height, and the purpose of the space. Additionally, the type of heater you choose—forced air, infrared, or radiant tube—will impact the heating efficiency and influence the recommended size for optimal performance.
Popular Garage Heater Sizes
While you can’t rely on a single standard-sized garage heater working for your particular garage, you can get an idea of which size might be right for your garage based on these popular sizes:
5,000–10,000 BTUs: Suitable for small garages or workshops (up to 300 square feet) and ideal for spot heating or maintaining a moderate temperature in a limited space.
10,000–20,000 BTUs: Appropriate for medium-sized garages (300 to 600 square feet) and provides more substantial heating capacity for improved coverage.
20,000–30,000 BTUs: Ideal for larger garages or workshops (600 to 900 square feet) and offers increased heating power for colder climates or less insulated spaces.
30,000–50,000 BTUs: Suitable for spacious garages or workshops (900 to 1,500 square feet) and provides high heating capacity for colder climates or larger, less insulated areas.
50,000 BTUs and above: Designed for extra-large garages or commercial spaces (1,500 square feet and beyond) and offers robust heating performance suitable for extensive areas or high heat demand.
How to Measure the Right Size
There are a few factors you will want to keep top of mind when choosing a garage heater for your home. You can follow these steps to accurately measure and determine the appropriate size for your garage heater, but if you’re unsure if you’re heading in the right direction, you can always hire an insulation company near you to help.
Step 1: Measure the Square Footage
The initial step is measuring the square footage of your garage by determining its length and width. Multiply these dimensions to calculate the total square footage.
Step 2: Consider Insulation
Once you have the square footage measurement, consider the insulation quality in your garage. Well-insulated spaces require less heating capacity than poorly insulated ones. Adjust the BTUs per square foot range based on your insulation assessment; use the lower end for well-insulated garages and the higher end for those with poor insulation.
Step 3: Determine BTUs Required
Next, refer to the guideline of 20 to 30 BTUs per square foot to determine the total BTUs needed for your garage. Multiply the square footage by this recommended range. For instance, a 500-square-foot garage would require 10,000 to 15,000 BTUs.
Step 4: Choose Heater Type
The type of heater you choose also plays a crucial role. Decide on the heater type—whether forced air, infrared, or radiant tube—considering your preferences, heating needs, and garage layout. Adjust the required BTUs based on the efficiency levels of the chosen heater type and whether you need targeted or overall heating.
Step 5: Account for Climate
If you reside in a colder region, leaning toward the higher end of the BTU range ensures effective heating during the colder months.
Step 6: Account for Ceiling Height
Don’t forget to consider the height of your garage ceiling. Higher ceilings often require a more powerful heater to distribute heat effectively throughout the space.
Step 7: Check Manufacturer Recommendations
Check the manufacturer's recommendations for specific models, as manufacturers often provide guidelines on the suitable garage size for each heater.
What to Do if You Have the Wrong Size Garage Heater
Discovering that you have the wrong size garage heater can be inconvenient, but there are solutions. Here’s what to do if you find yourself in this predicament.
Assess the heating performance: Evaluate how well the current heater is performing in your garage. Note any areas where heating is insufficient or excessive.
Calculate the discrepancy: Revisit the square footage of your garage and compare it to the BTU output of your existing heater. Calculate the discrepancy to understand the difference between the requirements and your current setup.
Adjust usage patterns: Modify how you use your garage during colder periods. Concentrate activities in areas where the heater is more effective or consider staggering usage in different zones.
Improve insulation: Enhance the insulation in your garage to reduce heat loss. Insulating doors, windows, and walls can make a significant difference in maintaining warmth.
Consult the manufacturer: Contact the manufacturer of your current heater. They may offer guidance on maximizing its efficiency or suggest modifications to better suit your garage.
Upgrade the heater: If the discrepancy is substantial, consider upgrading to a larger heater. Use the lessons learned from your initial selection to choose a new model that aligns better with your garage's heating needs. A new garage heater costs between $1,500 and $4,000, with an average price of $2,075.
Explore different heating types: If the current heater type isn't delivering the desired results, explore alternative types that may better suit your garage layout and requirements.
Optimize heating system: Ensure that your heating system is optimized for efficiency. Regular maintenance, cleaning, and proper ventilation can contribute to better performance.
Evaluate long-term solutions: If modifications and adjustments prove insufficient, evaluate long-term solutions. This might include a comprehensive overhaul of the heating system or investing in a more advanced solution for larger or differently shaped spaces.
Consult professionals: Seek advice from heating professionals. They can assess your garage, consider the existing setup, and recommend the best heater size.
The key is to adapt and find solutions that align with your garage's unique characteristics. Whether through supplementary heating, adjustments, or upgrades, proactively addressing the issue can lead to a more comfortable and functional garage space.