This job can be dangerous. Consult or hire a pro to be safe.
Time to complete
8 hours
Cost
$500–$1,000
Only buy supplies if you’re comfortable with advanced-level DIY.
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What you'll need:
TOOLS
Lag bolts
Tape measure
4-in-1 screwdriver
Adjustable wrench
Cordless drill
SUPPLIES
Heater
2x6-inch boards
Eye hooks
Pulley system
Tie down straps
Gas line
Gas line connectors
Plumbers tape
Gas leak detector
Vent pipe
You can turn your garage into a functional year-round space by learning how to install a garage heater. If you’re an experienced DIYer with some serious handy skills, you can put a gas heater in place in about one day, with time to spare. Our guide will walk you through the tools, supplies, and steps to install your garage heater from start to finish.
Prepping to Install a Garage Heater
Before you begin installing your garage heater, there are a few steps you can take to ensure you’ve got all of your ducks in a row. Be sure to check your city’s building codes and regulations so that you have confirmation that a gas heater can be placed in your garage. Next, you’ll want to select a gas heater that’s sized appropriately for your space and rated for indoor use. You’ll also want to make sure your garage is well-ventilated and you have carbon monoxide monitors in place.
How to Install a Gas Heater
Get your toolbelt ready—it’s time to put your DIY skills to the test. Follow the steps below to heat your garage before the temperatures dip.
Mount the Boards
Your garage heater will work best mounted to the garage ceiling in the coldest part of the room (usually the corner of two outside walls). It should be angled toward the middle of the room. To provide the right support for your heater, secure the 2x4-inch boards to the studs in the ceiling using lag bolts.
Attach the Eye Hooks
Using your tape measure, measure the width of the heater. Mark a line where the heater will go and attach your heavy-duty eye hooks on the 2x6-inch boards on either side of the line. This step will help secure your straps later on.
Hang the Heater
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Enlist a friend or use a set of pulleys to help lift the heater to the ceiling. (You’ll need to hook a strap on to each eyehook if you use a pulley system.) Once it’s near its desired position, take your tie-down straps and hook them onto each eye hook, then wrap them around the heater to secure the heater in place. Bolt its brackets to the 2x6-inch boards with lag bolts, then carefully remove the straps to ensure the heater is secure.
Connect the Gas
Make sure your main gas line is turned off and connect the gas supply line to your heater. Now you can use plumbers tape to seal the threaded connections. You’ll also want to install a shut-off valve for maintenance purposes.
Install a Vent Pipe
Photo: Dmitry / Adobe Stock
Assuming venting is required, install the vent pipe according to the directions in your owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s instructions. The venting will need to be unobstructed so that gasses can exhaust out of the garage whenever necessary.
Test the Heater
Ignite the heater to check that it’s working properly and pushing heat into your garage. Be alert for any unusual sounds or smells. If a thermostat is included, check that it’s also operating correctly. Once everything seems to be up and running, enjoy your new, cozy space.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Although seasoned DIYers should be able to install a garage heater, it takes a reasonable amount of time and effort to complete this project. If you don’t have either the DIY skills or the time, consider hiring your local furnace repair specialist to do it for you. Ensure they have prior garage heater installation experience, and they will get your heater up and running in less than a day.
Of course, you will save more with a DIY job than if you were to hire a professional. While the DIY job costs around $500 to $1,000, the cost to hire a licensed specialist will range from $1,500 to $4,000, depending on the size of your garage and the type of heater.
Frequently Asked Questions
You’ll need about 30,000 to 50,000 BTUs to heat a two-car garage. To be certain, measure the square footage of your garage and check the specs of the heater you’re considering to make sure it matches up. Consult a professional garage heater to determine the right size unit for your garage square footage.
The main con of a heated garage is that if cold air comes into your garage and hits warm tools, it could lead to rust. You may also have to deal with the slush and run-off from any snow or ice that comes into the garage from vehicles, leading to more maintenance and upkeep.
