Updated November 2022
If you're looking for the best space heater for garage use, you're probably looking for an efficient solution to keep the garage warm in the colder seasons. Many people simply raise the temperature on the home's central heating system, but this inefficient compared to using a dedicated space heater in the garage. Plus, few people have an HVAC system that actually distributes air into the garage! That's why we've reviewed the best space heaters for garages, and identified the best appliance for this situation. Keep reading for everything you need to know about shopping for a garage space heater.
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How Does a Space Heater Work?
Space heaters are appliances that warm a room in two ways: radiant heat and convection. Radiant heat is similar to the warmth that you feel when sunlight hits your skin, while convection simply happens when air surrounding the heater is heated. Hot air rises toward the ceiling, pulling the surrounding cool air toward the heater where the air is heated and also begins to rise. A space heater continually attracts and heats cool air, gradually heating the room it is placed in.
Space heaters are a great appliance to have in your home because they are portable and efficient. They don't occupy a lot of space, so it is easy for you to store them when they are not in use, which will most likely be during the summertime! Plus, for many households, they cost much less to run than turning on your home's central heating system.
How Much Electricity Does a Space Heater Use?
Essentially, a space heater's wattage rating is equivalent to how many watts of electricity it uses per hour. A space heater will use anywhere from 200 watts to 2,000 watts depending on its make and model. The essential thing to remember is that higher wattage simply equates to a higher electricity usage.
While your exact space heater running costs can vary, we estimate that it will cost you around $3.36 to run a 1,500-watt space heater for 8 hours a day. To maximize energy savings, it is imperative that you only use a space heater when there is someone in the room and never forget to turn it off if you are planning to leave that area. If you are forgetful, would be very helpful to pick a space heater that has a timer. When seeking the best space heater for garage use, energy efficiency is important to consider, as garages often have poor insulation that can result in wasted heat.
How to Choose a Space Heater
There are a lot of space heaters to choose from and finding the best space heater for garage use can be daunting. The most important thing to look into when choosing a space heater is the wattage and the space it is ideal for. You will also need to research and review the brand that you are eyeing. For best energy efficiency and running costs, don't forget to check the energy consumption details and Energy Star rating!
Below are different types of space heaters you may want to consider:
- Portable – ideal if you like to move your heater from one room to another
- Fan-forced (convection) – heaters which blow hot air to circulate in a room/space
- Radiant (infrared) – warms nearby objects like a person and furniture
- Ceramic – Designed to be small, lightweight and cool to the touch
While there are a lot of space heater features that may sound great, below are the ones that are essential for an appliance earning the title of the best space heater for garage settings:
- Find a brand that is energy efficient, always check for Energy Star or EPA certifications
- Look for a heater which has safety features including overheat protection
- Find a model that produces minimal noise
- Lastly, look for a space heater that has an auto shut off. This safety feature that prevents overheating and fire hazards caused by space heaters that are left unattended
The #1 Best Space Heater For Garage
For the best space heater experience in your garage, we recommend the Dr Infrared 1,500-watt Portable Space Heater, especially if you have a larger garage! Even during the winter months, you can enjoy warmth and comfort that you won't find using other space heaters. This portable space heater has a dual heating system, which optimizes the heat transfer to average more heat output compared to other space heaters of its size.
The Dr Infrared Space Heater works similarly to sunlight, by warming objects rather than air. The infrared heat feels natural and is energy efficient, using 100% of the heat produced, which creates almost no loss in heat transfer at a very low cost. It offers overheat protection, tip-over shut off, and is safe to touch. You will have peace of mind while you are using this space heater and it is safe to use even when there are kids around.
The Dr Infrared Heater also has other great features, including:
- Soothingly quiet, you will hardly notice that it is on
- Conveniently adjust temperature with a wireless remote
- A programmable timer that will automatically shut off once it reaches the number of set hours
- Durable, easy to maintain and clean
If you would like to know more about how a space heater works, then be sure to visit our space heater buying guide article. You may also want to stay up to date with our latest blog content for all of our appliance recommendations and reviews.