Anybody with a detached garage knows just how cold these spaces get in the winter. A garage that’s part of your house benefits a little from the heat in your home, but a detached garage is left to the elements.
This can be a real problem if your detached garage stores something in particular – like a prized classic car – or you use it for a particular task. For instance, you will be less inclined to get out there to do your woodwork if it is cold, and there’s a risk your wood will get too damp.
There is a range of different ways you can solve this problem, given the variety of different heating options out there. You don’t need to accept that your detached garage will always be cold and damp in the winter; you can try one of the following tips.
The best way to heat a detached garage depends on your needs. If your garage has no special function beyond storing your everyday cars and other regular items, then investing in some insulation may well be enough for you. But if your detached garage is more important than that, then you may want to invest a bit more in your heating and insulating options.
If you are trying to work out the best way to heat a detached garage, consider our handy guide below.
Installing a Ductless Mini Split System
This is a kind of heating system that doesn’t need air ducts to heat the air. If your detached garage is ductless, a Crofton, MD ductless mini split installation from Mitsubishi will be your best option.
A single-zone mini split system is made up of an air-handling unit, which is installed inside your garage. There’s also a compressor that’s fitted on the outside. They are connected by a conduit and powered by electricity.
They are a flexible option for heating your garage. They usually come with a remote so you can easily control heating, and often come with a cooling function which you can use in the summer.
Setting up at the beginning can be quite expensive, and they require monthly cleaning, but ductless mini-split systems tend to be easy to use and hassle-free. It will keep your detached garage warm without cranking up the heat.
Unless you live in a very cold environment, mini-splits are ideal. Schedule a ductless mini-split installation as soon as possible.
Better Insulation
This should be by far the cheapest option. You’d only need to improve the insulation your garage already has and make a few small additions, so there are no big overhauls or expensive purchases involved. This is also a simple job you can do yourself.
We recommend purchasing fiberglass insulation roll, as it is relatively inexpensive, widely available and very versatile. You could use it on the garage ceiling, walls and door.
Otherwise, all you will need is a sharp utility knife to cut the fiberglass to fit, a staple gun and wood to guide the fiberglass to the right size.
Weatherstripping is easy enough to apply to windows and doors to prevent cold air coming in.
It may not keep your garage warm, but if you live in an area where winter is mild and temperatures don’t drop too low, this should be fine. You may just need to layer up in the winter if you use your garage to work.
You should also insulate if you plan to buy heaters, otherwise warm air will escape.
Radiant Heating System
Often used for in-floor heating, this can be fitted into walls and ceilings, too. This system will heat the surface areas where it is fitted using infrared radiation, heating the surface area evenly.
It is seen as ideal for under-floor heating because the hot air rises from underneath the floor to heat the entire area. This makes it one of the most efficient ways of heating a detached garage, which would likely require little energy to heat up using this system.
Indeed, even though it is expensive to install, its operating costs are very low and, unlike many heating systems, it is quiet, too.
Portable Space Heater
This is ultimately the simplest way to heat your detached garage. Portable space heaters come in a range of different sizes to suit your needs, and most heaters built today are energy efficient so that you won’t add to your electricity bill.
This is a great option to supplement other heating sources or insulation and if you live in a mild climate. If your winters aren’t that cold, plugging in a space heater to go with your insulation will be enough to keep your garage warm if you are working in there.
You can then also use this heater elsewhere in the house, making it a very flexible heater to buy. Don’t rely on a space heater, though, if you live in a colder climate, as they take a while to heat up and are not as powerful as other sources.
Which is Best For You?
Out of all of these solutions, we think installing a ductless mini split system from Mitsubishi is the best option. At Grove HVAC, we use Mitsubishi ductless mini splits, which are the most efficient and quietest units for your money.
Contact Grove today to schedule a ductless mini split installation.
