If you use your garage as a workspace for your DIY projects, you know how cold it can get during winter months. This makes it difficult for you to complete your projects. Generally, garage spaces are not insulated, which is why they are not ideal for winter unless you make certain changes. A logical fix is gas garage heaters because it will warm up your workspace.
Thinking about putting a heater in the garage? You might find yourself Googling how to install gas heater in garage. Even though the installation process might seem daunting, but it is not impossible. This article outlines the gas heater installation process so that you don’t have to suffer in cold temperatures. Moreover, it covers tips that can keep your garage warm for longer.
Benefits of Installing a Gas Heater in the Garage
No matter what you use it for, the garage can be a valuable space in your house. However, the bitter cold during winter months can make it difficult to effectively utilize the space. Let’s dig in to see the benefits of installing a garage heater:
Keeps your vehicle in good condition
Even if it sounds strange, a lot of people use their garage to park their cars. This practice is more prevalent during the winter months because a garage offers shelter and protects your vehicle from freezing temperatures. When you install a heater in the garage, it will preserve the battery life of your vehicle. Moreover, it will decrease electricity and fuel consumption since you no longer have to warm your vehicle up with a block heater.
Stay warm while repairing and DIY projects
Ever tried working in a cold office? Now imagine if you have to use a wrench in a freezing garage to repair your car or when completing a DIY project. This is especially true for people who use their garage as a workroom. If you know how to install gas heater in garage, it will benefit you by ensuring warmth and remove any hindrance while finishing your handyman tasks.
Warms up the house
Generally, a garage is either attached to a room or there is a room directly above it. You might have noticed that these rooms are especially colder compared to other rooms. Wondering why? Since these rooms are attached to an unheated garage, cold air is pushed in and becomes unbearably chilly. A simple solution is to install a garage heater to provide comfort and warmth to your family.
How do I Install Gas Heater in Garage?
If you have finally decided to install a heater and want to learn how to install gas heater in garage, then check out the detailed instructions. Firstly, you will need to decide the place you intend to install the heater. For homes that already have gas lines and hookups in place, the choice of positioning a gas heater might be limited. It is vital to place the heater in a location that minimizes heat loss because it will warm up your garage more effectively and in an even manner. After choosing the placement, you must ensure that the gas pipe matches the unit you have purchased.
After making sure you have the heater and the right pipe, the next step is to get proper connections and utilize the right kind of joint compounds. To install the heater, you will need to connect the PVC pipe to your gas line using a threaded female connector. As you install the pipe, ensure that it is secure and stable. It is best to cut holes in the ceiling for the pipe so that it is not in an area where foot traffic or any other disruption might endanger it. After you have connected your new heating unit to the fuel source, check all the connections and the entire line for leaks before firing up the unit and turning it on.
For natural gas heaters, you will need to ensure proper electric outlets along with safe and secure gas connections. Even though the heaters are run using propane or natural gas, the thermostat is generally run on electricity. Moreover, the majority of heating units do not have a pilot light, rather they utilize an electric spark to start when the thermostat turns them on. You will require two empty breakers for connecting the thermostat to your main electric panel. It is best to hire a professional electrician to install this especially if you have a fuse box.
When installing your thermostat, install it approximately 5 feet off the floor. It will offer a precise reading when the heat rises. Make sure you refer to the wiring diagram in the owner’s manual as it will protect you from possibly dangerous mistakes when affixing the thermostat.
Learning how to install gas heater in garage will be a fun DIY, which will make you enjoy the warmth even more!
Tips to Maintain Warmth in your Garage
Now that we have answered how to install gas heater in garage, it is imperative to ensure that the garage stays warm. However, household garages are high-traffic areas that can lead to heat loss. If you want to minimize heat loss, consider the following tips:
- Insulate the Garage Door
After you have installed a gas heater, it is best to invest in insulating the garage door as well. These insulating materials will help the heat to stay inside the garage, keeping it warm for longer. There are several choices including the installation of fiberglass batt insulation and foam boards. Make sure that the insulating materials have a snug fitting.
- Repair or Replace the Weather-stripping
Repairing or replacing draughts in your garage will decrease heat loss. Weather strips develop a seal between the garage and the door opening, ensuring that it is weather-tight. You might want to replace the strips from time to time, which will prevent draughts.
- Consider Caulking
Gaps and cracks can prevent your garage from warming up. Caulking is a procedure that means using a sealant to fill these cracks and gaps.
To wrap it up
Don’t want to work in cold temperatures? Can’t keep the room next to the garage warm? The solution is simple: learn how to install gas heater in garage. It will keep your entire house’s temperature warm and ensure that your family stays comfortable.