Are you considering installing a garage heater in Edmonton? If so, you are probably asking yourself several questions: What size do I need? Which brand is best? How do I decide?
Here’s the truth: garage heaters aren’t one size fits all. Choosing the right option depends on your needs, your home, and your budget. Let’s break it down.
Step 1: Determine Your Heating Needs
The most important step in choosing a heater is fully understanding what you’ll be using your garage for. Typically, Edmontonians fall into four categories:
Parking Only
For homeowners who simply use their garage for parking and storage, a basic garage heater is often the perfect fit. You typically do not need to maintain “living room” temperatures; you simply need a reliable forced air unit to keep the space just above freezing. This ensures your vehicle starts easily in -30°C weather, without the higher installation costs of more complex systems.
Workshop or Hobby Space
If you are a dedicated woodworker, mechanic, or other hobbyist, you probably count on your garage as your dedicated workshop. A garage heater helps create a functional, year-round space. Your unit should be mid-sized and reliable–you’ll need more power than a basic option, but larger options might be overkill. Radiant tube heaters are frequently chosen here because they heat objects (like your tools and the concrete floor) rather than just blowing hot air.
Home Extension
Do you regularly use your garage as a home gym or a bonus room? If so, you’ll need a garage heater that offers around-the-clock comfort. Choose a system that runs quietly and maintains a steady temperature, similar to the furnace inside your home. In this scenario, avoiding cold floors is often a priority, which can lead to a more complex installation. We recommend working closely with your local heating contractor to ensure the system is designed with your best interests in mind.
Separate Rental Suite
Considering turning your additional space into an investment opportunity? Your renovation will require a much more substantial HVAC system than the other options on this list. For more information about garage and garden suite heating, check out our service page or contact our office for details.
Step 2: Understand Your Space
Once you’ve clearly identified your heating needs, it’s time to assess your space. Here are some key details to look out for:
Insulation
As we’ve written about previously, proper insulation is the number one thing you should consider before installing a garage heater. If your walls and ceiling are not insulated, your heater will run constantly to maintain a comfortable temperature, leading to excessive utility bills and uneven heat. Before investing in the unit, ensure your garage is insulated to retain that valuable warmth.
Size
What size garage heater do I need? We get this question all the time. Unfortunately, the answer is more complicated than you might think. Choosing the right-sized garage heater depends on a variety of factors, including ceiling height, climate concerns, and more. Here’s our tip: measure your complete garage space, ceilings and all. From there, contact your local HVAC contractor and let them take it from there. These experts are well-versed in performing precise load calculations, considering every variable, and recommending the ideal system for your space.
Gas Lines and Venting
Finally, natural gas heaters must be hooked up to a gas line in order to function properly. If your garage does not currently have an available line, installing one will require additional labour and materials, which can impact your overall project costs.
Step 3: Finalize Your Budget
Finally, you’ll need to consider the overall cost of garage heaters before making your decision. Generally, forced air units are more cost-effective and accessible, while radiant systems require a higher upfront investment. However, keep your long-term costs in mind: if you use your garage regularly, the energy efficiency of a radiant system might often have a higher ROI over time.
Remember: financing options are often available to help manage the upfront expense. At Weiss Johnson, we currently offer 24-month 0% financing on garage heater installations. This allows you to spread the cost over two years without interest, enabling you to select the right system for your needs while keeping your monthly budget predictable. Interested in our financing options? Contact our office today for further details.
Garage Heater Installation in Edmonton
At Weiss-Johnson, we install, service, and repair garage heaters from top brands, like Reznor. From compact models to more powerful options like the Reznor UDXC, we’ve got you covered! Plus, with nearly 50 years of HVAC experience, we know the ins and outs of garage heater installation and are deeply committed to seamless, code-compliant installations.
Don’t just take our word for it–our reviews speak for themselves! Previous customers chose us for our detailed estimates, competitive pricing, and high installation standards. Read more about why Edmonton homeowners trust us on our website.
Contact Us Today for a Free Quote
Ready to get started? Request a free quote through our website today! We will measure your space, assess your gas line requirements, and recommend the perfect heater for your Edmonton home.
