Already with the onset of autumn in most regions of Russia, the air temperature drops to around zero, and car owners at this time are thinking about the need to change the wheels to winter tires, change the fluid to anti-freeze, check the battery, and also where to store their car. "iron horse" Leaving a car outside overnight means constantly warming it up in the morning, removing ice and snow from it, which is not very convenient, and also reduces the life of the car.
An alternative solution is to leave the car in the garage overnight, but what to do if it is unheated? How to heat it so that it is efficient and not very expensive? In this article, we will introduce you to all the possible solutions to this problem.
Heating a garage: the most economical and cheapest way
Heating a garage depends on the capabilities and desires of its owner.
First of all, the time people spend indoors in the autumn-winter period is taken into account. Of course, the cost of heaters plays an important role. Before you begin installing a heating system, you need to choose the most economical way to heat your garage. Electric heating of garages can be considered the most popular and economical way. Moreover, this method is suitable in cases where the garage is located a certain distance from a residential building and has small dimensions.
There are a number of methods for heating a garage in winter using electric convectors. An electric convector is a safe and highly efficient electrical device that works on the principle of heating cold air entering it from the room, and rising when heated.
This design, of course, is very convenient, because it makes it possible to place the heating device both on the wall and near the car during its repair. Despite some disadvantages that convectors have, for example, the effect is achieved 30 minutes after connecting it, the consumption of electrical energy increases, and the high price, yet electric convectors also have a lot of advantages:
- heat rooms automatically and manually;
- safe and simple operation;
- durable;
- work in damp and dusty rooms, as they are protected by the housing.
Electric convectors come in floor-mounted, wall-mounted and universal versions, that is, with support legs and a mounting bracket for attaching the equipment to the wall. But this is not the most economical way to heat a garage with electricity.
A fan heater is a device that works on the principle of heating a heat exchanger (heating element or coil) using electrical energy: air masses from the room enter the heating elements and are returned warm to the room. When the fan heaters operate, there are no emissions into the environment, the switch for heating mode and fan rotation allows you to adjust the heating strength, their small size and compactness allow you to install them in any convenient place in the garage.
Focused heating of any zones and objects occurs, as well as rapid heating of rooms, such equipment can automatically turn off when overheated or tipped over, equipped with an additional electric regulator allows you to maintain the set temperature in the garage, these devices are easy to use and have a relatively low price.
The presence of some disadvantages, such as a decrease in humidity in the room during heating, the accumulation of dust in the heating element, which can lead to a fire, its noisy operation, and an increase in electrical energy consumption, however, does not prevent fan heaters from being very in demand and popular for heating garages.
What is the optimal temperature for a garage?
There is no universal answer to this question. Taking into account the above points, many experts agree that the car “loves cold rather than warm”, but without sharp fluctuations and in moderation. That is, the temperature in the garage should not be room temperature, it is optimal for it to be a little warmer than outside, only 7-10 degrees.
Of course, you shouldn’t take this recommendation head-on. If it is severely cold outside, 20-30 degrees or lower, it is better to maintain the temperature in the garage around zero. Otherwise, there is a high risk of simply not starting in the morning.
Plus, you need to take into account that when a car is left in the cold for a long time, the performance properties of its oils and technical fluids deteriorate. This leads to problems during startup and, as a result, premature wear of parts. In addition, cold air is usually more damp, which causes faster corrosion of parts and body elements.
The second factor to consider is how long you typically spend in the garage. If you enter it just to get in and start the car, that's one thing. If you often spend time in the garage, using it as a workshop or for other reasons, then it is obvious that the temperature in it should be as comfortable as possible for you, not the car. In this case, it is optimal to maintain the temperature in the garage at +12-15 C. Below we will look at how this can be done.
Choosing the most economical way to heat your garage
Most car enthusiasts use the garage not only for its intended purpose, but also as a room where they can take a break from household chores, do hobbies or do some household chores. To ensure that your stay in the garage remains comfortable in winter, the room must be heated somehow.
In order for heating to be economical, you need to know the features of existing heating methods, since you can choose the optimal one for yourself only taking into account the specific situation and a number of factors: the dimensions of the room, its distance from housing, the availability of fuel consumed, the budget for providing the garage with heat, etc. d.
Electric way
The most common way to heat a garage is electric, but this raises the question of which type of radiator to choose. Infrared heaters are not cheap, but they consume little electricity. Heat guns are good because they heat the room in a matter of minutes, but their downside is that electricity bills will increase greatly; convectors are in the middle.
The most unfortunate is the oil radiator; it heats the room very slowly, but at the same time consumes a lot of electricity. The general advantage of such heaters is that they can be easily rearranged.
Some car enthusiasts assemble the heater themselves; for this they take an old cast-iron radiator and heating element. What power the heating element will have is up to everyone to decide for themselves, and waste oil can be used as a coolant.
It is necessary to take into account that when choosing a heat gun, be prepared for the fact that it will raise the smallest particles of dust into the air, and you will have to breathe through it
Heating options for a standard one-car garage
The most popular and most economical method is heating the garage with electricity, especially if the building is located some distance from the house, has small dimensions and is not visited often in winter.
There are several ways to heat a garage using electricity.
Models of electric convectors for use in garages and other technical premises
A reliable and efficient device, the operating principle of which is based on air convection initiated by heating elements - cold air enters the device from below and, heating up upon contact with the heating element, rises warm to the top.
Convectors are available in floor-mounted, wall-mounted or universal versions - on support legs, with brackets for mounting to the wall, or equipped with both mounting options. The latter version is especially convenient, as it allows you to compactly place the heater on the wall with the possibility of quick dismantling and installation next to the car - at the place of repair.
Advantages of an electric convector:
- quick heating to working condition;
- heating in automatic mode - a certain temperature value is manually set, upon reaching which the device turns off and resumes heating the room only when the air cools by 1 degree;
- safety of operation and ease of routine maintenance;
- durability;
- Possibility of use in rooms with high humidity and pollution, since the operating elements of the device are covered with a protective housing.
- higher cost compared to some other types of electric heaters (quartz);
- the effect of operating a convector in a garage is achieved after at least half an hour;
- increased electricity consumption.
Compliance with safety precautions when heating a garage
Since many flammable items, oils, solvents, and other flammable liquids are often stored in garages, the first requirement for a future heating system is that it must fully meet all safety requirements.
Basic safety requirements:
- For the storage of fuels and lubricants, a certain place must be allocated, located at a distance from heating devices and located at a certain elevation from the floor;
- The floor and walls near the heating equipment must be upholstered or, in extreme cases, covered with metal sheets;
- There should be a fire extinguisher and a box with asbestos fabric next to the devices;
- The heating system should not be left unattended for a long time;
- Electrical wiring must not contain twists or breaks and must be grounded;
- Regardless of the heating system used, it is recommended to provide exhaust or ventilation in the garage;
- A garage is not a place to store old things and furniture. Remember that they are the main cause of many fires;
- Try to avoid smoking in the garage. As a last resort, do this far from heating appliances and fuel storage areas;
- Do not install electrical appliances in damp areas;
- Install simple smoke and fire detectors on the ceiling. Thanks to them, you will have time to react in time and save your and your neighbors’ property.
In conclusion, we note that the chosen heating method will determine not only the overall temperature conditions, but also a comfortable stay in the garage, as well as the performance and durability of your car. So, before it gets too cold or frost sets in, it’s time to choose the right insulation and heating solution for your garage.
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Fan heater
Operating principle: a heat exchanger (heating elements or coil) is heated by electricity, air from the room is pumped into the heater by a fan, passed between the heating elements and returned hot to the garage.
- environmental friendliness - the absence of any emissions into the surrounding space during operation;
- ease of adjusting the heating intensity - there are switches for heating modes (turning off some heating elements) and fan rotation speeds;
- small dimensions and mobility - can be installed anywhere in the garage;
- the possibility of focused heating of zones or objects;
- quick heating of the room;
- equipped with automatic shutdown devices in case of overheating or overturning;
- the possibility of additional independent configuration with an electromechanical thermostat to automatically maintain the set temperature in the room;
- low cost of electrical appliances of low and medium power;
- ease of operation and maintenance.
Like any unit, the fan heater also has disadvantages that must be taken into account:
- accompanying heating, a decrease in air humidity in the room;
- the presence of dust accumulation on heating elements, fraught with fire or, at least, an unpleasant odor in the garage;
- noise caused by the operation of the fan;
- increased electricity consumption.
Despite these disadvantages, the use of a fan heater is the most popular heating option for a garage.
How to calculate the efficiency of heaters
The most economical equipment includes infrared designs. Their power is comparable to traditional water heating, but energy costs are lower. At the same time, the room is quickly heated, which also contributes to savings.
Convectors cannot be classified as the most economical products, but when using thermostats, these indicators improve noticeably. When using them, minimal heat losses are recorded, since there is no need to heat the water.
The table shows the standard calculation of electric heaters
Using energy-efficient heaters, you can create efficient heating systems. To reduce energy consumption by heaters, the following measures are taken:
- the structure is covered with a second layer of brick with thermal insulation;
- windows and doors are replaced with more insulated models;
- the attic is insulated;
- Accurate thermostats are installed.
If heat losses are reduced, the use of electrical equipment will become more economical.
Heat gun
A compact and easy-to-use device that provides quick and effective heating of the garage. It differs from a fan heater in the significantly higher power of heating elements. The device is based on electric heaters and a high-performance fan, which provides intensive air flow to the heating elements, causing rapid distribution of heat in the room.
Connecting high-power heat guns requires a three-phase power supply with a voltage of 380 V; less powerful units are designed for 220 V.
In small garages, the use of heat guns creates dust in the air, so they can be used effectively only if the room is constantly kept clean, including through high-quality finishing of the enclosing structures.
Liquid fuel boilers
The body is usually made from a gas cylinder, old barrels or heat-resistant steel sheets. However, homemade stoves consume a little more fuel than industrial ones. For example, a heat gun consumes 0.5-0.7 liters of diesel fuel per hour, depending on the power.
Compact diesel stoves are very popular; they are also called a potbelly stove with a fan. There are two types of such heaters:
- Direct heating - this device does not have a chimney, so it is not suitable for a garage.
- Indirect heating - such devices are especially popular among garage owners. Its action is based on the following: through the fuel tank nozzle, diesel fuel passes into the chamber where it burns, thanks to the air supplied by the fan. After passing through the heat exchanger, hot streams enter the garage through the nozzle, quickly heating it.
The set of such a heater includes:
- fuel tank with a valve that can be easily removed;
- adjustment screw;
- replaceable block with wick;
- frame;
- lattice;
- burner;
- reflector.
Modern designs are equipped with a flame control system; if the stove overheats, it will automatically turn off.
In such a device, you must use only the fuel specified in the passport. You also need to take care that no water gets on the stove.
I would like to note that for a small room, air heating will be the most practical, its advantages:
- there are no pipes and heating radiators;
- The coolant is air, so defrosting of the system is excluded;
- heating of the room occurs in a short time.
The disadvantage of such heating is dry air.
Infrared heater
The operation of the device is based on the emission of infrared rays, which, upon reaching the surface of objects along the propagation path, heat them, and they, in turn, give off heat to the room. Such devices are sometimes called UFO heaters, but UFO, the common Cyrillic abbreviation of the same name in everyday life, has nothing to do with ultraviolet irradiation.
UFO heaters are available in various sizes and power; they can be on a leg or designed to be attached to a vertical or horizontal base (wall, ceiling). Provided the housing is waterproof or placed under a canopy, infrared heaters can also be used in front of the garage on the street.
- economical electricity consumption;
- ease of operation and installation;
- reliability, safety and environmental friendliness.
The disadvantage of infrared heaters when used in a confined garage space is the effect of infrared rays on a small area, which causes less heat transfer from objects into the air. But when focusing radiation in the direction of the actual zone, these heaters are quite effective.
Important! The significant heating of the housing of UFO heaters during operation requires caution when handling the device in a cramped garage.
Which heater is the most energy efficient?
Before the start of the heating season, it is worth considering in advance which equipment will be optimal for your home.
There are several types of heaters:
- Electric (convector).
- Infrared.
- Micathermic.
- Air conditioner.
- Ceramic plate (panel).
Electric heater in the interior
Electric convector
Its operating principle is similar to that of an oil cooler. Air circulates through the heating element. The heated air rises and, after cooling, falls to reheat.
The most popular are Atlantic models. The power of convectors varies from 0.5 to 2.5 kW. To heat a room of 20 sq. m. it will take 4-5 hours.
Electric convector Atlantic
Infrared heater
Oil and electrical products have been replaced by a new type of heating equipment. The energy consumption of such equipment is significantly less. A quartz emitter is a heating element that heats up and transfers heat to nearby objects. Such equipment does not heat the air. It is suitable for quickly heating a room. But it is not able to efficiently heat the entire house for a long time.
The infrared device can be installed outdoors. The equipment can be mounted to the ceiling or installed on legs. For heating a room up to 20 square meters. m. it will take 2 hours.
Popular models: Eko, Saturn, Beko, etc. The product consumes an average of 90 W per sq.m.
Micathermic heater
This product is distinguished by its economy and efficiency. It was developed using new technology and was released not so long ago. The equipment was previously used in astronautics and medical institutions. The equipment can be installed on the ceiling or wall.
A micathermic heater heats up efficiently because it has several plates that are coated with mica. It is safe as it does not get hot. Objects around the device heat up evenly.
There is one drawback in the equipment - high cost. A high-quality model is a product from Polaris with a power of 1.8 kW.
Micathermic heater Polaris
Air conditioner
The air conditioner is distinguished by its efficiency. Often used to heat a country house. The equipment consists of an indoor and outdoor unit. Heating a room is different from other heating devices.
The air conditioner is powered by a heat pump. It takes warm air inside the room using a heat exchanger. Therefore, even at negative temperatures, the air heats up and enters the house already warm. Freon is used for heating. Under the influence of pressure, the gas passes through the indoor unit in the heat exchanger and heats up to 80 degrees. After this, the freon goes to the outside and returns to the gas under low pressure. After boiling, it flows again into the indoor unit.
From 2 to 5 kW of electricity is consumed per hour, depending on the model. Air conditioners can heat houses even with a large area. Popular models: Samsung, Daikin and LG.
Ceramic panel
Such equipment is also considered economical. The device looks like a ceramic plate. It works on the principle of long-wave infrared radiation. Excellent for different interiors, as it has a steel heat-conducting box. The panel can be installed on a wall or ceiling.
To calculate electricity consumption, it is necessary to take into account the dimensions of the device. On average, the panel consumes 0.2-2.5 kW per hour. Room 20 sq. m. can fully heat up after 2 hours.
Water heating of a large capital garage
The most familiar to consumers is a water heating system, the use of which in spacious garages is justified by many factors, including the possibility of do-it-yourself installation. If the cost of purchasing a heating boiler, radiators and other components does not bother the garage owner, then water heating is the best way to heat a large permanent garage.
The operation of a garage water heating system requires compliance with the following rules:
- equip the enclosing structures, including gates, with insulation - this will provide up to 40% energy savings;
- use non-freezing liquid as a coolant - this will eliminate the need to drain water during the owner’s long absence;
- To avoid damage, use heating radiators of industrial use, anti-vandal design.
If the garage is no more than 20 m from the house, you can connect it to the home heating system (in the case of autonomous heating, if the heating boiler has sufficient power). But heating a large garage will require significant additional coolant consumption, that is, the installation of a common high-power boiler, the operation of which in the summer will not be economically justified. Therefore, in a spacious garage it is more advisable to arrange an autonomous heating system and install an individual boiler. After making such a decision, it is necessary to decide on the optimal fuel for specific conditions, for which the heating boiler will be purchased.
In terms of the cost of energy (natural gas), this is the most economical way to heat a garage, but it is accompanied by hidden costs:
- preparation of design and permitting documentation;
- payment for the work of licensed gas equipment installation specialists;
- costs for ventilation and removal of combustion products;
- costs for routine maintenance of the boiler;
- possibly the necessary construction and subsequent maintenance of the chimney.
Alternatively, to heat the garage you can use infrared gas heaters, heating panels, convectors that consume liquefied propane and butane in cylinders - this eliminates the need to go through the authorities, but adds the problem of providing fuel.
- advantages - high level of automation of the heating system, when using natural gas - constant availability of energy in the main line, cost-effectiveness and high efficiency of gas equipment;
- disadvantages - the presence of a danger factor of explosion, fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.
When using gas heating, the building owner must especially strictly observe safety requirements in his garage.
A good option for a garage is an automatic steam-drip condensing unit, which is up to 15% more economical than other models, as it can operate efficiently at low gas pressure. In the heat exchanger of such a boiler, water from heating with a gas burner turns into steam, and then condenses again into a liquid state, which is accompanied by the release of heat. Such boilers are produced in floor-mounted and wall-mounted versions. For a garage, the second option is preferable, eliminating the possibility of tipping over when performing some work.
Which heater is better to choose for your home: comparative analysis
Reviews will help you choose the appropriate option. Many buyers of this type of structure can advise which heaters are best for a summer cottage. When choosing a suitable product, it is important to choose the right power. This indicator depends on the cubic capacity of the room. It is better to purchase models with additional functions. This could be a power regulator, a built-in air humidifier, and the ability to automatically turn off if the device falls.
Ceiling heaters fit perfectly into a country house interior
Table 2. Prices for some models of different types of heaters
Image | Models | Cost, rub. |
NeoClima Comforte T 1 electric heater | 2100 | |
NeoClima Comforte T 1 | ||
Noirot Melodie Evolution 2000 | 13900 | |
Ballu BIGH 4 gas appliance | 2560 | |
Ballu BIGH 4 | ||
Timberk Compact TGH gas heater | 2500 | |
Timberk Compact TGH | ||
Kovea KH -1203 gas equipment | 6955 | |
Kovea KH-1203 | ||
Zhytomyr – 5 KSM 3 gas convector | 13500 | |
Alpine Air NGS – 40 F gas convector | 27600 | |
Alpine Air NGS – 40 F | ||
Ballu BHH/M – 09 infrared heater | 999 | |
Ballu BHH/M – 09 | ||
Polaris PMH 2095 | 5400 | |
Polaris PMH 2095 |
Polaris PMH 2095
A heater in the form of a fireplace is considered a stylish solution.
When choosing a specific type of heater and model, remember that its main purpose is to make your stay and life more comfortable and cozy. The favorable microclimate in the room and the heat created depend on the right choice.
Electricity
Heating with an electric boiler is a rather expensive solution to the heating problem for a garage. If there is no alternative type of fuel, then it is better to use electrical appliances (convectors, fans, heat guns, UFO heaters - described in detail above).
When using electric heating equipment indoors with open heating elements (coils, heating elements), it is necessary to remove flammable and combustible materials (fuels, lubricants, solvents, paints, tow, etc.) from the garage.
Which system to choose and what to consider
Once the choice is certain, the cost of the initial energy source must be calculated. The calculation determines the price of a kilowatt-hour of thermal energy. It makes no difference what it is, electricity, diesel or coal. In a particular area, one energy carrier always wins.
Then the composition of the equipment is determined. The choice is huge, boilers, convectors, heat guns, IR emitters and more. Thermal power and covered volume are selected.
You will have to act empirically and intuition; an accurate calculation will require taking into account too many factors. It’s better to take a closer look at the finished projects by talking with your neighbors near and far.
Solid fuel
Today, solid fuel boilers are in demand among homeowners and industrial buildings on a par with gas equipment. The fuel is coal, sawdust, and firewood. This is a fairly economical heating system that provides the room with heat well.
Disadvantages of heating a garage with a solid fuel boiler:
- need for smoke removal;
- the need to allocate a significant area for arranging a fuel storage area, which is not always possible in a garage;
- the danger of having anything in the garage that could ignite from a spark when the firebox door is opened;
- the need to regularly clean the firebox from ash and the pipes from soot.
The most advanced, and therefore economical, type of solid fuel boiler is a pyrolysis type unit, where the fuel, under the influence of high temperatures, decomposes into two components - pyrolysis gas and ash, each of which is burned practically without residue in a separate chamber.
Most models of pyrolysis boilers use only wood, pellets and waste (not bulk) from the woodworking industry as fuel. However, universal units are also produced that are also designed for the use of coal and peat briquettes. The only common conditions for all models is that in order for the boiler to enter the pyrolysis mode, the fuel humidity should not exceed 20%, otherwise it will work like a conventional solid fuel heater.
However, pyrolysis-type boilers are expensive equipment, and therefore not every consumer can afford to use them to heat a garage - heating a garage with your own hands is truly economical only when all components of the process do not require significant costs.
Conclusions and useful tips
From all of the above, as well as on the basis of practical observations, the following conclusions suggest themselves:
- Despite all the difficulties with burning solid fuels, firewood and other waste occupy a leading position among energy sources due to their reasonable price.
- For the same reason, most garages have air heating. It is simple to implement and allows you to quickly warm up the room.
- Air heating is made more effective by forced blowing of the heat source or pumping air through the heating chamber.
- Water heating is more appropriate in workshops and car services; for a private box the system is a bit expensive.
- Electric garage heating is an auxiliary or short-term option that is easy to implement, but difficult to pay for during operation.
Whatever method of garage heating you choose, the degree of insulation of the building will play a big role. An iron frame with slots in the gates does not retain heat at all and cannot be heated, so heating it is expensive and pointless. Another thing is that the walls are made of foam blocks or insulated on the outside with polystyrene foam; savings when heating such a garage are quite achievable.
Air heating system for garage
Air heating is not as popular among garage owners as water heating, but with its help you can not only heat, but also ventilate the room.
The method consists of equipping the garage with an air duct with deflectors through which air is supplied, pumped by the fan of a heat gun or fan heater and additionally passed through an air filter.
The main advantage of air heating for a garage is the rapid simultaneous drying of the entire volume, which prevents the aggressive effects of moisture on the car and other furnishings.
To reduce heating costs, the owner is recommended to insulate the outside walls and ceiling of the garage, having previously sealed all the cracks and holes. For thermal insulation of walls, you can use foam sheets, and expanded clay for the ceiling and floor. The use of mineral wool slabs will require subsequent waterproofing
A properly selected garage heating system will not only ensure a comfortable temperature in the room, protect the enclosing structures from dampness, but also prevent the development of corrosion on the metal parts of the car, which is detrimental to equipment.
Installation of a solid fuel boiler with air heating
Installation of a solid fuel boiler with air heating (without connecting the liquid circuit) is carried out as follows:
- Preparing the place where it will be installed. The walls and floor nearby (at a distance of at least 50 cm inclusive) are finished with non-combustible material. The ideal option is to install a box made of refractory bricks.
- Chimney installation. It is better to “cut” the hole for the pipe using a powerful hammer drill and a diamond bit for stone.
- Boiler installation. Recommended performance is about 10 kW. If a pyrolysis boiler is installed, then the chimney should be additionally insulated (otherwise soot will regularly accumulate in it).
- Fixing the boiler (using dowels on the plates on the bottom). A mandatory item that many people ignore. Fixation allows you to avoid distortions and depressurization with the chimney.
- Test warm-up (one fuel load). At the same time, the tightness of the connection with the chimneys and the absence of reverse draft are checked.
All work should be carried out in the warm season. In winter, it will not be possible to finish the walls or screed the floor (at temperatures below +10 degrees, building materials of this type lose their properties).
A solid fuel boiler can also be placed outside the garage in an extension; according to many criteria, this is more convenient. But in the garage itself, it is necessary to run a heating circuit or at least a radiator, heated by the boiler. The efficiency of such a system is much lower; part of the heat will be dissipated into the environment rather than entering the room.
Prices for gas convector
gas convector
In summary, there are a lot of options for economical garage heating systems, but the most profitable option is to install a solid fuel boiler with air heating (popularly referred to as “potbelly stoves”), running on coal, fuel oil, wood or wood briquettes. In this case, one-time heating of a garage of 25 square meters will cost only 40–60 rubles.
Choosing the most economical way to heat a garage in winter
author Sergey Sobolev 3k Views 0 Opinions
If anyone thinks that a garage is just a place to park a car, it’s women. Little do they know that the garage is actually a men's club, where you can not only repair the iron horse, but also receive friends. One problem is that in our climate from October to April the air temperature does not allow much lingering in unheated rooms. Today we will take a closer look at the types of heating and choose the most economical method. Heating a garage and everything you need to know about it is in our material.
Read in the article:
Types of heating
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtQnEOq4mAU
Let's look at the main types of garage heating. To choose the best option, you need to carefully analyze all the features of your garage space. Try to choose the most optimal option that combines efficiency and economy.
Gas heating
Be sure to remember! It is strictly forbidden to install this method of heating a garage yourself! This can lead to serious consequences, since working with gas is associated with increased risk. It is necessary to have special equipment, possess all the relevant skills, thoroughly know safety precautions and have a special permit to carry out such work.
However, you can easily install gas heating in your garage using the services of specialists.
You can install a gas generator. It works on a simple principle. The design includes a soldering torch. It burns gas, resulting in thermal energy. It enters the heat exchange element and then warms the room. The air pumped by the fan heats up. All harmful combustion products escape outside, but the heated air masses remain inside the garage. The next portions of air will be delivered using special air ducts.
Unfortunately, the generator can only be used effectively if there is a central gas pipeline nearby. At the same time, everyone recognizes that this method of heating a garage is still economical, since a very high heat transfer coefficient is created. The best option is to use a generator in a large garage.
Gas itself is quite expensive. This must be taken into account when choosing this heating method. You will need to invest serious money in installing a heating system. In the future, you will need to constantly pay for the fuel you consume.
There are catalytic and infrared heaters. With infrared heating with gas, the efficiency of the device will be quite high, superior to the performance of electrical analogues. During operation, ceramic elements are heated, after which the heat is released into the air. But it will go along with combustion products. Are you ready to ventilate regularly and create an excellent ventilation system? Then this method will suit you.
With catalytic heating, environmental cleanliness of the air is maintained. The option is very interesting, because all substances burn directly in the catalyst, after which 95 percent of the combustion products are neutralized.
Solid fuel
Many people choose this method to heat a room, since this method is the most affordable, simple, and does not require major investments. In principle, there is no wisdom here. Even if there are problems with the supply of water or gas, fuel heating will always save you in any situation. Heating devices are independent, autonomous.
A very important point! If you decide to use solid fuel, you will have to remove all explosive substances from the garage. And in a garage, unfortunately, it is quite problematic to ensure such security.
There are several options for heating a garage space with solid fuel.
- Pellet boiler. It is heated with compressed sawdust, shavings, and wood pellets. The boiler is filled with fuel automatically. With more raw materials received, the boiler will give off more heat. A prerequisite for using such a boiler is an excellent ventilation system.
- Pyrolysis boiler. This heating device is capable of maintaining the required level of temperature in the room for 12 hours. It is advisable to install draft to maintain normal combustion. The most basic option is to install a fan. It will have to be cleaned frequently.
- Buleryan stove. The most popular modern method of heating a garage. The device has a high heat transfer coefficient. It works for more than 10 hours after a single loading of raw materials. Remember! This stove runs exclusively on solid fuel. It is strictly prohibited to pour liquid into it.
Choose what suits you best.
Electric heating
Electric garage heating is the most widespread. Car enthusiasts prefer mobile, stationary electric heaters because they are quite easy to use and relatively economical. Even a simple home electric heater can be installed in a garage to maintain optimal temperature conditions there.
During the operation of an electric heater, experts recommend ensuring maximum savings in thermal energy. For example, a fan is installed near a heating device. As a result, air circulation increases, while the air flow is directed in a specific direction. The period of warming up the room is also reduced.
True, there is also a significant drawback: a lot of electrical energy is consumed. And there is a dependence on the supply of electricity. Such a heating device can no longer be called autonomous.
An interesting option is infrared heating. The heater is attached to the ceiling surface and then heats the floor. In this case, the source of infrared radiation is a special element made of quartz glass or ceramics. It is heated by electricity and produces infrared radiation. There is a difference from the usual electric heater: objects are heated, and they already warm up the air. You can easily identify a specific area for optimal heating and direct infrared healing directly to it.
There is one caveat. Note! This method of heating a garage is attractive due to its environmental cleanliness and safety for human health. However, such radiation can be harmful to the paintwork of the car.
There is an exit. You can simply take care to maintain a distance between the car and the heater. Warm up the working area, the area near the gate. This way you will provide a good thermal curtain, a barrier between the room and the outside environment.
It is strictly forbidden to leave such systems unattended for a long time, as they can heat up to extreme temperatures.
A good option is to install an inverter split. This modern system already enjoys well-deserved trust and popularity. A minimum voltage of only 12 volts is sufficient to heat the garage space. At the same time, the savings in electrical energy will be 30%. You can work effectively even in frosts of -20 degrees. We can say that the inverter is an air conditioning system.
Unfortunately, there is a significant drawback. Safe, reliable, environmentally friendly and efficient inverter heating systems are quite expensive. Therefore, not everyone will decide to purchase such a device. However, this investment is justified, pays for itself quite quickly, and in addition, it allows you to significantly save energy.
Air heating
This type of garage heating is considered by many to be the most effective and economical. A flow of warm air masses is created, which ensures a rapid increase in temperature in the room. Heating is the fastest.
A significant advantage of air heating systems is simple installation in a short time. You don't even need to call the experts. The necessary fasteners are always available in stores and are inexpensive.
The key element that pumps warm air is the fan. The room temperature will be constantly maintained at the same level. Heating is fast, the climate is created stable, and heat loss is minimal.
Let's look at the main devices that provide air heating to the room.
- Many owners are happy to purchase air heat guns. It is quite economical, simple and effective. You can only take one gun per garage. Warming up a room with such a gun is ensured in just 15-20 minutes. This gun is a powerful fan, which is housed in a durable metal casing. There are also disadvantages. In winter, heating a garage with a cannon is not very effective, since the room will freeze overnight anyway, and it will be difficult to start the car. In addition, frequent heating with heat guns can negatively affect the paintwork of the car.
- The oil radiator operates by receiving power from the electrical network. It cools down simply and does not overheat too much. Operation is simple, the device is mobile, moves on wheels as long as the wire allows. However, it will consume quite a lot of energy.
- The convector ensures the separation of air masses into warm and cold flows. Heat rushes upward, and cold flows to the floor. Taking this factor into account, the convector should be installed on the bottom of the wall, on the floor. The device is efficient and environmentally friendly. But the price is quite high.
- A ceramic heat fan allows you to maintain a comfortable room temperature, but it is expensive. The heating source is special ceramic elements. The heating surface is large, resulting in high thermal efficiency. The device is environmentally friendly and safe. The unit is expensive, but it pays for itself very quickly, justifying all investments. Therefore, it is worth thinking about purchasing it.
- A spiral heat fan is cheap. It warms up the garage well, quite quickly. But be sure to pay attention to the operating features of such a device! It is recognized as a fire hazard, since the spiral sometimes heats up to extreme temperatures. When the coil burns, oxygen begins to be burned very intensely, which significantly reduces air quality. It may become dry and unsuitable for good breathing. Quite often, an unpleasant foreign odor appears when foreign particles or dust appear on the coil.
What to think about at the preliminary stage
Rarely lucky people are lucky enough to have a centralized heating system in their garage. This is possible if you have a shared indoor parking space or the garage is located directly in the structure of a country house.
Therefore, the heating system must be autonomous. Before you consider purchasing a heating device, do your homework. What should be done:
The garage needs to be insulated.
- Simply heating an iron bunker is literally throwing money away. Brick, metal or sandwich - all this needs additional insulation. You need to make sure that all cracks are securely caulked. It is better to place the heat insulator on the outside of the walls, but if this is not possible, the inner layer will also work. Particular attention should be paid to the floor - this is also a large area for heat loss. It should be covered with insulating material.
Don’t forget about the roof - otherwise all the heat will escape through it
- It is necessary to provide high-quality ventilation. Sad statistics show that most tragic incidents in garages occur in winter. Careful insulation of the room does not allow for normal air exchange. Simply warming up the car for a few minutes before leaving can end very sadly. What can we say about the situation when the boiler is constantly running in the room.
How to reduce heat loss
Any garage heating system will be unprofitable if it blows from the cracks, so you need to take care of its insulation. The following materials are used for this:
- expanded clay;
- mineral wool;
- glass wool;
- polyurethane foam;
- penoizol.
But the most profitable is polystyrene foam, it has a low price, the level of insulation is not inferior to mineral wool, but at the same time it does not allow moisture to pass through. In addition, it is not susceptible to rotting and various fungi cannot grow on it.
They even insulate the floor with polystyrene foam, but only fill it with cement mortar for strengthening. The garage can be insulated both outside and inside, this is at the discretion of the car owner.
Important information for your safety
The second possible danger after carbon monoxide poisoning is a garage fire. There are always flammable materials here, including the contents of the car's fuel tank. Neglect of safety measures is fraught not only with the loss of your garage and your beloved horse, but also with a serious lawsuit from neighbors in the parking lot.
For these reasons, we consider it useful to remind you of the basic rules:
- use low-flammable or non-flammable materials for the construction and finishing of the garage structure;
- do not store large amounts of fuel and oil in this room;
- make it a rule to smoke outside;
- do not carry household rubbish into the garage, it will become the main food for the fire;
- keep a fire extinguisher on hand, one day it will save your garage from fire;
- do not install electric heating systems in damp rooms;
- Do not leave your garage heating boiler unattended.
Think about the fact that it would be a good idea to install the simplest smoke detectors in this room.
Preparing the premises
Before installing the heating system, the garage is first prepared. To do this you will need:
- Install thermal insulation. The cheapest option is insulation with facade foam. But it is better to use mineral wool boards (non-flammable material, does not contribute to the spread of open fire). It should be installed from the outside, covering the insulation with decorative finishing (siding, lining, wood paneling). The roof should not be overlooked; it can also be insulated using basalt slabs or a layer of sawdust (closed in a wood or metal box to minimize the likelihood of fire).
- Install the ventilation system. Even heating with electricity without normal air exchange will lead to the accumulation of fumes and carbon dioxide. Inhaling them for 2 - 3 minutes will inevitably lead to loss of consciousness.
- Prepare a place for installing a heating device. This should be an area of at least 1 by 1 meter, where there will be no flammable materials nearby.
- Install high-quality gates and doors. The main thing is to minimize possible heat loss. The garage is not heated regularly; heating is most often required “urgently” (as soon as possible).
- Install a fire safety system. Even smoke detectors are enough. But they will have to be temporarily turned off when the car warms up. The ideal option is an autonomous fire extinguishing system.
And after following the above recommendations, it makes sense to start arranging heating.
How can you heat a garage?
So, we are talking about autonomous heating of the room, therefore, we need to choose the principle on which the heating system will operate. If earlier the conversation was only about a banal potbelly stove, now the choice of suitable devices is so wide that we will divide them into several categories.
The most economical ways to heat a garage with electricity
This type of heating is the first option that comes to mind. Indeed, the choice of electrical heating devices is very large. Such units are characterized by high efficiency and reasonable price. And what’s important: they don’t require you to stock up on fuel; it’s always in the electrical wiring.
The first possible method is to use a fan heater or heat gun. In both cases, it is a very compact device that takes up little space in the garage. Install the electric heater for the garage on the floor or on a workbench.
The fan heater heats up a small garage in a matter of minutes, driving air through hot heating elements
The only thing that will bother you is the smell of burning dust and the noise of the fan.
Another option is to use a convector. This method is considered more effective. In addition, convectors can be used in rooms with high humidity. A small, neat convector can be mounted on the wall or moved around the garage on wheels.
This type of heater is convenient because its power is easy to regulate.
Related article:
Convector type heater. In this publication we will look at the design of convectors, their types, advantages and disadvantages, the secrets of choosing the right one, and a review of popular models and manufacturers.
An electric floor is also a good idea. If you lay the heating cables evenly over the entire floor area, the garage will always be warm. The air temperature can be adjusted using a thermostat. The only thing that is important in arranging such a system is the use of durable materials that can withstand the weight of your car.
Infrared heating is gaining increasing popularity among owners of residential and non-residential premises. The operating principle of the IR heater is based on the effect of infrared rays on the surface. Everything that comes into the field of action of the device heats up and gives off heat to the air.
Some tips for installing electric heating in the garage:
- all wiring must be insulated using a plastic or metal box;
- Do not use wiring with aluminum content, it is very fragile;
- Sockets in the garage must be grounded and protected from moisture. Don't install them too low to the floor;
- It is better to place the switch for the inspection hole at the top.
A method of water heating in a garage without using electricity
The traditional water heating scheme is as follows: it includes a boiler, a system of pipes and radiators, and an expansion tank. When solving the problem of how to heat a garage in the cold season, consider installing a water circuit. This type of heating is good because the heat in the room is retained for a very long time.
For the water circuit, you can use a single-pipe or two-pipe circuit. In the two-pipe version, heat is evenly distributed over the entire area. Schemes of water heating in the garage for DIY installation with natural and forced circulation:
The only drawback of such a system is the need for constant operation. If you simply turn off the boiler and leave the garage unattended on a frosty day, the water will freeze and burst the pipes. It turns out that you will have to either drain the water during frosts, or constantly maintain the operation of the heating device. So the question arises: if you drain the water, then why have a heating system that cannot quickly start at the right time? Until you fill it up again, until you start the boiler, more than one hour will pass.
Circuit on antifreeze
Continuing the topic of how to heat a garage in winter with your own hands, it should be noted that contour heating is not an entirely hopeless type. What if you fill the circuit not with water, but with antifreeze? Antifreeze is usually used in cars to cool the engine. It does not freeze even at minus 45 degrees, and this is right in our favor.
With such contents, the heating circuit in the garage will not break even in severe frost
If you decide to install heating in your garage using antifreeze yourself, purchase a special mixture for heating systems. It replaces toxic ethylene glycol with propylene glycol, which is not toxic to humans. Such mixtures are more expensive, but they are safe.
It should be remembered that viscous antifreeze heats up and cools more slowly than water. Its shelf life in the system is 5 years. Antifreeze cannot be used for dual-circuit systems.
Gas system
The likelihood that network gas will be supplied to your garage cooperative is very small, but, nevertheless, it is possible to use blue fuel to heat the garage. You can arm yourself with gas cylinders and thus decide how to cheaply heat your garage. Indeed, gas compares favorably in price with electricity. You can use a regular stationary gas boiler with a water or antifreeze circuit. This option is perfect for craftsmen who work in the garage all the time. With the help of such a device, you can heat the room around the clock, without fear of the sudden onset of frost.
If you do not need to constantly be in the garage, you can purchase mobile gas devices.
Guns, heating pads and convectors using blue fuel will quickly and efficiently warm up the bunker
It should be noted that the most economical heater for a garage is a gas boiler.
Solid fuel boiler
How else can you heat your garage in winter? There is no need to give up traditional solid fuel. Firewood, coal, pellets, and even manure, if you have enough of it - all this can go into the firebox. You can build a simple oven in the garage with your own hands. By the way, it is the potbelly stoves that have not yet given up their position in the fight against the cold in garage towns. Newfangled electrical systems are still far from popular.
A simple stove can be lined with bricks or stones, this will increase the heat transfer area
Related article:
Long-burning wood-fired boilers for the home. Principle of operation, scope of application, main manufacturers, selection criteria, how to make it yourself, installation features, recommendations of specialists - read in the publication.
Such a heating device requires constant supervision, but for temporary heating it is suitable like no other. You'll stay warm even if your garage's electricity is cut off for non-payment.
Modern manufacturers offer a wide range of small solid fuel boilers that can be used for car bunkers. They are economical, easy to use and compact.
Heating during mining
If you are doing car repairs in the garage, including changing the oil, then the question of what to heat with should not worry you at all. Mining is an excellent fuel for a heater. This garage heater is easy to make with your own hands from scrap materials. The design of the exhaust boiler is quite primitive: two combustion chambers, in one of them the oil burns, in the other - the flammable gas formed in the process. All this together gives a large output of thermal energy.
Which heaters are better for home and apartment
The choice usually comes down to four main options:
- Oil.
- Convector.
- Infrared.
- Fan heater.
Convectors and fan heaters
They quickly heat the air, mix the flows, uniformly warming the room. They are safe and durable, the body is not hot, can be attached to the wall and placed on the floor, compact and lightweight.
Fan heaters make a particularly loud noise, but they are the smallest and are easy to carry and move from place to place.
However, some may not like the constant noise of the fan and strong air movement. In addition, in order for the room to be warm, the device must be constantly running. It does not accumulate heat in the body and when turned off, heat transfer immediately stops.
Fan heater
If a person with allergies and pulmonary diseases lives in the house, it is better not to buy a fan heater. But for a children's room, a convector is preferable because it is the safest device.
Infrared heater
“House sun,” as it is sometimes called, instantly heats people and objects located in the area of infrared rays. However, this effect is local, therefore, as a device for heating the entire room, IKO is not very suitable.
In addition, users note that after sleeping in a room where the IR heater was turned on all night, headaches and lethargy appear.
Many owners have found the most successful use by placing the heater near the table to keep warm while working, above the bed (turn it on briefly before bed to warm the bed), in the kitchen, etc.
Infrared heater
Oil radiators
They remain in demand among those for whom air movement around the apartment is a decisive undesirable factor.
They are heavy, cannot be repaired, have a certain shelf life, after which, and if used incorrectly, there is a risk of explosion (it is important that the thermal relay is in good working order, since most accidents occur precisely due to overheating)
But if all norms and rules are observed, it will be able to provide heat instead of a battery. The device takes a long time to heat up, but also takes a long time to cool down. Doesn't generate dust, works silently.
The oil heater body heats up to dangerous temperatures. In addition, it cannot be dropped. Therefore, it is better not to put it in the children's room.
Oil type heater
How to reduce heat loss and not go broke?
No heating system will be profitable and efficient if care is not taken to reduce heat loss. Heaters will waste a huge amount of energy resources. This is expensive and impractical, so you will have to insulate the gates, walls, floor and roof.
You can use expanded clay, polystyrene concrete, foil insulation, but the cheapest and most versatile option is polystyrene foam. It is suitable for insulating all structural elements.
It can also be used for thermal insulation of the floor, provided that a floating screed is made: polystyrene foam does not tolerate mechanical stress well, so it is filled with cement.
Foam is ideal for lining garage doors. The insulation is attached to a special sheathing, and the top is covered with external cladding - MDF boards, chipboard or plywood.
The ceiling, walls and garage doors are covered with polystyrene foam. There are two options - external or external wall decoration. Both are equally effective and allow for excellent thermal insulation of the building. The choice should be based on the convenience of the garage owner himself.