There are plenty of reasons why you would want to keep your car garage cozy. Extreme temperatures will make it impossible to function in your space. Some activities are also thought of as seasonal because the effects are influenced by severe cold.
Painting, resin setting and several other activities involve precise ambient temperatures. You can complete these tasks with a heated garage even in the dead of winter.
Propane heaters will keep you working in your garage all year round. There is no need for costly renovations to install an HVAC system that could take months to install.
Electric heaters are expensive to operate and can also run a breaker if your room is not wired to high voltage appliances. Propane garage heaters will solve all your climate control problems without charging your electrical system or needing costly installation.
These space heaters will boost the time you spend in your garage right from the moment you walk into the house.
You might be wondering, is it safe to use propane heaters in such a space?
The answer is yes! Propane heaters are perfectly safe for use in the garage – if two items are available.
The first one is good ventilation for the exhaust pipe. The second is sufficiently fuel air to be used as fuel. They’re both very much available in the car garage.
Other safety measures should also apply: do not leave it unattended, put it in a place where it could be knocked, or allow children/pets anywhere near a propane heater.
How Does a Propane Garage Heater Work?
Propane heaters operate by releasing propane energy (which is a highly flammable hydrocarbon) with burning.
The ignition mechanism sets the propane on fire, and the mechanism (often made of porcelain) spreads the flame to help disperse the heat.
Remember, however, that the pilot light is operating constantly and uses very little fuel to be able to ignite the main light at a moment’s notice.
Benefits of a Propane Garage Heater
- Reduce the time of vehicle warm-up. If your garage is held at a higher ambient temperature, everything from the engine to the coolant can take less time to warm up to an optimal operating temperature. The interior would take less time to warm up, too.
- Increase the efficiency of household heating. Unless you have a detached garage, every wall you share with your house can exchange temperatures with the interior of your home. Keeping your garage warm decreases the drain, as your home heating system compensates for the cold walls of your garage.
- Work happily in all seasons. If you enjoy spending time working on household projects, cold temperatures in your garage will put a damper on your plans. You can keep your garage comfortable all year round with a propane heater.
Types of Propane Garage Heaters
Radiant
Radiant propane garage heaters increase the ambient temperature around them by radiating extremely high heat to their space. No additional movement of air is required to force the heat through the room. Many of the radiant heaters operate at higher temperatures. More heat is required when a space is heated without added airflow.
Forced air
Forced air propane garage heaters force air through the heating element. This heats the air flowing through the heater and pushes it through space so that more air is heated as it circulates through the room. These heaters will often operate at lower temperatures because the added air movement helps to heat up space.
Vented
All propane space heaters require oxygen to be burned. The vented propane heaters suck oxygen out of the room around them and transfer any gases out of the space through the vent. This prevents carbon monoxide from building up in space and improves the safety of the heater.
Considerations Before Buying a Propane Garage Heater
The following features are those that we have chosen to be the most relevant when you’re on the propane heater market. There are basic features that can calculate the important aspects of the heater, such as strength, reliability and ease of installation.
The categories below are the key parameters that we used to review our propane heater. There’s a lot to consider, but the features that leap on you are probably the most relevant for your particular.
Type
There are a few different types of propane heaters available. Consider the ‘form’ when you make your purchase.
Do you need a wall mount for something? Do you need solid base legs to enable floor mounting? Looking for a portable option? The various types of propane heaters might be more suitable for individual needs.
You might think that a portable propane heater is the best one to use anywhere you need it, but these heaters take up floor space, while wall mounting solutions usually do not. You can place them on the wall and have them face the area you need the most to be heated.
Heating BTUs
The BTU rating is just one piece of the jigsaw. While you’re not supposed to base your purchase on BTUs, you can always look at this to check that you’re getting a propane heater with enough strength.
A low BTU rating is not going to be good enough for a big garage. This is why the BTU ratings are so prominently shown by the manufacturers of propane heaters. Another element of this is how the hot air is circulated throughout the building, which leads nicely to the next point…
Air Flow
The air flow relates to what happens to the hot air produced by the heater. Some people use infrared and do not even heat the air, instead they heat objects in the room, such as walls or surfaces.
One of the methods of air movement used is ‘forced air,’ which can drive hot air into certain places rather than hold it in one location.
Coverage Area
The coverage area is a mixture of each of these variables. As well as advertising BTU ratings, most propane heaters, portable and otherwise, will advertise the coverage area for which they are made. This is normally measured in square feet, so be sure to consider the square footage of your garage prior to purchase to fit the correct size of the propane heater.
Size and Weight
The measurements and weight of the heater are also factors that need to be taken into account before purchasing. You need to know that you’ve got space for the heater.
Also, if you’re going to install it on the wall, you both need to mark out the room to make sure it’s light enough to mount it comfortably on the wall.
We called Mr. Heater 40, 000 BTU our best for wall mounting because it is so lightweight and comes already mounted.
The weight of a device like this is certainly a consideration if you’re planning to buy a portable propane heater. If you want to take it to other places besides your garage, you’ll need to be able to transport it with ease, and don’t forget that you’ll also need a propane tank to go with it.
Warranty
A one-year warranty is really the minimum you can expect from this kind of product. Of course, for a product like a heater, the longer the warranty, the better. If you can have a long warranty, it covers your purchase and guarantees that you can get a replacement if anything goes wrong.
Moreover, businesses providing long warranties appear to be more secure in the consistency of the product’s construction. For this reason, a long warranty is typically a symbol of a high quality product.
Ventilation
You’re going to need some kind of ventilation in the garage. This can come in the form of a window or some other form of vent. This will avoid toxic gasses from building up and creating possible problems and is a valuable safety feature.
Don’t worry, the advantages of a propane heater far outweigh the coldness of leaving a window open to let the air in and out of the space.
Price Range
The cheaper end of the market can sell some inexpensive propane heaters under $100, and in some cases substantially under $100. When you go for mid-range items, they’re between $100-250 and the very best on the market can be over $250.
These are rough, ball-park estimates to help you get an idea. There are, of course, elite items at the high end of the heating industry that are far over $250. Also consider buying propane to use with the boiler, and this isn’t necessarily the cheapest.
Key Features of a Propane Garage Heater
Sensor Tip
Propane heaters should have some simple safety features. Most models are fitted with a tip-over sensor that reduces fuel flow if the device is unexpectedly pushed out of balance. This prevents your room from being filled with explosive gas during an accident. This protection feature decreases the danger of inhalation of fire and propane.
Adjustable temperature remote
Any propane garage heater that you consider purchasing should have a simple set of temperature controls. Not only does this feature allow you to change the performance to your comfort, but it also allows you to retain fuel.
Self-starting
Propane garage heaters can be a lifesaver in cold weather. There’s nothing worse than hitting your source of heat to find that you don’t have a way to light it. This is why propane garage heaters with self-start features are perfect. Look for models that have built-in sparks or other ignition methods.
Safety Features
A propane garage heater is designed to provide you with complete protection. The critical safety features that the heater must have are:
Topple/Tipple over Cut Out
Heaters with bare flames normally create high temperatures and need to be knocked over. The naked flame is in danger of being burnt. Tipple or topple over cut will avoid such hazards as this feature by unintentionally tilting off heat generation.
Sensor for ODS or Oxygen Depletion
Propane garage heaters can emit a small amount of carbon dioxide, which can be very dangerous, particularly in the enclosed area. The ODS feature reduces this danger by automatically detecting lower levels of oxygen in a space.
High Temperature/Cut off overheat
This safety function is enabled when the temperature sensor of the heater exceeds the maximum level of safety. It decreases the risk of serious burns and reduces the risk of materials that can burn due to high temperatures.
Warranty
The Heat Warranty demonstrates the faith of the manufacturer in their product. A product backed by a rich guarantee is built to last long and deliver high performance. If there is a situation where you are confused between two goods of almost identical quality, you can choose one with better warranty terms.
Runtime
When looking for the best propane heater, you must remember its runtime as well. There is an indirect relationship between the BTU and the running time of any propane heater. The high BTU propane garage heater is expected to produce lower runtime while the lower BTU propane heater is expected to deliver high runtime.
Levels of heat control
A propane garage heater usually comes with varying degrees of heat control, typically in the form of a control button, control dial, or buttons on the side of the heater.
While a basic heater offers control of three range heat levels, including low, medium and high heat levels, advanced models which offer multiple settings. In addition to heat level controls, you can also check the outlet or regulation of the air flow.
Propane Heaters vs Electric Heaters
Propane heaters are easier to use than electric heaters, making electric heaters more expensive to operate. In reality, propane can reduce energy costs by a third. With this in mind, propane can be heavier than electrical, heating rooms much faster; it can also reduce costs.
Propane products appear to have a longer lifetime than electrical products. They are more reliable, and clean fuel prevents the components from breaking down, improving their durability. That said, electrical heaters are normally cheaper up front.
An electric heater tends to be quiet. Whereas propane heaters are a little noisy, making them less suitable in the bedroom. However, electrical heaters with a fan may also produce a mechanical sound.
In the stormier, colder months, electrical heaters would not be able to cope with those who live in places with inadequate electricity.
Propane tank can be stored securely in your garage, and can serve as a source of heat even if the grid goes down. This is equally true to people who don’t have electricity running to their garage.
Instead, propane tanks can be conveniently mounted and the garage can be heated without cables being installed. If it gets especially gusty in your garage, the wind could blow out the propane flame, making it more difficult to light. Electric heaters are a little easier to get going.
Top 10 Best Propane Garage Heaters
Take a look at these reviews below to get a handle on some of the best propane garage heaters for garage installation. These models are available on the market today and offer a wide variety of options for all price ranges.
1. Mr. Heater 40,000 BTU Propane Garage Heater #MH40LP
This propane heater is specifically made for garages. With an output of 40,000 BTU, this best propane garage heater uses cost-effective infrared heat radiation technology. It will heat up to 1,000 sq ft and it has a thermostat.
This heater is a decent choice for medium sized garages. It heats up rapidly and reliably, with low operating costs. It doesn’t have a fan, but it heats people directly. The installation allows the user to direct heat, but is not really a portable option.
Pros:
- The infrared technology renders the heater invisible and odorless.
- No maintenance is required as there are no moving parts.
- Infrared technology is a very cost-effective way to reduce operating costs.
- It can be swivelled up and down to direct heat to specific people or items in the building.
Cons:
- There is no fan to help circulate the heat.
- The instructions are not very detailed and cause confusion.
- This is not portable and must be fixed to the wall when installed.
2. Mr. Heater Corporation Convection Heater
One of the best propane garage heaters is Mr. Heater Corporation Convection Heater. Operating for 17 hours on a 2lb propane tank, this heater generates 25.000 BTU of heat when heating 625 sq ft.
All gas fixtures are included and a standing pilot is mounted to enhance protection. This heater is best suited for smaller garages with a lot of ventilation. They are easy to light and low fuel consumption ensures that they don’t have to be refueled too much.
Pros:
- It’s a long-lasting heater for small spaces.
- This model is very fuel efficient, reducing operating costs.
- There’s a Piezo push-button igniter for a much easier start.
- Installation of the propane tank is extremely easy, with simple instructions and all fittings included.
Cons:
- It gives off a peculiar metallic burning smell when used for the first time.
- This system does not provide any safety features beyond the standing pilot.
3. Mr. Heater MH25LP
Buying a best propane garage heater is not just about having the biggest and most efficient propane heater. It might be that you don’t have a lot of space and you need to find something that’s small enough and light enough, but you also have a good little boost for your garage to make sure there’s enough heat.
Mr. Heater MH25LP is exactly in line with this bill. As well as being a small and lightweight heater (it weighs just 3lbs), it has the advantage of being delivered to the customer already installed.
There is no rough construction required, you can just mount it on the wall in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. There is an automatic shut-off for protection if it is overheating. Like some of the other propane heaters, it has radiant heat technology.
This warms objects directly, rather than wasting the energy of the surrounding air. This is one of the most effective ways to heat your garage and to imitate how the sun’s rays heat our surroundings.
This technology makes it a very energy efficient space heater. Power is decent, and 22,000 BTUs will cover up to 550 square feet. Although this isn’t great for big garages, it’s ideal for those who need ease of installation and a small boost to their garage.
Pros:
- Clever heating technology is not a waste of electricity.
- Ships completely built and easy to mount.
Cons:
- Not a massive level of power.
- Some users have had problems with the heater not being lit for a long period of time.
4. Mr. Heater MH60QFAV 60,000 BTU Portable Forced Air Propane Heater
With a heat output of 60,000 BTU, this model will battle up to 1500 sq ft. With variable heat settings ranging from 30,000 to 60,000 BTU, this model system can run up to 14 hours without refueling.
QBT makes it 50 percent quieter than equivalent heaters. Nice heater for construction work, this unit is made of durable materials. It heats the garage easily with its high-powered fan, but it doesn’t have a thermostat to hold the temperature down.
Pros:
- The high output fan forces the air around, rapidly and uniformly heating the garage.
- This model runs more softly, and does not interrupt the garage’s workspace.
- Variable thermal settings enable you to set a more comfortable atmosphere and create flexibility.
- This heater is built to be durable, with its reliability making it ideal for construction sites.
Cons:
- The cord is very small, making it difficult to position it.
- There is no thermostat and none can be mounted with this model.
5. Avenger FBDFA60V Portable Forced Air Propane Heater
This forced air heater has a heat output of 60,000 BTU. It has a long-lasting black coating and is made of solid components. The angle of the heater can be changed and the start button makes it easy to ignite. It has a large carrying handle and is relatively lightweight. This simple heater is robust and has a long life span and is easy to use from the start. It can be passed around without any trouble, but it doesn’t have security measures to warn you if it’s over.
Pros:
- It’s easy to transport using a carrying handle.
- The engine is thermally insulated, increasing its durability.
- This system comes together, and there’s no need for installation.
- It has been approved to be suitable for use on fuel flooring, making it safer for use in garages.
Cons:
- There is no tip-over or overheating security.
- This model is not the most efficient in very cold environments.
6. Mr. Heater F274800 MH18B
This product has proven to be trustworthy for both old and new customers. The safety precautions and reliability of the heater are rare.
It is a very popular appliance in the North American region due to its high performance and reliability. Almost 80 percent of customers describe it as a five-star product.
The high efficiency of this product and the outstanding customer feedback have contributed a great deal to its success since it was launched on the market.
One of the excellent features of this system is its safety measures, which include automatic shut-off if it is overturned or senses low levels of oxygen.
Overall, this is a robust and easy-to-use system that comes with all the requisite safety features. It has almost 100 percent performance, making its operating price very cheap. In short, it’s one of the best garage heaters currently available.
Pros:
- Almost 100 percent effective and non-ventile
- Covers area as wide as 450 sq ft High safety precautions, such as automatic turn-off.
- Clean heat source with no unhealthy by-products
- Works between 4,000 and 18,000 BTUs and authorised for indoor use
Cons:
- May stop working at higher altitudes with low levels of oxygen.
7. Mr. Heater F260560 Big Maxx MHU80NG
Customers consider the construction of this product to be exceptional. The credit goes to the outstanding architecture and the robust materials used in the manufacturing process. Installation is simple and fast.
This heater generates a lot of heat with an adequate fuel consumption and is best suited to frozen areas.
It is a heavy-duty heater that can keep the temperature up, even in freezing temperatures. The driven exhaust system allows the fitting to be horizontal or vertical, as appropriate for the needs of the consumer.
The use of fuel relative to the generation of heat is exemplary. All in all, this product is suitable for cold locations where traditional heating systems are not very functional. Combined with productivity and low operating costs, this product is safe, cheap and quiet.
Pros:
- It covers a wide area of 2,000 sq ft
- High output of about 80,000 BTUs
- Equipped with a self-diagnosis monitoring module.
- Warranty of three years of burners and components
- Powered exhausts that can be adjusted vertically or horizontally Works with the input of natural gas as well as liquid propane.
Cons:
- Thermostat, hose and regulator are sold separately.
- Eight-feet of ground clearance needed at least from the floor to the base of the unit.
8. Pro-Temp Variable Forced Air Propane Heater
With a heat output of 60,000 BTU, this forced air heater is capable of pumping enough heat out to heat 1,500 sq ft. This heater will run for 11 hours on a 20-pound propane tank. It has variable temperature settings and comes with all fuel attachments.
This is a great simple design for anyone looking to heat a medium-to-large room, without a lot of fancy installation. It is effective and quick, but it may not be appropriate for those with pets.
Pros:
- Variable heat settings make it easier to operate.
- Both attachments are included for easier installation.
- This model heats the room rapidly without using too much energy.
- Strong fan mechanisms propel the air around the room uniformly.
Cons:
- No safety features applied to this model, rendering it a threat for children and pets.
- No thermostat, so it needs to be switched on and off manually to create even temperature.
9. Dyna Glo BF10PMDG
The next best propane garage heater is our first Dyna-Glo product to date. The Dyna-Glo BF10PMDG has an esthetically appealing white and black exterior with metal fencing to shield the heat source.
This heater is ready for liquid-propane use, but conversion of fuel is not permitted. It also has a fairly decent heat output. It provides 8,000 BTU of heat output at the low end and 10,000 BTU at the maximum setting.
Plus, this model is rated to heat up to 300 square feet, which is more than sufficient for most of the garages. And, of course, there’s no need for electricity to start this model.
You can also buy an additional fan for this model to blow heat evenly in your garage if you wish.
Technically, it’s a wall unit, so the legs are not included with this model. If you want to use it as a floor unit, the manufacturer requires customers to purchase the legs separately.
Pros:
- Heat up to 300 square feet.
- Technology of Blue Flame Convection.
- Variable control button.
Cons:
- Not the most efficient heater with a very high heat output.
- Legs sold separately.
10. Dyna Glo IRSS12LPT-2P
The Dyna-Glo IRSS12LPT-2P is the next best propane heater and is priced more in the center of the price spectrum.
In addition, it should be noted that this model has up to 12,000 BTU of heat output and heats up areas as wide as 300 square feet.
Interestingly enough, this model has a special infrared technology that lets heat radiate more effectively. And of course, this model does not require any electrical charge to start the heater.
As with most other Dyna-Glo models, if you want a fan to spread heat faster in your garage, you need to purchase it separately.
That’s another wall unit, but the same thing holds true for the legs; this model doesn’t come with the legs by default.
Pros:
- Average pricing.
- Infrared technology.
- Liquid propane-ready.
Cons:
- Not the strongest heater of all.
Safely Store a Propane Heater
As we covered above – using a propane heater in an indoor garage is fine, if you have adequate ventilation, either through an opened door, windows, or an actual ventilation system. It is important to keep these other tips in mind when using the propane heater in your garage:
Get your carbon monoxide detector
The first point of action should be to get a carbon monoxide detector to make sure it works! Carbon monoxide is truly an invisible killer, and using a propane heater in a garage is a prime example of a situation that a detector requires.
Inspect the tank of propane
Just because it succeeded last weekend doesn’t mean it’s going to be alright this weekend! At least once a month, make a good inspection of any teeth or scratches – particularly gas valves or rubber tubes.
Store tanks when they are not in service
Disconnect and store them if you don’t need them in the next 24 hours. Ideally, they should be housed in a well-ventilated garage or outdoors. Unlike other appliances, we want these outside to make sure that there is no possible harm if there is a gas leak.
Check for leakages
The easiest way to search for leakage is to use a soapy lather and kindly wipe it all over the tank. If you see some bubbles shimmering away, it might be a leak.
Move them right
If you’re moving/replacing tanks, make sure you hold them upright and protect them properly if you’re using a car. Placing it with you in the car? Roll down the windows to avoid any risk of being a little unconscious behind the wheel.
Conclusion
Propane garage heater is a great way to keep your space heated, without relying on access to a main connection. These can be perfect heating solutions for your garage or workshop, thanks to the large heating capacity and the low fuel heat factor.
The fact that you can take them anywhere, including camping, means that they have an infinite number of uses. They are the ultimate in portability, which is so uncommon to see in a market dominated by electrical appliances.