If you’re thinking about heating your garage this winter you have some research to do first. First check to see if the garage is properly insulated. Just because it’s finished with sheetrock or wood paneling doesn’t mean you’re ready for a new heater. Make a test hole in a few walls and ceiling to see if you have any or enough insulation.
Are your overhead doors insulated? Most older doors are designed to keep the rain out not keep the heat in. Same rule applies for any windows in the garage. Next check the ceiling for insulation. If the garage ceiling isn’t insulated then walls and the overhead doors probably aren’t insulated.
If you live in the north you should have the following insulation valves.
Example. New York State.
Attic = R-49
Wall = R-18 to R-28
Slab Edge = R-8
Before your contact a HVAC contractor think of what type of heating systems you would like. Will you be using natural gas, propane or electric heat? If it’s electric heat do you have any space on your electric breaker for another heater? If you plan ahead your contractor will adjust to your needs. When you ask for a heat load, have your insulation R valves ready.
A heat load is only as good as the information in the heat calculation. If they have to guess the will plan on little to no insulation. The less information you have for your heat load the bigger your heating system will be. The bigger the heater the more it cost.
Not every garage should be heated as is. The insulation is more important than the heater.
Go Green option.
The Overhead Door Company has a green option for you. The “Ecobuilt” series comes with a R-7.31 insulation and is made with 88% min. recycled contents.
