Let’s face it, we all want to save a buck when we can, and prepping your garage for winter use is no different. There are many ways to overcome the winter blues and use your garage during the cold season. The following tips will save you money on heating and provide you with a warmer environment for enjoying your favorite hobby.
1. Insulate well
2. Seal the gaps
3. Get a heater
Insulation helps the garage retain heat better. Whatever method of heating you choose will be more effective and prevent the need to run your heater constantly. Below is an insulation guide to help.
1. Use an insulation that is appropriate for the project. The higher the number the better it works.
2. Push the fiberglass insulation between the studs with the paper side out.
3. Staple the paper flaps to the stud posts
4. Measure and cut 2 x 4s and place over the top of the insulation, spanning the studs. Nail into place.
Tip: The 2 x 4s are needed to bump out the flywheel so it will be even with the concert footer.
5. Measure plywood to cover insulation and fasten to garage studs. Secure the plywood with A-grade side facing out, spacing screws 1/2 inches apart.
6. Don’t forget to cut the plywood to fit around the doors and windows.
Tip: You could use drywall instead of plywood.
Sealing the garage goes hand in hand with insulating it. There is no point in insulating it if you’re going to allow cold air to seep through the cracks. To seal your garage properly, do the following:
1. Measure the length of your garage door and the difference between the garage door and the concrete.
2. Cut weather stripping to fit the length of the garage door and secure with glue or screws.
Tip: Most weather stripping comes in 9’ or 16’ lengths. If this is not the proper measurement for your garage, you can add or shorten in increments as needed.
3. Get flexible weather stripping for windows and doors. Measure the area to be sealed and cut stripping to fit. Secure with glue or screws unless already treated with installation glue.
Tip: Weather stripping kits make installation quick and easy. Everything you need is usually included in the kit.
Garage heaters are typically durable and well-constructed units that spread warmth over a large area. Of course, the size you choose should depend on how large your garage is. To estimate coverage, measure your garage. Next, choose a wattage that will meet your measurements. Below are a few good models to choose from.
NewAir G70 4,000 Watt Electric Garage Heater – Heats 400 Sq. Ft.
1. NewAir G70
The NewAir G70 240V garage heater does not require hard-wiring and uses 400 watts of electricity to warm up to 400 sq. ft. This heater includes a
built-in thermostat with automatic temperature control ranging from 45-77 degrees F. It contains a propeller style fan that effectively blows warm air over the entire garage. Wall and ceiling mountable you can use the swiveling mounting bracket to direct airflow where you need it most. It’s made from steel,
so it’s durable and tolerates rugged conditions. The single pole thermostat features manual controls for a high or low heating option.
2. QMark MUH35
This utility heater offers 5,000 watts of heating power to warm up to 500 sq. ft. of space. Like the NewAir G70, the QMark MUH35 garage heater is wall and ceiling mountable and includes a bracket for directional airflow. This unit is hardwired for a more permanent installation. Featuring a double pole thermostat, this unit offers two heat settings ranging from 40-90 degrees F. Fan-forced heating spreads warmth quickly and the heavy-gauge die-formed steel housing is built to last.
3. Dayton U33
If you don’t need that much coverage or you’re looking for something mobile, then consider the Dayton U33 garage heater. This utility heater offers two heat settings, uses 1500 watts of power to warm a 150 sq. ft. area, and includes simple plug in operation. It’s lightweight and portable so it can be moved around as needed, and is built to tolerate rugged conditions. This heater is ideal for warming more personal spaces and smaller, single car garages.
By insulating, weather stripping, and heating your garage this winter, you can warm the garage in a cost effective way and use the space the way you want to. There is no need to stay indoors and put your favorite hobby aside until summer. Sufficiently seal the place off, heat, and enjoy!