The ceiling height directly influences the size of the electric garage heater necessary.
When garages are used for purposes other than parking cars, heat is often welcome during the winter. Garages serve as workshops, exercise areas and hobby and craft rooms. Electric heaters are relatively easy to install and don't require propane or natural gas hookups. Thermostatically controlled electric ceiling or wall-mounted garage heaters, baseboard heaters and space heaters commonly heat garages. The height of the ceiling and the size of the garage will help you to determine the size of electric heater to install.
Garage Measurements
Measure the garage width, length and ceiling height in feet. Calculate the square footage of the garage by multiplying the garage width by length. Examine the insulation. Many garages have little insulation and one or more large garage doors. They are often more difficult to heat than a house.
Types of Heaters
Wall or ceiling-mounted garage heaters are installed so they are out of the way of other activities. They hang from the ceiling or extend from a wall. Electric baseboard heaters usually fit under windows just above the floor. Standard wall heaters are usually installed on an interior wall. Portable space heaters can be moved to an area where heat is necessary.
Estimate Heater Size
To estimate the electric heater wattage requirement, multiply the square feet in the garage by 12.5 for little insulation and 10 for average insulation. Average insulation includes R-11 insulation for walls and R-19 insulation for the ceiling. If the garage is located in a climate with many days when it is below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, use 15 watts per square foot. For example, a 20-by-20-foot garage with an 8-foot ceiling has 400 square feet. If the garage has little insulation, multiply 400 by 12.5. A 5,000-watt electric heater should heat this garage adequately. Increase the wattage by 25 percent for every 2-foot increase in ceiling height. In this example, a 10-foot ceiling requires an approximately 6,250-watt electric heater.
Manufacturer's Recommendations
Read the manufacturer's recommendations when selecting an . Consider the climate where the garage is located and the desired temperature inside the garage. Match the size of the garage with the optimum heater size. In general, baseboard heaters produce 200 to 250 watts per linear foot. Select space heaters with a tip-over safety switch. The heater automatically shuts off if tipped over. Plug the cord directly into a wall outlet or use a heavy-duty extension cord.
Tags: baseboard heaters, ceiling height, electric heater, little insulation, space heaters, electric garage, electric garage heater