A car garage can be quite uncomfortable during winter and rainy seasons. An electric garage heater is a solution for a year-round fantastic garage experience. Garage heaters come in different types, brands, and features, making it challenging to get the right one for your needs.
The most common heaters come in 120V or 240V. Most people get confused about how much voltage and watts the right garage heater should have for their garage. This article will cover the differences between 120V and 240V garage heaters, a guide to choosing the best electric garage heaters, and safety tips to consider when using them.
240v & 120v Electric Garage Heater Comparison Table
240v vs. 120v Garage Heater
As winter approaches, one special thing every mechanic should have in their garage is a heater. Garage heaters come in different types, brands, and voltages. Among the most important factors to consider in an electric garage heater are watts and voltage. This is because electric heaters operate on electricity. The most common heaters come in 120V and 240V.
So what is the difference between 120V and 240V? 120V electric heaters are smaller and ideal for heating smaller basements, shops, garages, and rooms. 240V electric garage heaters are suitable for bigger garages. Let us learn more about 120V vs. 240V electric garage heaters.
240V Garage Heater
240V garage heaters are ideal when working in a large garage. These heaters can be plugged into a standard domestic 3-pin plug and are ideal for home garages and DIY users. One great advantage of the 240 garage heaters is that they use little electricity.
Pros and Cons
The best thing about the 240V garage heaters is that they produce more heat and are best for commercial use. The 240-volt garage heaters tend to consume less electricity than the 120-volt ones. On the downside, most of the heaters are large and bulky, and they cannot be carried from one place to another. They are only ideal for heating large garages where that is fixed.
120 V Garage Heater
A 120V garage heater is a small-sized heater ideal for heating just a small garage. You should only consider buying this heater if you are working in a small room. If your garage is more than 30*30 feet, you will need to buy an electric heater with a higher voltage. A 120V garage heater should be connected to a 120V outlet, the standard electric outlet in most homes.
Pros and Cons
The incredible thing about the 120V garage heaters is that they are small and portable. Therefore, these heaters work best in small spaces and are easy to carry from one room to another. The con of using 120V garage heaters is that they cannot be used in large rooms. Also, 120-volt heaters use more amps, thus consuming more electricity.
The Best Electric Garage Heater 240v & 120v
1. Dr. Heater DR966 240-volt Garage Commercial Heater
This 240V electric garage heater is among the best for commercial use, including dormitories, hospitals, factories, schools, churches, warehouses, and other exposed areas. It is the ideal choice for any auto mechanic who needs a quick, comfortable, and safe garage heater. Dr. Heater DR966 offers 3000 or 6000 watts of power and can be installed in both new and remodeled buildings.
Dr. Heater’s 240V electric garage heater uses a 240-volt power connector, which is ideal for large garages. The heater heating element uses a spiral steel metal sheath with low sheath temperatures. This therefore provides you with a long service life and uniform heat. It also features a large, matching, and dynamic 8-inch fan for optimal airflow with minimal noise and turbulence. This also helps ensure a smooth, steady, and consistent distribution of warmth in the garage.
This Dr. Heater electric garage heater comes with a bracket for mounting it to the wall or ceiling. The 5 louvers at the front of the heater are adjustable, allowing you to direct the heat where you prefer. The Dr. Heater DR966 garage heater is also equipped with heavy-duty bearings, permanently lubricated to reduce maintenance.
The Dr. Heater DR966 electric garage heater is made with high-quality components and strong metal, so you can be assured of durability. The front cover is rugged stamped steel, making it extra sturdy. Its grey epoxy finish gives the heater an outstanding look. The thermostat is built-in and adjustable, allowing you to set your preferred style.
- Offers uniform and steady heat
- Ideal for large garages
- Have five adjustable louvers
- Inbuilt and adjustable thermostat
- Provides 3000 or 6000 watts
- Can be mounted on the ceiling and walls
- Takes a little more space
2. Dr. Infrared 120V Portable Space Heater
Dr. Infrared Portable Space electric heater works similarly to sunlight, warming objects rather than the air, giving you a natural feel. This electric garage heater has a dual heating system. The infrared quartz tube is paired with a PTC to ensure rapid, effective heating for medium- and small-sized garages. This 1500-watt heater delivers more heat than other electric heaters of the same wattage.
Dr. Infrared Portable Space electric garage heater features a programmable timer. This 12-hour timer will shut off automatically when your programmed hours reach. Another outstanding feature of this garage heater is its remote control. You can therefore program the heater settings, shut it off, or change its temperature with the IR remote control.
The Dr. Infrared Portable Space electric garage heater features a quiet blower, so you may not even know it is on. It features a 7-inch state-of-the-art blower that generates high pressure, enabling it to blow large volumes of air at low speed. This portable electric garage heater weighs 24lbs and draws 12.5 amps. It also features a lifetime filter, caster wheels, and a 72-inch-long electric cord.
This Dr. Infrared heater is among the best electric garage heaters with a thermostat. Its electronic thermostat ranges from 50 to 85 degrees. It is one of the safest garage heaters, as it features overheat and tip-over protection. If the heater falls accidentally, the tip-over protection will automatically switch it off.
- Has an overhear and tip-over protection
- Has a dual heating system
- Features a 12-hour automatic shut-off timer
- Comes with an IR remote control
- Lightweight and portable
- Have caster wheels for easy movement
- Caster wheels can be damaged easily
3. Fahrenheat FUH Electric Heater
Fahrenheat is one of the world’s leading sellers of garage heaters. Their Fahrenheat FUH54 is one of the best and most powerful electric heaters for large and drafty garages. This garage heater delivers comfortable, long-lasting warmth even in the most difficult-to-heat areas. It is an ideal heater for indoor and outdoor use and can be used in commercial and home settings.
Fahrenheat electric garage heater has several features that make it easy to use. This heater can only be mounted on the ceiling; thus, it does not consume any space on your counters or floor. This also makes it suitable for small garages. This Fahrenheat electric heater has an inbuilt thermostat, which allows you to regulate the temperature from 45 to 135 Degrees Fahrenheit.
Fahrenheat FUH54 electric heater features adjustable louvers, which you can set to aim the heat to your preferred area and change as you desire. This electric heater uses 240V power and provides 2500W or 5000W. It also has a high-level cutout that automatically shuts off to prevent overheating, and the heater reactivates later when temperatures return to normal.
This Fahrenheat electric heater is compatible with both 240V and 208V electrical systems. It comes with a ceiling-mount bracket that lets you mount horizontally, vertically, or in any other position to fit your space. It, therefore, provides you with directional heating. This model of Fahrenheat electric garage heater does not come with a power cord and should be mounted directly to its power outlet.
- Comfortable and consistent heating
- Louvers are adjustable
- Has a huge range of temperatures
- Has an overheating protection
- Built-in thermostat for personalized warmth
- Ideal for large and drafty places
- Can only be mounted to the ceiling
4. Mr. Heater F274800 120V Portable Propane Heater
Mr. Heater F274800 is among the most portable propane heaters on the market. It is a suitable electric heater for heating enclosed places and garages of up to 450 square feet. The liquid propane heater with 4,000 to 18,000 BTU connects directly to two 1 lb. cylinders, making it perfect for heating enclosed spaces.
Mr. Heater F274800 is a clean-burning heater with near to 100% efficiency. It is made with safety features, making it among the most outstanding. It features an auto shut-off feature when tipped over. It will also shut off when it detects low oxygen levels and when operating at altitudes above 7,000 feet above sea level. This portable RV propane heater features a control knob for high, medium, and low heat levels for steady temperatures.
The heaters’ built-in fans increase the unit’s heating capacity. It combines convection and radiant-style heat to give you the best experience in both worlds. This Mr. Heater F274800 has two swivel regulators, enabling you to use either a disposable cylinder or a remote gas supply by purchasing a filter and a hose. You are advised to avoid using unauthorized attachments or accessories, as they may cause injury.
- Have oxygen depletion sensors
- Heats a room of up to 450 sq. feet
- Have high, medium, and low heat settings
- Features a tip-over safety shut off
- Used with propane gas
- Provides clean-burning
- Difficult to use the 20lb propane tank
5. DIMPLEX DGWH4031G Garage Heater
DIMPLEX DGWH4031G is the ideal choice for anyone looking for a compact but powerful electric garage heater. This propeller-style fan heater is made with high-quality metals and treated with epoxy paint finish to prevent corrosion and rust. It can be mounted on both walls and ceilings. Its high-performance motor and stainless steel heating element offer you fast, comfortable, and effective warmth.
The Dimplex DGWH4031G electric heater draws 4000 watts and uses a standard 240-volt connector. Therefore, this garage heater produces up to 13 648 BTUs of heat, enough to keep a fairly large garage warm. It comes along with a bracket featuring a pivot and swivel, allowing you to direct the heat to your preferred space.
This DIMPLEX electric garage heater is safe to use thanks to its automatic overheat protection feature. It also has a thermostat control and fan delay, allowing you to enjoy residual heat even after switching off the heater. This heavy-duty garage heater comes with a six-foot-long cord featuring a NEMA plug for quick connection. If your garage is small, consider the Dimplex 120V garage heater.
- Built with durable metal
- It is compact and powerful
- Has a six-foot-long cord
- Offers effective and fast warming
- Has an automatic overheat protection
- Features thermostat control
- NEMA plug for quick connection
- It is a little noisy
6. Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI 120V Infrared Heater
Heat Storm HS-1500 is a safe, smart, and high-efficiency garage heater. The most incredible thing about this heater is that it’s Wi-Fi enabled, letting you control the temperature right from your phone. It is made with HMS dual-wall technology, which makes it extremely energy efficient.
The Heat Storm HS-1500 electric heater features a space-saving wall design, so it does not take up your floor space. This compact, portable heater is ideal for offices, kitchens, bedrooms, and garages. It uses 1,500 watts of power, ideal for heating a small or medium-sized garage.
This Heat Storm garage heater is one of the safest. Its wall and grills remain cool and thus safe to touch even when in operation. After installing this 110-volt garage heater, you can hide the cord in the heater. It is ETL safety-certified; thus, you can be assured of safety. However, it can only be mounted on the wall.
- It is Wi-Fi enabled for easy control
- Safe to touch the grill
- Space-saving wall-mount design
- Can hide the cord after installation
- ETL safety certified
- It is extremely energy efficient
- The heater is portable
- Can only be mounted on the wall
7. AirNmore Comfort Deluxe 120V Heater
AirNmore Comfort Deluxe is among the newest, most comfortable, and best 120V electric garage heaters on the market today. This infrared zone heater is ideal for heating small to large garages up to 1000 square feet. It has two power options: 1000 watts and 1500 watts. The heater comes along with a remote control for easy settings. This high-quality electric heater does not reduce oxygen levels or humidity during operation.
The AirNmore Comfort Deluxe heating element uses state-of-the-art copper PTC heating elements instead of aluminum, helping prevent your bulbs from burning out. PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) is a new heating technology that uses traditional coil electric heater alternatives. Copper is more long-lasting, efficient, and retains heat longer than aluminum. Using copper as a heating element increases the heater’s performance and durability.
Comfort Deluxe electric heater is made with the user’s safety in mind. It features dual heat sensors for limiting high temperatures. The heater also has additional safety sensors that offer tip-over protection. It is therefore a suitable heater for homes with children and pets. This electric garage heater is ETL-listed, indicating compliance with North American safety standards.
AirNmore Comfort Deluxe, with copper PTC, is equipped with a heavy-duty particle filter. This filter captures dust and small particles, thus protecting the heater’s internal components. Comfort Deluxe electric heater has an auto-reboot memory. Therefore, in case the power goes off, the unit will remember your previous setting. The heater comes with a 3-prong, 14-gauge power cable.
- Features a heavy-duty particle filter
- Made with the latest copper heating element technology
- Energy-efficient and durable
- Has advanced tip-over protection
- Feature dual heat sensors
- Has an auto-reboot memory
- Comes with a remote control
- Cool to touch
- It is noisy
Things to Consider Before Buying the Garage Heater
One crucial thing you will need in the garage during the winter season is a good electric garage heater. A garage heater should be a long-term investment, and thus, you need to be serious when purchasing. Here are some important considerations to help you distinguish the best garage heater from the many on the market.
1. Garage Size
The size of your garage is a vital factor to consider when buying an electric heater. Different heaters offer a different amount of power. A small heater with less power will work well for a small garage, but it will take much longer to heat a large one.
When selecting a heater, the rule of thumb is that every 10 watts heats 1 square foot. You also need to answer whether you want to heat the whole garage or just a part of it. Therefore, you should ensure that the heater you choose has sufficient power or output to suit the garage space.
2. Safety
An electric heater can be quite dangerous if not set up, installed, or used properly. The safety of the garage heater is important, especially in areas with pets or children. Look for an electric garage heater with various accident-proof features. The heater should have an automatic shut-off tip-over feature that turns it off if it is knocked over.
The heater should have an overheating protection feature, which is important during prolonged use. With this feature, the heater will automatically shut off when it senses an excessive rise in temperature. This protects the heater from internal damage and the garage from external damage. If the heater you plan to buy is portable or wall-mounted, ensure it has cool-touch features. This will prevent people from getting injured or burned.
3. Portable or Fixed
It is important to check if the heater you want to buy is portable or fixed. If you want a heater you can move around with, maybe from the living room to the bedroom, to the garage, you need a portable electric heater. If the heater is to be fixed in the garage, check the ease of mounting and where it should be mounted. Some can only be mounted on the floor, wall, or ceiling, while others can be mounted anywhere.
When buying a portable electric heater, consider whether it has handles and wheels. The heater should have a comfortable handle so you can carry it to the right place to put it. Heaters with wheels are also easy to maneuver, especially if they are large and bulky.
4. Adjustable Thermostat
A thermostat gives the user the freedom to set the garage’s cooling and heating temperatures to suit their needs and minimize the total energy cost. When choosing a thermostat for an electric garage heater, consider the area’s energy needs and the unit type.
A heater with an inbuilt adjustable thermostat monitors the ambient room temperature and turns on when the room temperature is low, and shuts off when the room temperature is high. This will help you choose your desired garage temperature.
This is a great feature in cold climates where you need 24-hour heating. The auto-off and auto-on features will keep the garage at the right temperature without wasting excess energy.
5. Adjustable Louvers
At times, you might need more heat in some areas of a garage than in others. Choosing a heater with adjustable louvers will let you direct more airflow to these areas. The adjustable lovers will help you direct the heat to your desired area in the garage. This feature makes your heater more practical and useful.
Types of Garage Heaters
Garage heaters are of different types. Different types of garage heaters control temperatures in different ways. Therefore, it is crucial to know the types of garage heaters so that you can purchase one that meets your needs. The types can be classified by heating method, placement, and fuel type.
Heating Method
One way to differentiate garage heaters is by the method they use to heat the room. Here are the types of garage heaters based on the heating methods:
1. Radiant/ Infrared Heaters
Radiant heaters are also referred to as infrared heaters. These heaters do not heat the whole space. They are an ideal choice for heating a particular spot. The heaters provide warmth without waiting. They can either be powered by electricity, propane, or gas. They warm the place and its objects through radiation, giving you an experience similar to what you get from the sun. Radiant electric garage heaters do not have fans and thus operate silently.
2. Fan-Forced Heaters
These heaters are also known as forced air garage heaters. These types of heaters vary in price, fuel type, and size, but they all work the same. The heaters convert electrical energy to heat and use a fan to cycle hot air blasts through the space. Fan-forced heaters are portable and easy to install. Most of them, however, make noise due to the fan. They are suitable for workshops, basements, and garages.
3. Convection Heaters
These heaters rely on a heating element or an enclosed flame to warm the air in the unit. Convection heaters take air from one side, warm it, and release the hot air from the other side. These heaters take some time to heat up, but once they do, they warm the entire place. Most conventional heaters are quiet during operation.
Fuel Type
Garage heaters can also be classified based on where they get their power from, like below:
1. Electric Heaters
These are electric garage heaters. Electric garage heaters are efficient and have lower upfront costs than gas heaters. Most of these heaters are portable and do not require ventilation. A variety of electric heaters come with remote controls, are easy to install and maintain, and feature several safety features.
2. Propane/Natural Gas Heaters
Just like the name suggests, these heaters are fueled by propane or natural gas. These heaters have the lowest running cost. They are, however, very difficult to maintain and install. Most gas garage heaters are not portable and require proper ventilation. These heaters are also quite risky and can pose a fire hazard if there are gas leaks.
3. Kerosene Heaters
Kerosene garage heaters run on kerosene. Most of these heaters are portable and have a kerosene tank. The heaters come along with several safety features, making them ideal for indoor use. They, however, emit gases, so they need adequate ventilation.
Placement
Garage heaters also differ based on where they are placed. They include:
1. Ceiling or Wall Mounted
These types of garage heaters can be mounted on ceilings, walls, or both. The best thing about these garage heaters is that they do not need any extra space. The heaters are also kept away from any combustible materials, as they are either mounted on the wall or the ceiling. Most gas heaters are mounted because they need a ventilation system.
2. Floor Heaters
These are heaters that run from the garage floor. These heaters need some space in the garage since they require a safe, stable place to stand. Always ensure the floor heater is placed away from any combustible materials. Floor heaters are easy to carry, portable, and need no installation.
Safety Tips for Using a Garage Heater
At times, especially during winter, the cold can make life in the garage unbearable. For this reason, you need to invest in a reliable garage heater to keep you warm throughout the season. However, a garage heater can be quite dangerous if not used properly. Therefore, it is important to learn the safety measures when using a garage heater to get the best from this heat appliance. Here are safety tips for using a garage heater:
- Plug the Heater Directly into the Outlet- Always plug in your garage heater directly into an outlet with a sufficient power supply. If you are using a 120V electric garage heater, ensure the power outlet can handle 120V. Attaching the heater to extensions increases the risks of shock injuries, overheating, and fires.
- Have the Right Ventilation- It is advisable to use a well-ventilated garage heater. Good ventilation prevents the buildup of dangerous fumes, which can later lead to health issues. Ensure to get a heater that the manufacturer states is suitable for garage use. It is never recommended to use a home heating system in your garage, as most garages lack adequate ventilation.
- Never Leave the Heater Running- Always switch off the garage heater when you leave your garage. Even if you want to leave for a short period, turn off the heater and unplug it.
- Stable Positioning- When installing the garage heater, it should be very stable. If you are placing it somewhere, the surface should be hard and stable to avoid knockovers. Ensure there is enough space around the garage heater to avoid accidentally bumping it, which would result in electric shock, bruises, or burns.
- Keep Away from Flammable Materials- Whenever you use a heater in the garage, ensure there are no flammable materials around, such as solvents, gasoline, or paint. The heater should be away from papers, blankets, curtains, and clothing.
- Supervise Pets and Kids – Always warn kids about the risk of injury when they come into contact with the heater. Never leave children and pets unsupervised when the garage heater is in operation.
- Disconnect the Power Supply before Cleaning- If you want to clean your electric garage heater, the very first step is to unplug it from the power supply. Cleaning when the unit is still connected may result in electric shock. If the unit needs repair, do not do it yourself. Always have the heaters repaired by a certified technician.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What size electric heater do I Need For My Garage?
The size of the electric heater for your garage depends on factors such as the garage’s size, the heater’s wattage, and voltage. One of the most important factors is the size of the garage. Small garages can use a 120V electric garage heater, but large garages need a 240V heater with high watts. The general rule for choosing the right heater for your garage is 10 watts per square foot.
Q. What Is The Best Type Of Electric Heater For a Garage?
The best electric garage heater differs from one user to another. To get the right garage heater, you should first understand your needs and choose the one that best meets them. If you are working in a large garage, you need a 240-volt heater with high wattage. The heater should fit in your garage.
Ensure the garage heater is designed with safety features, including cool-touch surfaces, a tip-over switch, and overheat protection. Go through the best electric garage heater reviews above and choose the one whose features will meet your needs. One of the most recommended and best 240V electric garage heaters is the Dr. Heater DR966 commercial garage heater.
Q. Will a 1500 Watt Heater Heat a Garage?
Yes. A 1500-watt heater with 240 volts can heat a garage of roughly 150 square feet. The best way to determine whether a heater is ideal for your garage is to measure its area in square meters. 10 watts are said to heat 1 square foot. Therefore, the number of watts required to heat a garage depends solely on the heater’s size.
Q. What Is The Most Energy Efficient Garage Heater?
There are many energy-efficient garage heaters on the market, each with specific features. One of the best-known energy-efficient garage heaters is the Fahrenheat FUH Electric Heater. The best energy-efficient heater keeps your room at the right temperature and consumes less energy.
Q. How Many Square Feet Will a 5000 Watt Electric Heater Heat?
A 5000-watt electric heater heats a 500-square-foot room. This is calculated as a 10:1 ratio: every 1 square foot of room is heated by 10 watts. Use this ratio every time you are buying an electric garage heater to get the correct wattage.
Q. How many BTUs do I need to heat a 2 Car Garage?
The number of BTUs needed to heat the car garage will depend on its size. In most cases, a 2-car garage measures about 20 feet by 20 feet, totaling 400 square feet. To heat a 400-square-foot car garage, you will need approximately 12,000 to 24,000 BTU. The rule used here is that a one-square-foot room requires 30 to 60 BTUs of heating.
Final Words:
Excessive cold during the winter or rainy season is uncomfortable for the mechanic and can also damage valuable mechanical tools in the garage. The best electric garage heater helps you to keep the garage warm and comfortable all year round. The review above makes it easy for you to get the best 120-volt and 240-volt electric heater for your garage.
120V electric heaters are ideal for small garages, while 240V heaters are suitable for large and commercial garages. In addition to the voltage, consider the heater’s wattage. Also, consider the watts, portability, safety, and whether the heater’s louvers are adjustable or not.
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