How to efficiently heat your garage with propane

February 27, 2020

Propane 101

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Finding the right propane-powered heater for your garage size

Propane heaters for a small space

Not all propane heaters are created equal, however. For smaller workspaces, such as a garage or small shop, convection propane heaters provide the ideal solution. Convection heaters produce heat evenly across 360 degrees, ensuring that every corner of your garage or workshop is comfortable. These heaters can produce up to 200,000 BTUs of thermal energy, and can be moved anywhere to provide additional heat where it’s most needed. If you simply need to heat a small area, such as a workstation, you can also look to radiant propane heaters to get the job done. These units typically top out at 30,000 BTU, but often can be mounted to a wall so you’ll have the warmth you need, right where you need it.

Propane heaters for a large space

Larger workshops, or large garages and barns, will find relief from the cold with larger forced air heaters ranging from 40,000 to 300,000 BTUs. Because the heated air is forced out into the workspace, it won’t take long to take the chill out of the air. And once it’s warm enough to work, you’ll have a steady stream of heat for as long as you need it.

What are the benefits of using a propane heater?

Propane heaters can start and work during electrical outages

Since most propane heaters start up with piezo ignition and don’t require outside electrical input, they are a great option for workspaces without electricity, or during power outages.

Propane heaters are more efficient than the alternatives

Additionally, propane is an economical and highly effective fuel, with efficiency ratings as high as 96 percent on some models – all without the smell and danger of other fuels like Kerosene. And since most portable propane heaters operate on standard tanks, you’ll never have to worry about running out of fuel. Portable propane heaters can be found at most home improvement stores such as Lowe’s or Ace Hardware, and tanks can be refilled at any Ferrellgas location, or exchanged at your nearest hardware store or corner gas station.

Propane heaters provide convenience

You likely won't need to make that tank exchange very often because you’ll get many hours of uninterrupted heat from a single tank of propane. For example, a radiant heater is capable of producing nearly 100 hours of constant heat on the low setting, and 20 hours on the highest setting.

How many BTUs does my garage space heater need to be?

To determine the right choice for heating your garage, calculate the square footage of your space. A 45,000 to 75,000 BTU convection heater can typically heat garages and workshops up to 1,000 square feet. If you have a larger shop or garage, consider buying a forced air propane heater rated higher than 60,000 BTU per hour. Those with exceptionally large workshops will want to consider a forced air propane heater rated between 100,000 and 300,000 BTU per hour.

Are propane heaters safe indoors?

Though propane space heaters are among the cleanest burning fuels available, and designed to be safe in garages, as with all types of indoor heating options it’s important to keep safety in mind. As fuels burn, carbon monoxide can be produced, and high levels of CO can be dangerous. The best protection is to ensure that your propane heater is placed near a window or outdoor vent, and to install a carbon monoxide monitor in the space you plan to heat. Most indoor propane heaters come equipped with safety features for your protection, such as low oxygen sensors, overheat protection, and automatic shutoff.

Contact Ferrellgas for your propane heating needs

For more information about how propane can help keep you warm and working this winter, visit our space heating site here, and contact your local office to learn more about what you can do with propane.