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So, you’re looking for the best way on how to heat a garage gym so you don’t have to wear several layers when working out. Then you’ve come to the right place.
No one wants to work out in a cold garage gym so whether you choose a simple electric heater or one of the more environmentally friendly infrared heaters, we’ll go over some of the best options to keep your garage gym warm during those cold winter months.
How To Heat A Garage Gym?
There are several options when it comes to the best heater for your garage gym and what you choose will depend on the size of your garage, your budget, and your specific heating needs.
Propane Heaters
A propane heater is a type of portable heater that uses propane gas in order to produce hot air.
This type of heater usually consists of a burner with an open flame, a propane tank and a mechanism which controls the flow of gas and ignites the burner.
There are different types of propane heaters that you could consider:
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Radiant Propane Heaters
These heaters emit an intense heat directly from its burner. As with electric radiant heaters, they are designed to warm up people within the immediate vicinity. As they don’t rely on air to help circulate the heat, they’re only really suitable for smaller garage gyms
Forced-Air Propane Heaters
These types of heaters will use a fan which circulates the heated air over a larger area. They are capable of pumping out a lot of hot air in a short amount of time making them a better option for larger garage gyms.
Propane heaters are ideal for garages with no power outlets and, as they produce a high amount of heat output, they’re perfect for those cold climates.
However, there are some safety precautions worth considering.
Firstly, if your garage is relatively enclosed with a limited amount of ventilation, you’ll need to be mindful of carbon monoxide build up.
It’s vital that there is sufficient ventilation as carbon monoxide can pose a serious health risk if you’re exposed to it.
It’s definitely a good idea to purchase a carbon monoxide alarm along with your heater.
Kerosene Heaters
A kerosene heater is very similar to a propane heater but uses kerosene as its fuel source as opposed to propane gas.
The heater would usually comprise of a fuel tank, burner unit and a wick. The wick draws the kerosene from the fuel tank and feeds it to the burner, which is then ignited to produce a flame.
Kerosene heaters are cheaper to run than propane as they use far less fuel to produce the same amount of heat, making them much more efficient.
That being said, you would have the same safety concerns to think about when using a kerosene heater.
In the case of both kerosene and propane tanks, they should be stored in well-ventilated areas and away from direct heat sources.
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Space Heaters
To ward off cold weather, a small space heater could be a good option. Compact in nature, these types of heaters are ideal for both medium and small spaces.
They also tend to be portable and lightweight so you can quickly and easily place them where you tend to find the most cold air.
The vast majority of space heaters run on electric so you’re going to need a power outlet nearby.
They also don’t kick out a lot of heat so will really only work in smaller home gyms. However, there are some that use different fuel sources (such as gas) in order to generate heat.
You’ll find a broad range on the market, so you’ll likely find one that works for your budget and space. They can also come with different features such as an automatic shut off, remote control and adjustable thermostat.
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Convection Heaters
A convector heater uses convection to help warm your garage gym on those cold days. The best thing about this type of heater is that it evenly fills a room with warm air and keeps the space at a stable temperature.
The heat pumped out from the system would rise and then distribute around your garage gym helping to provide an even temperature.
The only downside to this type of heat source is that it takes considerable time to warm your space, so for larger garage gyms this may not be the best heating method.
However, as they don’t produce direct heat, they are the safest option when compared to other heating methods.
Radiant Heater
A radiant heater uses infrared heat that is designed to warm up people without actually warming the air in the room. Think of how it feels to sit in the sun or next to a fire.
That’s not to say they couldn’t warm up your garage gym, it would just take longer when compared to other types of heaters.
They can be a great option if you have a small space where you can work out relatively closely to the heater in order to feel its benefits.
It’s worth noting that as the heat produced is fairly localized it wouldn’t be the best option for larger garage gyms.
Infrared radiant heaters can be wall mounted or freestanding and there are many purse-friendly options for you to choose from.
People with certain allergies may prefer this type of heater when compared to air heaters as they don’t have to pump out dry air and potentially allergens.
Electric Garage Heater
If you have a larger garage, you might consider installing an electric garage heater. These types of heaters are specifically designed for garages and can provide sufficient warmth for your space.
They use different ways to distribute heat. Some heaters rely on a fan to circulate hot air around your garage whilst others will rely on radiant heat to warm up specific spaces.
They tend to be installed professionally and affixed to a certain space (usually a wall or the ceiling) so once it’s set up, you’re good to go.
Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump
A ductless mini-split system will not only heat up your garage gym, but they can also cool it down making them ideal for cold seasons but also great for those hot summer months.
This ductless heating system is essentially a smaller version of your standard central air conditioning unit but minus the duct work.
They comprise of two main components, one being the indoor unit which is usually mounted on your wall and the other being the outdoor unit which is the condenser. Both units are connected via an externally fitted line
They are very energy-efficient and provide targeted heating to specific areas. Installation of these units will usually require professional assistance.
Oil Filled Radiators
Portable oil-filled radiators are another good option for heating your garage gym. They provide a constant form of heat and are very economical to run so won’t run up your electric bill.
However, when compared to other heating options, they will take a long time to warm up your garage. The larger your garage, the longer it will take to offer any noticeable heating effects.
They tend to offer some useful safety features such as automatic shut off and tip over switches. So, in the event that the heater gets a little too hot or accidentally tips over, it will switch off.
Insulation
Proper insulation can help to retain heat and prevent drafts. You can look at ways to insulate the walls, ceiling, and the garage doors using fiberglass insulation panels, reflective foil, or foam insulation.
Before undertaking any type of insulation, you should look to weather-strip any windows and doors to prevent warm air from escaping.
There are different types of weather-stripping materials you can use ranging from felt, foam or rubber. Rubber is by far the most effective but also the mostly costly and tricky to install, but it’s certainly worth the cost and effort.
Safety Considerations When Heating Your Garage Gym
Now that we’ve gone over some ways in which you can look to heat up your garage gym let’s consider some important safety factors.
Ventilation
Proper ventilation is important to keep the air clean and fresh. Not only does this reduce the spread of germs and other nasty bugs but it’s also going to prevent the build-up of combustion gases, such as carbon monoxide.
Carbon monoxide can result from using a fuel-based heater, such as a propane heater.
You can ventilate properly by keeping doors or windows partially window or by getting a proper ventilation system installed. If you’re using an electric heater, ventilation becomes less of a concern.
Fire Safety
It’s important to keep any flammable materials away from all types of garage gym heating. When setting up and installing your heating device be sure to maintain a safe distance between the equipment and any objects that could potentially catch fire.
This includes things such as gym equipment and furniture. Unless the heat source is specifically designed to be mounted on your garage wall or ceiling then make sure there is enough clearance between surfaces.
Proper Electrical Setup
If you decide to opt for an electric heater, then you’ll need to make sure that it’s compatible for the power supply of the garage. It’s important to avoid overloading any electrical circuits and make sure to use any appropriate extensions cords where necessary.
If you’re unsure as to the power requirements needed, it’s a good idea to get some advice from an electrician.
Heating Equipment Placement
Make sure you place any portable or fixed heating devices in an appropriate location. Away from walls is advisable and of course avoid placing a heater near things such as blinds, drapes and any equipment (especially if it has upholstered pads such as a weight bench).
Regular Maintenance
Take time to regularly inspect and check over your heating equipment and undertake any maintenance as and when necessary.
Certain heaters will need to have filters cleaned and replaced to make sure they continue to work properly and to stop any dirt and dust from accumulating which could result in damage.
Carbon Monoxide Detection
Carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal if not detected and as it’s both colorless and odorless, you won’t necessarily know if your heating device is leaking. Therefore, it’s a good idea to install a carbon monoxide detector in your garage gym.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your garage gym warm during those long and cold winter months is important to ensure you remain committed to your workout program.
Choosing the right heater for your gym can help to keep it at a comfortable temperature and can help to improve your training performance.
That being said, if you’re at the other end of the scale and you live somewhere that remains hot for much of the year, then perhaps you’re considering some of the best methods for cooling your garage gym?
In that case, before you leave, why not take a read of our article ‘How to Cool a Garage Gym’ for some top tips.
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