On this garage heater review, we’ll kick off by taking a look at the best 2 car garage heater to keep your room warm during winter.
We’ll also discuss 2 car garage dimensions and sizes, the level of BTUs you need, garage heater placement, and the average temperature for your garage to prevent condensation that could potentially damage a lot of things in there.
It’s important to realize that different heaters have their pros and cons, which is why you need to choose one depending on your needs.
If you want to save energy, you should also choose an energy efficient heater, and we have included them in the best heater for garage review.
Let’s dive into the best heater for 2 car garage reviews.
What is the Standard Size of a Two Car Garage?
Getting the right dimensions for your two-car garage will enable your ample space for parking the cars and loading and offloading them. You may need additional space in your garage for other activities.
The activities may include carrying out your hobbies down in the garage. Here is a brief discussion of how you can determine the right dimensions of a garage for two cars.
First, consider the size of the cars when determining the dimensions of your garage. The size of the cars is not uniform. Some cars, such as pickup trucks, may be as large as 16 feet long. This largely varies with the design. Measure the length and width of the cars that you intend to store in the garage.
Once you have the lengths and widths of the cars, add a few feet of space to enable you to maneuver around them while inside the garage. The extra space may be any figure from about 30 inches.
You need extra space for storage and other activities. Typically, a space of about 4 feet will be enough for one to store a few things within the garage. The extra space depends on what you intend to do in the garage and your preferences.
However, remember that every additional unit of space will cost you extra money for construction.
Additional space is also required for the door. 2-car garages can have either one large door or two separate ones. The choice of the type of door is a personal choice. Large doors that measure about 16 feet wide are usually enough to cover a 2-car garage.
Alternatively, you may install two doors, each measuring 9-feet on your garage. Nevertheless, remember to leave an additional space of 2 feet on each side of the door.
After all these issues have been factored in, the final size of a 2-car garage door may be between 20 square feet and 24 square feet.
You can also check the size of heater for a 3 car garage
How Many BTUs Does it Take to Heat a 2-Car Garage?
Understanding the number of BTUs needed to heat your 2-garage space will help you in choosing the right device.
If you install in your garage a heater with less heating capacity than what is required, then you will not have the desired level of comfort. Cold zones are likely to develop in certain areas of the garage as the small heater struggles to cover the entire size.
You can estimate the number of BTUs needed to keep the garage warm by following this procedure. First, determine the area of your 2-car garage by multiplying the length and width. If your garage measures 20 feet by 20 feet, then the area is 400 square feet.
Divide the area of the garage by a factor of 200 and then multiply the result by a factor of 9000. For a square-shaped 2-car garage that measures 400 square feet in area, the total number of BTUs required will be 18,000.
However, you may have to factor in the level of insulation of the garage before settling on the number of BTUs. If a garage is heavily insulated, then it may be wise to reduce the required number of BTUs by 10% or 20%. Finally, choose a heater with a capacity that is at least the number of calculated BTUs.
There is no one temperature level at which you should maintain your 2-car garage. In practice, the ideal temperature depends on several factors, including the location of your garage, weather seasons, and your preferences.
It is always necessary to keep the temperature of the garage higher than the prevailing dewpoint. If the temperature falls below the dew point, then the resulting accumulation of moisture may cause the development of mildew on the surfaces of your garage.
Moreover, if the temperatures of your garage fall to very low levels, such as 32 degrees Fahrenheit, the resulting weather conditions may cause damages to your car batteries.
It is wise to maintain the temperature of your garage at any level between 65 degrees Fahrenheit and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature range is important as it keeps the batteries of the cars safe and the mildew away.
Moreover, the temperature range between 65 degrees Fahrenheit and 85 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for keeping the environment in the garage cozy. You can comfortably work on your side projects when the temperature in the garage remains within this range.
Where should I Place my Garage Heater?
The correct placement of a garage heater can immensely contribute to making the space ideal for anyone to stay in for a long time. Also, correct placement of the heater can ensure effective heating and efficient utilization of electric power, if you are using an electric space heater.
For typical wall-mountable electric space heaters, ensure that you place them on walls that are directly opposite the garage door.
The heater should face the garage door to ensure the effective distribution of the heat across space. Moreover, when the heater faces the door, its effect directly counters cool air drafts that get into the garage through the door.
Ensure that your heater is positioned far away from combustible materials. This applies when you use your electric or gas heater is freestanding or wall-mounted. Ensure that all combustible materials, including fabric and plastics, are placed at least three feet from the heater for safety reasons.
Best 2 Car Garage Heater Reviews 2021
1. NewAir G73 Hardwired Electric Garage Heater
- [RUGGED EXTERIOR BUILT TO LAST] - The hard-shell exterior is made from heavy-duty material that is built to last, especially in tough climates and work conditions.
- [SAFETY FEATURES FOR PEACE OF MIND] - This heater is considered one of the safest on the market and is our customers tried-and-true favorite. It is ETL certified for electrical safety, and comes with overheating protection, so rest assured you have one of the most trusted heaters available.
- [HARDWIRED TO YOUR 30 AMP BREAKER] - The NewAir G73 doesn’t come with any of the maintenance issues of a propane heater. Once your heater is hardwired to your 30-amp breaker, your warm workspace is only a switch away.
- [AMBIENT HEAT CONTROL WITH ADJUSTABLE LOUVERS] - The 240 Volt heater brings direct heat anywhere in your garage with the adjustable louvers and tilt head. If you happen to be sitting in one location while you work, you can make sure the heat is sent to the exact spot you need. Or you can turn the louvers completely open to allow heat to travel everywhere.
- [MOUNTING HARDWARE INCLUDED] - Comes with a mounting bracket for you to place it on the wall or ceiling of your workspace. This way you can stay toasty and safe with a heater hidden from busy work areas.
Several features make the NewAir G73 one of the best choices for heating a standard garage for two cars. Notably, its powerful fan is quite effective in pushing out the heated air across the entire garage space.
Moreover, the action of the fan complements the effect of the adjustable louvers of the fan to evenly and effectively warm small to mid-sized garages. If you are working at one spot in your garage, you can create a comfortable environment by simply adjusting the louvers of the fan and tilting the head to face in your direction.
The body of this heater has been specially made to withstand the effects of harsh weather and working conditions. The use of heavy-duty stainless steel maximizes the durability of the heater and ensures that you get value for your money.
However, the inbuilt fan of the NewAir G73 can cause problems if you are working on wood in your garage. The powerful fan can kick up a lot of wood and dust particles in the garage. This may interfere with the quality of your work.
Pros
- Even heating because of a powerful fan and adjustable louvers
- ETL-certified for safety
- Highly durable because the body is made of heavy-duty stainless steel
Cons
- The powerful fan kicks up a lot of dust and wood particles in the garage
2. Fahrenheat FUH Electric Heater
- HEAVY DUTY HEATER: Warm-up just about any large space with this heater that provides long-term comfort solutions with its built-in single pole thermostat that adjusts from 45 to 135 degrees Fahrenheit. .Heating Coverage:400 sq ft
- CONTINUOUS COMFORT: If you have a large drafty space, this heater is ideal. Its powerful output warms up garages, workshops, warehouses and more
- EASY TO USE: This heater includes a ceiling mounting bracket for vertical or horizontal mounting. Adjustable louvers so you can aim your heat directly toward your desired area.
- OUTPUT CONTROL: The high-level cutout automatically shuts off to prevent overheating and reactivates the heater when the temperature returns to normal. The built-in thermostat allows you to set your heat level to deliver as much warmth as you need.
- COMPATIBILITY: Whether you need 208 or 240 volts, this heater is fully compatible with either electrical system.
If you are looking for a garage heater that is easy to control and customize, then consider the Fahrenheat FUH Electric Heater.
It is packed with all the controls that one needs to conveniently adjust the performance of an electric heater in a garage. If you are not keen on using the manual controls, you can resort to the universal remote control to change the heating level of the device.
The heater has a wide heating range from 45 degrees Fahrenheit to 135 degrees Fahrenheit. You can take advantage of this heating range to adapt the heater to your preferences and the requirements of your garage.
It is very safe to use the Fahrenheat FUH Electric Heater. It has an overheat protection feature that triggers the heater to automatically shut off when the temperatures exceed the set point.
The only notable drawback of using this heater relates to efficiency. Its 240V rating can be an important issue if you are keen on keeping your heating costs within manageable levels. If you use it in your garage for prolonged periods, it will consume excessive amounts of power.
Pros
- Big heating range of 45 to 135 degrees Fahrenheit and an inbuilt thermostat for personalized heating
- Standard safety features, including the overheat protection
- Compatible with 208V and 240V electrical systems
Cons
- Low level of power efficiency
3. Dr. Heater DR966 240-volt Hardwired Shop Garage Commercial Heater
- Heavy Duty 240V Single Phase 3000/6000W Commercial Electric Heater
- Hardwired. Power cord not included in the unit
- UL/CUL Listed Wall or Ceiling Mounted Heater. Bracket Included
- Adjustable Thermostat with HIGH and LOW Setting
- 5 Adjustable Louvers for to Direct Airflow
Dr. Heater DR966 is ideal for zonal heating in small to medium-sized garages because of the way its heating and distribution capacity. Its steel-based and spiral-shaped heating elements are quite effective in transferring heat to the surrounding air.
The design and materials used to make the heating elements maximize the amount of heat produced during the heating process. When using the heater in your garage, you will realize that the temperature rises to the desired levels fast.
Furthermore, the 8-inch wide fan is effective enough to move air around the room without producing much noise. This can be a great advantage if you need to maintain a silent working space in your garage.
Although this heater is hardwired, the power cord is sold separately. This means that for you to enjoy the full benefits of this heater in your garage, you have to incur the additional expense of purchasing a power cord.
However, this should not be a big issue, considering the commercial-grade design and performance of the Dr. Heater DR966.
Pros
- The heater has five adjustable louvers for controlling the direction of the flow of hot air
- The 8-inch fan maximizes the heating performance without producing much noise
- Highly durable because of the use of heavy-duty steel for the casing
Cons
- The power cord is sold separately
4. Comfort Zone CZ260ER Ceiling-Mounted High-Output 10,000-Watt Fan-Forced Industrial Heater
- OPTIMAL SPACE UTILIZATION: Maximize your available floor space with the space-saving design of this fan-forced heater. Specifically designed for ceiling mounting & hard-wired installation, it offers a convenient solution to free up valuable floor space in crowded environments such as warehouses, garages, & storage areas. By securely mounting the heater to the ceiling, you can effectively heat a large area while keeping the floor clear for other activities. With a heating coverage of up to 1250 sq. ft., this heater ensures widespread warmth.
- ROBUST STEEL BUILD: Constructed with high-quality heavy gauge steel, the body of this commercial heater is built to withstand the challenging conditions of poorly insulated areas. Its durable steel construction ensures reliable performance even in environments with temperature fluctuations. By utilizing heavy gauge steel, this heater offers enhanced durability and longevity, making it a reliable heating solution for commercial spaces. Rest assured that this sturdy construction will withstand the demands of various working environments.
- PRECISE AIRFLOW CONTROL: Experience targeted heating with the adjustable louvers and variable mounting angle of this heater. The louvers allow you to direct the airflow precisely where it is needed most, ensuring efficient and effective heating. Whether you want to focus the heat towards a specific area or disperse it evenly throughout the room, this heater provides the flexibility to meet your heating preferences. The fan-forced design further aids in distributing the warmth throughout the space, maximizing the heating performance.
- USER-FRIENDLY OPERATION: Take control of your comfort with the convenient controls of this heater. The digital thermostat enables you to fine-tune the temperature to your desired level, ensuring optimal warmth in your space. With the help of the remote control, you can adjust the settings from a distance, allowing you to personalize your heating experience without having to get up or interrupt your activities. Experience the ease and convenience of managing your heater's settings with user-friendly controls that put you in command.
- ENHANCED SAFETY FEATURES: Designed with your safety in mind, this ceiling mount heater is equipped with intelligent safety features for worry-free operation. The built-in sensor monitors the temperature and automatically shuts off the device if it detects overheating, providing reliable protection against potential hazards. The power indicator light conveniently illuminates when the unit is in use, giving you clear visual confirmation of its operational status. With these smart safety measures in place, you can enjoy the warmth and comfort.
Some of the most important features of this heater that you will find useful are the remote control and adjustable louvers. It is very convenient to simply change the performance of the heater from your workstation using the remote control.
More so, the adjustable louvers and head of the heater make it easy to target the heating at the required spots. Given that cold spots are very common in garages and other indoor spaces, the adjustable louvers will help eliminate the spots.
If you are not well-conversant with the processes of mounting heaters either on the wall or ceiling, then it would be wise to get the services of a certified technician.
Although this heater comes with all the hardware that you need to get it up and running, it requires additional technical processes related to the cord-and-plug installation style.
Pros
- Highly durable because of the use of heavy-duty steel
- Great convenience of using the remote control to change its performance
- It can be used for targeted heating by adjusting the louvers
Cons
- The installation process may require a technician
5. TPI Corporation HF686TC Fan Forced Portable Heater
- Propane Tank Heater: Heat up your camping or picnic area, porch, shed, and more with a handy propane heater with variable settings for custom warmth anytime, anywhere you bring it
- Heat Levels: Gives off 4,000, 9,000, or 18,000 BTU per hour with a 450-square feet heat range and can be used with propane tanks up to 40 lbs with the use of an additional hose and filter
- Simple Usage: Single control start knob allows easy usage with a piezo sparking mechanism for reliability with automatic safety shutoff in case the patio heater tips over
- Possible Connections: Can connect to a pair of 1 lb propane tanks with 2 swivel regulators for a remote gas supply for your outdoor heater; Hose, filter, batteries, and propane are not included
- Possible Connections: Can connect to a pair of 1 lb propane tanks with 2 swivel regulators for a remote gas supply for your outdoor heater; Hose, filter, batteries, and propane are not included
This is a highly versatile forced fan heater, thanks to the inclusion of a 6 feet-long cord, and a swivel base.
Because of the swivel base, you can change the direction in which the heater projects the hot air according to your needs. Also, the long cord makes it easy to move the heater to the specific area in a room where heating is required.
As is the case with all forced fan heaters, the HF684TC is quite noisy. The fan produces a considerable level of noise when the heater is operating optimally.
This may be an important issue if you are keen on maintaining a silent working environment inside the garage.
Pros
- Great versatility, thanks to a 6-feet long cord with a molded plug and a swivel base
- Effective heating with an air throw distance of 10 feet
- Can be mounted on the wall, floor, and even ceiling
Cons
- It is quite noisy
6. Mr. Heater Corporation MH18B Portable Propane Heater
This heater is designed for use in small to medium-sized outdoor spaces. It is a combination of performance and convenience.
With a heating capacity that is enough to keep a 450 square feet space warm for more than 72 hours and three heating settings, the MH18B is your perfect heating companion.
Its three heating settings can be quite useful especially when you need to carefully regulate the temperature in your garage. By simply toggling across the low, medium, and high settings, one can effectively control the temperature of the garage.
However, remember that you will have to incur the extra costs of obtaining batteries or an AC adapter for the fan.
Pros
- Suitable for heating mid-sized garages (heating capacity of up to 450 square feet)
- Highly portable because of its compact design and a well-positioned handle
- Three heating settings for personalization (high, low, and medium)
Cons
- The batteries and AC adapter for the fan are sold separately
So, What is the Best Heater for 2 Car Garage
It depends on the type of heater you choose.
For forced air garage heaters, you’ll require 45,000 BTU s to heat a two- to 2-1/2 car garage. If you’re going to use low-intensity infrared tube heaters, many manufacturers recommend 30,000 BTUs for a two to 2-1/2 car garage.
Keep in mind that forced air heaters are less expensive but are noisy, loses heat too quickly, especially if your garage door is always open.
On the other hand, radiant tube heaters produce little noise, require less operation costs, distribute the heat more evenly, and have quick heat recovery even when the door is opened. But, they are more expensive and you have to properly position the heater to get the best out of it.