Should You Heat Your Garage this Winter?

Not sure about you, but the team here at Champion Overhead Door feels like winter made up for its late arrival in New England by finally landing with an extra punch of frigid temperatures. The current cold snap has many homeowners asking the same question, “Should I be heating my garage this winter?”. In the article below, the experts at Champion will explore this question in more detail.

Benefits of Heating Your Garage

Heating your garage and ensuring proper insulation offers numerous benefits during the winter. Not only does it prevent damage to your vehicle and stored items from freezing temperatures, but proper garage door insulation ensures that the warmth stays in, and the cold stays out. This can increase the value of your home and make the garage more comfortable and usable during the frigid winter months.

Pro Tip: If you opt to extend existing ductwork to an attached garage, don’t forget your air filters! Properly installed filters will prevent garage fumes from enetering your home via the ductwork.

Heating Methods

Various methods are available to heat your garage. Extending your home’s current HVAC ductwork to include the garage space is possible for attached garages. A mini-split unit, efficient for both attached and detached garages, provides heat without requiring ductwork. However, electric or kerosene heaters, while excellent at temporarily heating a space, are not recommended as a permanent solution due to fire hazards (please – do not leave propane or kerosene heaters unattended!).

Things to Consider

Still deciding if heating your garage is the right move for your space? Consider how you plan to use your garage – do you use it primarily to park your vehicle or do you spend more time there, using the space as a workshop, home gym or man cave? Heat certainly makes a garage more comfortable and functional and may be a worthwhile investment if it greatly enhances the usability of your home. But it can be expensive, with initial HVAC installation costing thousands of dollars. Coupled with the ever-rising cost of electricity and natural gas, your heating bill this winter will likely be higher than in years past, so it’s important to consider your budget before heating additional space.

Winterize Without Heat

If a heated garage isn’t feasible this year, don’t worry! There are still things you can do to prepare your garage for winter and protect any items you store in the space. Simply insulating an attached garage can retain a significant amount of heat from the shared walls of your home. Removing temperature-sensitive small items and appliances from your garage can also protect your things during the coldest months. Ensuring your garage floor is properly sealed keeps moisture and ice out in the cold. And having your garage door inspected and repaired in the event of any gaps, leaks or issues is another important step and should be included in your annual home maintenance routine.

Garage Door Insulation

Insulating your garage door is a critical step in preparing for winter. Different insulation materials, such as fiberglass, foam board, or reflective barriers, offer various levels of effectiveness. Champion Overhead Door can assist in selecting and installing the right insulation for your garage door, making your heating efforts more efficient. Ensuring your garage door is well-insulated in New England’s climate can make a significant difference in maintaining a comfortable temperature.

Conclusion

Whether you’re considering heating your garage or seeking effective insulation solutions, Champion Overhead Door is your expert partner in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. Our professional team is ready to assist with all your garage needs as you prepare for the winter months. Contact Champion Overhead Door for expert advice and professional services. We offer tailored solutions for residential and commercial customers in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts.