Making your garage warmer during Pennsylvania winters helps it stay usable year-round. Keeping the space toasty means you can work on projects and spend less time shivering.
How to Keep Your Garage Warm in Winter
First, you’ll want to reduce heat loss in your garage. Do these things before you introduce a heating system:
- Repair your garage door: If your garage door is older, make sure there are no gaps, cracks or drafts around it. Repairs can make your door a better safeguard against the elements. Before the snow starts, you might want a garage door professional to come out for an inspection to determine whether your door is ready for winter.
- Install a better garage door: Older doors simply don’t have the insulation of modern models. If your overhead door is nearing the end of its life span, replacing it with an energy-efficient, well-insulated model helps reduce your energy bills.
- Install new weatherstripping: Curb garage door heat loss by replacing any cracked or brittle weatherstripping on your door and its windows. This will help stop any drafts and air leaks.
- Add insulation: Add insulation to your garage door panels and garage walls and ceiling, and check the windows for air leaks. Installing new garage windows with proper insulation can reduce drafts and keep warmth from seeping out.
- Try an energy audit: Check for drafts and cold spots by walking around your garage and running your hands over the surfaces. This is easier if your space is not too full with items. Check with your utility company, too. Some conduct low-cost or free audits to help you keep your energy costs low and can help you uncover heat loss you can’t easily find yourself.
- Put down rubber mats: If you have concrete floors, they can take a while to heat up. Placing some dimpled rubber mats on the floor keeps your feet warmer and cozier.
How to Heat Your Garage in the Winter
Once your garage is insulated and you’ve taken care of drafts, consider your heating options. Ductless heating allows you to heat a small space such as a garage easily. With a mini-split, you can even add air conditioning. This heating solution is installed above the garage door, so it doesn’t take up any floor space. Installing a mini-split costs an average of $3,000, though expenses can vary.
In-floor heating can also be a good option for garages. Since these spaces tend to have concrete floors, the flooring stays cool in the winter. Underfloor heating takes care of that. In-floor heat costs $8 to $15 per foot on average, though costs depend on your floor and your chosen heating system.
Portable heaters come in all sizes and types, and they are a flexible way to heat small spaces. If you only occasionally spend time in your garage, a portable heater can be an economical way to add warmth to your space. Some small heaters cost around $100 to $500.
Forced-air garage heating units are specially designed for garages and keep you toasty all winter. Find out your garage’s square footage to choose the right heater. These units can cost under $500.
Fix Your Garage Door With Jarusewski’s Garage Door Service
The best heating system and wall/ceiling insulation won’t help if your garage doors are old and uninsulated. To keep your garage cozy every winter, reach out to Jarusewski’s Garage Door Service.
We are a family-owned business proud to serve homeowners across Carlisle, PA, with our quality garage doors and exceptional service. We take care of it all, from new garage door installation to repairs, maintenance and same-day rush service.
If you’re ready to start using your garage year-round, look at our garage doors or contact us for a free estimate to find out how affordable a new garage door can be. You can always contact the team at Jarusewski’s Garage Door Service if you’d like to discuss your garage door needs with experienced professionals.