Pros and Cons of 3 Heating Options for Your Custom Garage
If you’re planning to use your new custom garage for auto maintenance, hobbies, woodworking, relaxing, or vehicle storage, chances are you’ll want some form of heating in place. And when it comes to selecting the right garage heating system for your unique needs, you’ve got plenty of options. In this blog, the expert garage builders at Sussel Garages explain the pros and cons of 3 of the most commonly installed garage heating systems.
In-Floor Heating Systems: Pros and Cons
The practice of heating living spaces by radiating heat through the floor is not new; in fact, in-floor heating has been around for centuries in some form or another. However, today’s in-floor heating options are (obviously) far more advanced than their Roman-Empire-era counterparts. What’s so special about in-floor heating that has helped it stand the test of time? Consider the following benefits of radiant heat:
● Uniform heating. Because this type of heating system is installed beneath the floor, it delivers uniform heat to every area of the garage.
● Energy efficiency. In-floor heating systems are up to 30% more efficient than forced-air systems.
● Quiet and aesthetic. Radiant heating systems generate very little noise during operation. Even better, they don’t feature grills or vents, so it’s impossible for such a system to detract from the garage aesthetic or take up valuable space.
Cons of radiant, in-floor heating systems include:
● May affect floor height. Depending on the type of in-floor heating system installed, it can increase the height of a garage floor significantly.
● Cost. Although radiant heat is a cost-effective heating option over the long term, the initial cost of materials and installation can be pricey.
Forced Air Heating Units: Pros and Cons
Many homeowners are already familiar with forced-air heating systems, which is a primary reason they’re such a popular garage heating option. If you’re thinking about heating your new custom garage using a furnace, consider the following pros:
● Rapid heating. It doesn’t take long to heat a garage using a forced-air system, which is important for many homeowners considering our harsh Minnesota winters.
● Affordability. Implementing a forced-air heating system in your custom garage requires a smaller initial investment than installing in-floor heat.
Cons of installing a forced-air heating system in your garage include:
● Noise. Forced-air systems are highly audible during operation.
● Uneven heating. With forced air, heat naturally rises toward the ceiling, which can result in uneven heat distribution throughout the garage.
● Dust. Because a forced-air heating system blows air through vent openings, it can stir up dust in the garage, which can make painting and other projects difficult.
Electric Heating Units: Pros and Cons
In terms of pros and cons, electric heating systems might just fall right in the middle of the spectrum between in-floor heat and forced-air heat. Let’s take a look at the advantages:
● Ease of installation. Electric heaters, unlike gas-powered heaters, are relatively simple to install because they do not produce any combustion gases. Therefore, they do not require a gas line or flue, both of which can complicate the installation process.
● Quiet operation. The electric coil heating elements and prop fans that produce and disperse heat generate very little noise during operation.
● Efficiency. Electric heating systems use 100% of the energy they consume to produce heat. In contrast, gas-powered systems use only 80% of the fuel they consume to create heat and the remaining 20% is fuel byproduct.
● Flexible placement. Electric heating can be placed in a variety of locations in a custom garage and these types of systems can also be positioned to direct airflow with more precision.
What are some potential cons of installing electric heating in a custom garage? Let’s take a look:
● Operating expense. In Minnesota, electric prices are generally two to three times more expensive than natural gas prices. Depending on the frequency of use, operating an electric garage heating system can be somewhat costly.
● Voltage requirements. Depending on the type of electric heating system, it may have higher voltage requirements. You’ll need to ensure you have enough capacity in your electrical panel to accommodate the additional amperage draw. Or, you can opt to have an additional panel installed during the build, which you can use exclusively for the garage.
Sussel Garages: Your Twin Cities Source for Expert Custom Garage Builders
If you’re considering adding a custom garage to your property, our team at Sussel Garages is here to serve you. For over 100 years, our garage builders have proudly served Twin Cities homeowners, and we’d love to help you plan and build the garage of your dreams, too. To learn more about our custom garage plans or request a free estimate, give our office a call today at 612-379-0949 (Minneapolis) or 651-645-0331 (St. Paul). You can also contact us online with any questions, and we’ll be in touch with you promptly.