Calgary’s brutal winters can make your garage a place you hate walking out to in the morning. A chilled, concrete icebox. You scrape off your car windshield, hope your car starts, and then contend with an icy steering wheel on your morning commute.

If you’re like many Calgary homeowners, you’ve thought about installing a garage heater.

Turning your frozen garage into a warm and inviting space not only makes your mornings better, it’s like adding another room to your home. A heated garage can be used as a workshop, gym, games room, or anything else you can think of. There are so many benefits to having a heater in your garage.

In this guide, we’ll go over garage heaters and everything else you need to know about having a garage heater installed and maintained by a Calgary gasfitter.

Gas vs. Electric Garage Heaters

The first thing you need to decide on is choosing a gas heater or an electric one. Gas heaters have advantages that tend to make them more attractive in Calgary’s climate. They generate quite a bit more heat per unit of energy compared to electric heaters, which means more warmth at a lower energy cost.

Electric garage heaters are easier to install and don’t require a gas line. They’re very simple and straightforward. However, they often don’t create enough heat to keep a bigger garage consistently warm during a cold snap.

They also won’t keep your garage at a set temperature, with settings usually limited to high and low. There are only limited sizes available. On top of that, with sky high electricity prices, they can become very expensive to run.

Gas garage heaters are powerful, efficient, and capable of keeping a large garage at a consistent, set temperature, no matter how cold it gets. They do have an up-front installation cost, but those costs are often offset over time with much lower monthly bills.

The initial installation does need professional gasfitting and proper ventilation. However, the long-term benefits can be worth it, especially if you want to use your garage for more than a place to keep your car.

How Does A Garage Heater Work?

A gas garage heater works by burning natural gas or propane to create heat. Air is drawn into the heater, passed over a heat exchanger, and then blown throughout the garage, giving an even distribution. Most gas powered units also have thermostats, which let you keep your garage at a consistent, set temperature.

Gas garage heaters give you consistent and powerful heat, making them a great choice for Calgary’s freezing winters.

Do You Need A Permit In Calgary?

Yes, you do need a permit to install a gas garage heater in Calgary.

You’ll need both a gas permit for running a natural gas line to the heater, and potentially an electrical permit if the heater requires a new power connection.

These permits make sure the installation is done safely and to code. A professional gas fitter, like the ones at Son-Rise Plumbing, will obtain your permits for you and install your gas line expertly and safely.

Are Garage Heaters Energy Efficient?

Modern gas garage heaters are remarkably energy efficient, especially when compared to electric models. High-efficiency models can have ratings of 90-95%.

Many gas heaters also come with features like thermostats, timers, and energy-saving modes that help lower energy bills even more. It’s also important to choose the right size heater and have it properly placed and installed in your garage to lower costs as much as possible.

With natural gas prices relatively low in Alberta, a gas garage heater can be run very economically.

How Much Do Garage Heaters Cost?

The cost of buying and installing a gas garage heater really depends on the model, size, and your home.

Gas heaters typically range from $500 to $1,500 for the unit alone, with installation costs adding $500 to $2,000, depending on the complexity of the job. This includes electrical work, running a gas line, and installing ventilation.

While this is a larger upfront investment than an electric heater, the long-term savings on energy bills and the total transformation of your garage can make it a worthwhile expense.

Operating costs can run as low as $20 a month.

What Size Garage Heater Do I Need?

This is actually an important detail. The right size garage heater will give you the most efficient heating.

The size you’ll need depends on how big your garage is, how well it’s insulated, whether you have windows. As a rule of thumb, a 45,000 BTU heater is sufficient for a typical two-car attached garage, while larger spaces might need a 60,000 BTU or higher unit.

If you’re not sure, talk to one of our experienced professionals who can go over your situation with you and recommend the best size heater for your garage.

Do You Need Garage Heater Maintenance?

Regular maintenance will keep your garage heater running safely and efficiently for years to come. A professional will clean the unit, inspect the gas connections, and check components like the fan and heat exchanger for wear and tear.

Scheduling annual maintenance with a professional will keep your heater running at its best and during our coldest months.

Call Son-Rise Plumbing for Gasfitting Services

Ready to transform your garage with a powerful gas heater? Have questions on models or installation?

At Son-Rise Plumbing, our team of licensed gas fitters is ready and at your service.

We’ll help you choose the right model, make sure it’s safely installed, and help you maintain it to keep your garage warm and comfortable for years to come.

Contact us today and talk to one of our experts.