Yes, propane heaters are safe to use in a garage. All you have to do is to follow the necessary safety precautions. Note that propane heaters need safety features such as automatic shut-off, protection from overheating, low oxygen levels sensor, and high temperature coated safeguard to prevent any hazard.
The garage can be used for many hobbies at home: carpentry, fixing your cars, or even a spot to relax. Therefore, the area needs to be warm and comfortable. One way to warm up the garage is by use of propane heaters. But, there is a catch! There are safety measures to follow.
Read through for safety measures when using propane heaters in garages and familiarize yourself with alternative methods to keep the place warm.
Can I Use A Propane Heater In My Garage?
You can install a propane heater in our garage. However, you have to ensure that you have installed the right heater for your garage.
Types Of Propane Heaters:
1. Convection. This is a barrel-shaped heater that spreads the heat in every direction.
2. Forced air. This heater blasts out hot air.
3. Wall-mounted blue flame. This, as the name suggests, is mounted on the wall.
Depending on where you want the heater installed, you can pick one of the listed propane heaters. However, you have to consult a specialist to pick what is right for your garage.
Safety Measures To Follow After Installing A Propane Heater In Your Garage
To be safe and warm after installing a propane heater in your garage, you must incorporate some safety measures.
These measures include:
1. Choose The Right Propane Heater For Your Garage
The size of your garage will inform the right propane heater for your garage. The size will determine how much heat you need to be released into your garage to keep it warm without the warmth not being too much or not enough.
Once you know this, you can go to the shop and give the details to know which product is right for you. The bigger the garage, the bigger the propane heater needed.
2. Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors/ Low Oxygen Detectors On Your Propane Heater
Carbon-monoxide detectors and low oxygen detectors work almost the same way. And, it is advisable to install either of the two in your house and garage.
Carbon-monoxide detectors peep to alert you when the levels of carbon monoxide rise. Similarly, the low oxygen detectors on the propane heater work by monitoring the amount of oxygen available in the propane heater. If the oxygen levels go lower than 21%, the normal percentage, the oxygen detector will shut down the propane fuel and protect you from the impending danger.
It is important to purchase a propane heater with low oxygen detectors. Nowadays, most propane heaters are pre-installed with the detector installed. But, always ask to ensure the heater has the detector as some do not come with it.
3. Schedule An Annual Inspection Of Your Propane Heater
It is recommended to have your propane heater regularly inspected to avoid complications due to wear and tear. Have a professional scheduled to do annual check-ups on your heater.
4. Buy A Propane Heater That Is Made For A Garage
Propane heaters are many and are all built for different purposes. Purchasing a heater that is right for your need is important and safe. When doing your shopping, ensure you inform the salesperson of the size of your garage and its setup. This gives them the direction and guidance to sell you what best suits your space.
5. Place Your Heater Away From Combustible Items
The propane heater should be placed far away from any materials that can easily catch fire. A suitable point has no obstructions, is not on the path where people pass by, not near curtains or any other material that can catch fire. Also, you should not place anything on top of the propane heater.
6. Never Leave Your Propane Heater Unattended.
It is important to ensure that you shut the propane heater off after you are done with it. Never assume that you will come back later and shut it off. Leaving the heater unattended is dangerous.
7. Know What You Can Use Around Your Propane Heater.
As advised earlier, you cannot place a propane heater near combustible items. It is the same with tools or other flammable materials. Items such as air fresheners and hairspray should never be used near a propane heater or kept around it.
8. High Temperature Coated Safety Guard
When using a propane heater in your garage, ensure that it has a high-temperature safety guard installed on the front.
9. Other Safety Measures
The other safety measures that may seem obvious but worth your attention include:
1. Ensure the propane heater has an overheat protection feature.
2. Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. If you notice a change of color in the flame notifies your supplier. Typical propane flame is usually glowing blue.
Benefits Of Using Propane Heaters In Your Garage
They Are Very Economical
The cost of using propane heaters is up to one-third less expensive to operate than its counterparts like electric heaters. Once you install the heater, you can save up some money compared to people who use other alternatives. Also, its operating cost is low.
Better For The Environment
With the rise of global warming and environmental disasters, you can reduce the carbon footprint on the earth. With the propane heaters, you can positively take care of the environment while meeting your needs as it is not harmful to the environment.
Actually, propane heaters have become very popular in commercial buildings and projects. It is a good alternative since it does not leave any spills or residue behind. The energy policy act, approved by the National Policy and clean air act of 1990, proves that propane heaters are good for the environment.
It Is A Versatile Source Of Heat
Depending on the size of the place you want to install the propane heater, it will work efficiently. You can use it to heat your entire home or use it to create a fire in your fireplace without all the smoke that comes from burning wood.
Furthermore, you can use propane if there is a power outage in your home. One gallon of propane can supply you with almost as much as 30 kilowatts of power.
Safe Heating Option
Propane is incredibly safe when compared to its alternatives. It will not catch fire if it is exposed to air unless the temperature in the air is almost 1000 degrees. One thousand degrees air is unlikely in any commonly used environment.
This gas is also not toxic. Homeowners with children and pets, therefore, have nothing to worry about.
How Much Does A Garage Propane Heater Cost?
The installation of a garage propane heater is around 400-800 dollars. The fuel and installation of ventilation could add a few extra dollars to the overall cost. Thus, the total cost can add up to 1000 dollars.
Is It A Requirement To Have Ventilation In Your Garage When You Have A Propane Heater?
Propane heaters need oxygen to function, so to be safe and warm in your garage, you require adequate ventilation. If you have a closed-up garage, the ventilation must be properly done; otherwise, you risk getting carbon monoxide poisoning.
Alternative Ways To Improve Heating In Your Garage
Electric Garage Heater
This converts your electricity into heat. Electric heaters are ideal if you are not looking to deal with gas lines and propane tanks. They add around 20-100 dollars to your electric bill.
Natural Gas Garage Heaters
This usually uses the existing gas lines. Natural gas heaters are very expensive, but when compared to electric heaters, they end up capitalizing and saving you more money after some time.
Infrared Garage Heaters
This sort of heater doesn’t work like the others. It only heats up what is under it or just around it. They are very economical, and even for the high-end users, they can get to just about 500 dollars.
You can also use the following:
1. Ductless mini-split system
2. Radiant heating
3. Installation of better insulation
These are a few other ways you can keep your garage warm in the cold season. The use of propane heaters is also one of these methods. It is much cheaper to operate and easy to install when compared to the other alternatives.
However, there are many different types of propane heaters in the market. It is important to shop and ask for guidance on which is suitable for your garage.
Final Word
Propane heaters are economical, easy to install, available in very many designs and sizes, they are suitable for the environment, and most importantly, you can install them in your garage. The propane heater should be your number one choice for your garage. It will satisfy all your needs without any complications if you follow the recommended safety precautions.
