Garage Heater Placement: Tips for Maximum Efficiency

Proper garage heater placement means maximum warmth and minimum energy waste. Whether you use your garage for parking, projects or as a workshop, placing an electric garage heater in the right spot means even heat distribution, no waste and maximum comfort.

In this guide, we’ll examine the best garage heating solutions and infrared heaters and offer practical tips for safe and effective placement.

Why Garage Heater Placement Matters

Proper garage heater placement is key. Poor placement means cold spots, uneven warmth, and wasted energy. Infrared heaters for garages work by radiating heat onto objects and people, not just the air, so placement is critical for maximum warmth.

When placed correctly, infrared heaters give you focused, energy-efficient heating and turn your garage into a warm space even in winter.

Learn more about how Aura’s Infrared Heating Technology makes this possible.

Choosing the Best Garage Heater for Your Space

Choosing the right garage heating solution is key to comfort and efficiency. Here are the key factors to consider:

  • Type of Heater:
    • Electric garage heaters: Easy to install; no venting or gas lines are required.
    • Gas heaters: Powerful for large garages but require ventilation.
    • Propane heaters: Portable and efficient but need tank refills.
  • Heating Capacity: Calculate the wattage you need based on your garage size and insulation. A higher-wattage heater accounts for heat loss through doors and cold air drafts.
  • Safety Features: Look for built-in safety features like overheat protection, tip-over shut-off and thermal cut-off for safe use in busy garages.
  • Energy Efficiency: Choose heaters with high AFUE* ratings to save energy costs.
  • Noise Level: If you use your garage as a workspace or living area, choose a low-noise garage heater to keep it quiet.

Explore Aura’s collection of electric garage heaters to find the perfect fit for your space.

Where to Place Your Garage Heater: Optimize Heat Near the Door

Your garage heater’s placement depends on your space’s size and layout. Here are the essential tips:

  • Ceiling or Wall Mounting: Mounting electric garage heaters on the ceiling or high on a wall gives you more floor space and allows heat to radiate down. This works well in smaller garages and workshops.
  • Near Work Areas: Mounting the heater above workbenches or key areas means targeted heat where you need it most, not wasted.
  • No Obstacles: Make sure the heater’s path is clear. Infrared heaters for garages warm objects directly, so blocking the heat with shelves or large equipment reduces efficiency.
  • Opposite the Garage Door: Placing the heater on a wall opposite the door minimizes heat loss and keeps the space comfortable even when the door is frequently opened.

Electric vs Gas Heater Placement

Electric garage heaters have several advantages over gas:

  • Safe for Enclosed Spaces: Electric heaters emit no harmful gas, which is perfect for garages with no ventilation.
  • No Fuel Storage: Electric heaters eliminate the need for propane or natural gas storage—just plug in and go.
  • Flexibility: Electric models are easier to mount on ceilings or walls since they don’t require venting or gas lines.

Gas forced-air heaters require precise installation, proper venting and gas lines, which limits placement flexibility.

Installation Tips for Safe and Efficient Operation

Follow these guidelines for safe and efficient operation:

  • Clearance: Ensure proper clearance from walls, ceilings, and combustible materials, following the manufacturer’s recommendations.
  • Power Outlet Placement: Position the heater near a dedicated power outlet to avoid using extension cords, which can be fire hazards. If necessary, have an electrician install a new outlet.
  • Thermostat Positioning: Install the thermostat away from the heater’s direct heat to ensure accurate temperature readings and better energy efficiency.

Find detailed installation resources to guide you through every step of the process.

Best Practices for Hanging Garage Heaters

Here are the best practices for garage heater placement:

  • Parallel to Ceiling Joists: This will give even heat distribution, especially in high-ceiling garages.
  • Above Workstations: Placing the heater above work areas will give focused heat and reduce energy waste.
  • Multiple Heaters for Large Garages: Use multiple heaters to eliminate cold spots and have consistent heat across large areas.

Conclusion: Proper Garage Heater Placement for Comfort

Mounting the heater on the ceiling or high on a wall opposite the garage door will minimize heat loss and have even heat throughout the space.

Browse our Aura Garage Heaters. Heater for your garage today. Warm space all year round. Projects or parking.

*AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. For furnaces and boilers it’s kind of like miles-per-gallon or MPG for cars. It’s a standard measurement of how efficiently a furnace converts energy from the fuel it uses into warm air for your home.