Best Ways to Heat A Timber Garage In The UK

What's the Best Way to Heat a Timber Garage?

The best way to heat a timber garage is to combine good insulation with the right type of heater. 

Electric heaters are a good all-round choice, infrared heaters provide targeted warmth, and panel heaters are ideal for maintaining a steady background temperature.

At a Glance

• Insulate the garage before adding heating
• Seal draughts around doors and windows
• Choose a heater that's the right size for your space
• Ventilate the space to help keep condensation under control.

Why Do Detached Garages Feel So Cold?

Unlike most homes, garages aren't usually built to keep heat in. Because they're separate from the house, all four walls are exposed to the weather, so they lose heat much more quickly.

They also often have little or no insulation, large doors and small gaps that let cold air in.

If you're planning a workshop as well as a garage, this case study shows how one customer combined both in a single building.

Why Insulation Comes First

A well-insulated garage is easier to heat because it keeps more of the warmth inside. That means your heater won't have to work as hard, the space will stay warmer for longer, and running costs are likely to be lower. The Energy Saving Trust explains how improving insulation can reduce heat loss and improve energy efficiency.

If you're planning to use your garage as a workshop, home gym or hobby space, insulation can also help reduce condensation and make it more comfortable throughout the year.

Find out more in this article about insulating a garage or workshop.

Where Do Garages Lose the Most Heat?

The main garage door is often the biggest source of heat loss because of its size and the small gaps around the edges. 

Heat also escapes through the roof or ceiling, while draughts around windows, doors and vents can make the garage feel much colder than it needs to.

These are the first places worth checking if your garage never seems to stay warm.

What's the Most Cost-Effective Way to Heat a Garage?

How much it costs to heat your garage depends on the type of heater you choose, how often you use it and how much heat the building loses.

A powerful heater in an uninsulated garage will have to work much harder than one in a well-insulated space. 

Many people choose low-wattage electric or infrared heaters because they only heat the area you need.

How to Choose the Right Garage Heater

For most timber garages, these are the best options:

• Panel heaters: A good choice if you want to keep the garage at a steady, comfortable temperature
• Infrared heaters: Heat people and objects rather than the air, making them ideal if you only want to warm the area you're working in
• Fan heaters: Quickly blow out warm air, so they take the chill off before you start work.

Before you choose a heater, think about:

• How you'll use the garage: If you're only popping in every now and then, your heating needs will be different to someone using the space as a workshop
• Whether it's suitable for garages: Heaters designed for garages and workshops are usually better suited to dust, damp and changing temperatures
• Your power supply: Check that your electrical supply is suitable for the heater you choose, especially for higher-powered models
• Where you'll put it: Leave enough space around the heater and keep it clear of walls, tools and anything that could be damaged by heat
• Ventilation: A little airflow helps reduce condensation and keeps the garage feeling drier.

Bonus tip: If you use your garage regularly, choose a heater with a built-in thermostat or timer. It can help keep the temperature comfortable without leaving it running longer than you need.

If you're installing a new electrical circuit, electrical work should comply with Approved Document P: Electrical Safety.

Build a Garage That's Comfortable Year-Round

If you're planning a new timber garage, thinking about heating and insulation from the start can make a big difference.

A well-designed garage is easier to keep warm, more comfortable to use and can be enjoyed throughout the year.

At Olson Timber Buildings, we build bespoke timber garages that can be insulated and tailored to suit the way you use them, whether that's for parking, a workshop, a home gym or extra storage.

Take a look at our range of timber garages, or get in touch with our team for friendly advice about your project.

If you're still planning your project, you might also find our guide on how to stop a detached garage looking like an afterthought helpful. It explains how to design a garage that looks like it belongs with your home.