Garages are no longer just for parking cars. In Calgary, where winters hit hard and thermostats drop fast, your garage could be a hobby shop, home gym, storage area, or just a space you’d like to use without seeing your breath. The key? A properly sized, well-installed garage heater.
When it comes to garage heaters, Calgary homeowners have plenty of choices, but picking the right one depends on your space, your budget, and how you plan to use the area. This guide walks you through everything — from heating types to installation tips — so you can make an informed (and cozy) decision.
Why Heat Your Garage in Calgary?
It’s not just about comfort, though that’s a big one. In Calgary’s climate, an unheated garage can become a frozen zone that impacts more than just your toes.
Here’s why homeowners across the city are investing in garage heating:
- Prevent frozen pipes and equipment during deep freezes
- Protect your vehicle’s battery, fluids, and electronics
- Enjoy a comfortable workspace year-round
- Increase the usable square footage of your home
- Boost resale value by converting the garage into livable space
From January cold snaps to spring DIY projects, a well-heated garage turns an underused area into a functional extension of your home.
Key Garage Heater Types (and How to Choose)
Not all garage heaters are created equal. Each type comes with its strengths and limitations, depending on your setup.
1. Forced Air Heaters
Best for: Large garages, multipurpose workspaces
Fuel: Natural gas, propane, or electricity
Pros: Heats quickly, good air circulation
Cons: Can be noisy, may stir up dust
These are like mini furnaces. Air is pulled in, heated, and pushed back out using a fan. Gas models are more cost-effective in the long term but require proper venting and professional installation.
2. Infrared (Radiant) Heaters
Best for: Targeted heating, workbenches, and smaller garages
Fuel: Natural gas, propane, or electric
Pros: Quiet, energy-efficient, heats objects, not air
Cons: Slower to heat entire space, limited range
These heaters warm people and objects directly, similar to the sun’s rays. Ideal if you’re working in one area rather than heating the whole garage.
3. Electric Garage Heaters
Best for: Simple installs, tight budgets, light-duty use
Fuel: Electricity
Pros: No venting required, plug-and-play for smaller units
Cons: Higher operating costs in Alberta vs. gas
Great for occasional use or smaller garages. Larger units often need a 240V connection, which Tip Top Plumbing & Heating can install safely.
Sizing Matters: How Much Heat Do You Need?
Overheating your garage wastes energy. Underheating it? You may as well light a candle and hope for the best.
To find the right size heater, you’ll need to calculate:
- Square footage of the garage (length × width)
- Ceiling height
- Insulation level (walls, ceiling, and garage door)
- Desired indoor temperature vs. average winter lows
As a rough estimate:
| Garage Size | Heater Output Needed |
| 1-car (200–400 sq ft) | 5,000–10,000 BTU |
| 2-car (400–700 sq ft) | 10,000–20,000 BTU |
| 3-car or large (700+ sq ft) | 20,000+ BTU |
Tip Top’s licensed techs can perform a heat loss calculation to size your system accurately, avoiding overspending on gas or electricity.
Installation Requirements (And What to Expect)
Depending on the type of heater you choose, installation can range from a DIY plug-in to a full professional setup. Here’s a breakdown:
For Electric Heaters:
- May need a dedicated 240V circuit
- Wall or ceiling mount for safety
- Thermostat installation recommended
For Gas Heaters:
- Must be professionally installed for safety and code compliance
- Requires gas line, venting, and carbon monoxide safeguards
- Permits may be required in Calgary
For Infrared Heaters:
- Ceiling mount preferred (for optimal radiant coverage)
- Keep away from flammable materials
- Often used in combination with fans for air movement
Tip Top Plumbing & Heating offers both gas line installations and licensed heater installs so that you can stay safe and warm with one trusted contractor.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
| Heater Type | Pros | Cons |
| Forced Air | Fast, whole-room heat | Noisy, stirs dust |
| Infrared | Quiet, focused heat | Limited range |
| Electric | Easy install, low maintenance | Higher energy costs |
How to Keep Your Garage Heater Running Efficiently
Like any HVAC system, garage heaters perform best with a little TLC. Regular upkeep extends their lifespan, improves safety, and keeps your energy bills in check, especially during the long Calgary winters.
🔧 General Maintenance Tips:
- Clean filters regularly: Clogged filters reduce efficiency and airflow (especially for forced air systems).
- Vacuum around vents and units to reduce dust buildup.
- Check for gas or electrical issues annually: Tip Top offers seasonal inspections to catch problems before they become costly.
- Clear nearby clutter: Give the heater breathing room, especially with radiant or propane models.
Winter Prep for Gas Heaters:
- Ensure outdoor vent pipes are unobstructed (no snowbanks or ice buildup)
- Keep carbon monoxide detectors tested and active near the garage entry
- Consider adding a smart thermostat to control usage and track energy savings
A well-maintained heater can last 10 to 15 years or more. And with Calgary’s freeze-thaw cycle, annual checkups aren’t just smart — they’re essential.
FAQs: What Calgary Homeowners Ask Most About Garage Heaters
Can I use a garage heater year-round?
Absolutely. Many people use heaters in spring and fall for added comfort during the shoulder seasons, especially if their garage doubles as a gym, workshop, or mudroom.
Is it safe to leave a garage heater running overnight?
Yes — but only if it’s properly installed and ventilated. Gas heaters require carbon monoxide safeguards. Tip Top always installs with safety top of mind.
Will heating my garage significantly increase my energy bills?
It depends on insulation, heater type, and how often it’s running. A well-sealed garage with a programmable thermostat can cost as little as $1–$2 per day to heat during peak winter.
What’s the most efficient heater for Calgary’s climate?
Gas heaters generally offer the best balance of power and cost-effectiveness in our region, especially for larger garages. Infrared units are also efficient, but are more suited to spot-heating or smaller spaces.
Can I connect the garage heater to my existing home HVAC system?
Usually no. Most Calgary homes aren’t zoned or ducted to support garage heating through the main furnace. A standalone garage heater is more practical and safer.
Budgeting and Smart Upgrades
When budgeting for a garage heater, consider both upfront and long-term costs. Here’s how it breaks down:
| Heater Type | Installation Cost (CAD) | Operating Cost (monthly est.) |
| Electric | $300–$1,000 | $30–$80 |
| Gas (Natural) | $1,200–$2,500+ | $10–$40 |
| Infrared | $500–$2,000 | $15–$50 |
Upgrades worth considering:
- Garage door insulation: Keeps heat in and drafts out
- Smart thermostat: Saves money by automatically adjusting heat
- Wall or ceiling insulation: Increases comfort and reduces heater workload
- Wi-Fi outlet or switch: Ideal for controlling electric heaters remotely
These upgrades make a big impact on both comfort and cost-efficiency, especially during Alberta’s cold snaps.
Final Takeaway
Let’s be honest — plugging in a cheap space heater and hoping for the best just doesn’t cut it in Calgary. Whether you’re storing gear, tinkering with tools, or building a home gym, a warm, functional garage is a game-changer.
Choosing the right garage heater isn’t just about BTUs or gas lines — it’s about comfort, safety, and maximizing the value of your home. And that starts with guidance from local pros who know the climate, the building codes, and the right-sized solutions.
Let Tip Top Plumbing & Heating Warm Up Your Garage
Ready to reclaim your garage — even in the dead of winter? Tip Top Plumbing & Heating offers expert advice, licensed installation, and honest service across Calgary and surrounding areas.
Tiptop Plumbing & Heating is your local source for top-tier residential & commercial plumbing in Calgary. Our team of plumbing professionals’ top-notch experience and expertise is what enables us to handle any plumbing problem you may have. Depend on us when you need it most by getting quality hot water tank repair, furnace repair, boiler repair, & ac repair in Calgary.
If you require a proper installation, trust us to set up your hot water tanks and garage heaters, and provide the most reliable gas fitting and boiler service in Calgary. Whether you need residential or commercial plumbers in Calgary for your plumbing and heating issues, turn to TipTop Plumbing & Heating for top-level plumbing services in Calgary, Airdrie, and Okotoks. Call us today!