As the weather gets colder, you want to make sure that you can stay warm with the right kind of heater.
However, instead of using something electric like a space heater, why not install one that uses natural gas?
Usually, these kinds of heaters are relatively simple to install if you know what you’re doing, meaning that you can get set up and be ready to go in no time.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the best natural gas heaters in the market today so that you can get your space up and running before the weather gets too frosty.
Natural Gas Garage Heater Reviews
Comparison Chart
1. Modine Hot Dawg
When it comes to installing a natural gas heater in your garage or other non-insulated space, you want something that won’t take up too much space or make too much noise.
Specifications:
- Material: Aluminum and steel
- Heater power: 45,000 BTU
- Thermostat Control: No
- Easy installation: Yes
- Safety issues: No oxygen depletion sensor
Fortunately, the Hot Dawg model from Modine shines in both areas, making it a top choice for anyone looking for a safe and reliable heat source. In fact, this machine is so good at what it does that it works well for commercial, industrial, or residential purposes.
One of the best reasons to get the Hot Dawg is its size. It’s more compact than most other models, meaning that you can keep it out of the way relatively easily.
Also, because it doesn’t require much clearance (one inch on all sides) and it can work in practically any direction, installation is much simpler than with most other heaters.
As far as heat is concerned, this one is in the middle of the road. While it’s not as hot as some other ones out there, it does provide enough warmth to work in a space up to 1200 square feet.
Overall, it should be perfect for most garages or work areas, as long as you don’t want it to get too hot.
Thankfully, though, the motor is permanently lubricated, so it requires much less maintenance, and it is certified to be 80% energy efficient so that you won’t add too much in the way of utility bills.
This is one of my favorite garage heaters overall, and it’ll definitely make the list of the very best of the year.
Pros
- Durable construction
- Easy to install
- Quiet operation
- High power output
- Ideal for commercial or residential
- Pipe from left or right side
- Wall or roof venting option
- Uses natural gas or propane
- Finger-proof fan guards
- Permanently lubricated motor
- 80% thermal efficiency
- Made in the USA
- 10-year limited warranty
Cons
- In rare cases, the unit may be louder than expected
- Does require some extra materials for installation
2. Mr. Heater Big Maxx
If you have a large garage or storage unit and you want to make sure that you can stay warm all winter long, then you may need something as robust as this model from Mr. Heater.
Specifications:
- Material: Aluminum and steel
- Heater power: 80,000 BTU
- Thermostat Control: Yes
- Easy installation: Yes
- Safety issues: No tip-over switch or oxygen depletion sensor
The F260560 produces up to 80,000 BTUs of heat, meaning that it works well for commercial or industrial spaces up to 2000 feet. If there is any insulation in the area, then it can work up to 2500 feet.
One downside to this model is that it doesn’t come with all of the ventilation equipment included.
You have to buy it separately to ensure that you don’t wind up pumping natural gas or propane fumes into the area while it works.
Nonetheless, it’s high output, and simple installation still makes it a worthwhile investment. It even comes with a conversion kit so that you can turn natural gas into liquid propane.
This particular model can connect to a thermostat so that you can control the temperature, and it only needs an inch of clearance on top, making it an ideal choice for mounting to the ceiling.
It does, however, need eight feet below the unit, so if your space has a low roof, you might need to measure it just to be safe.
Overall, if you’re looking for something extra warm, this is a great option.
Pros
- Durable constructionHigh-powered heat output
- Conversion kit included
- Thermostat and A/C connections provided
- Heats up to 2000 square feet
- Quiet operation
- Works vertically or horizontally
- One inch clearance needed
- Durable spark ignition
- Built-in high-velocity fan
- Left or right piping
- Three-year limited warranty
Cons
- Venting components sold separately
- Larger and heavier than other models
3. Heatstar By Enerco F125444
With 99.9% fuel efficiency, the Heatstar is one of the most efficient garage heaters on the market. It is economical, with a low-cost of operation, and will save you both money and fuel.
Specifications:
- Material: Steel
- Heater Power: 25,000 BTU
- Thermostat Control: Yes
- Easy installation: Yes
- Infrared radiant natural gas heater
- 99.9% fuel efficiency
- Heats areas up to 600 square feet
- Ideal for garage or workshop
- Highly efficient and cost effective
- 25,000 BTU output Natural Gas
- Easy installation, no electricity required
The Heatstar radiant heater uses practical and efficient radiant heat to warm up the people and objects in a room which then heats up the surrounding air to the comfortable, desired temperature.
Simple installation with no electricity required. Just wire up the included thermostat, mount the heater to the wall, make the gas connection and turn it on. The Heatstar will put out clean, safe, radiant heat whenever you need it.
A great feature of this heater is that with no electrical hookup, it will continue to run and provide heat if the power goes out.
Ideal for spaces up to 600 square feet, about the size of an average two and a half car garage.
Small but powerful, the Heatstar provides a dependable, economical heat source perfect for use in buildings with low, seven to eight foot, ceilings.
An adjustable thermostat (included) provides convenient individual temperature control.
Perfect for use in small spaces such as workshops, garages, barns, animal pens and stalls, utility and storage sheds, loading docks and construction sites. However, it is not recommended for use in sleeping quarters, mobile homes or recreational vehicles.
Uses clean, safe, inexpensive natural gas.
An exhaust vent is included along with all necessary brackets and hardware.
Backed by 1-year manufacturer’s limited warranty on gas control, 5- year limited warranty on burner.
Pros
- Durable construction
- Easy to install
- Quiet operation
- Uses natural gas
- 99.9% fuel efficiency
- Made in the USA
- 1-year manufacturer’s limited warranty on gas control
- 5- year limited warranty on burner
- Includes adjustable thermostat
- Low maintenance, no moving parts to service
- Quiet, clean, dependable, odor-free operation
Cons
- Not for use in sleeping quarters, mobile homes, or recreational vehicles.
- No Oxygen depletion sensor.
If you’re looking for a small but powerful infrared heater, this is the one. It works without electricity and comes with a thermostat control for your convenience.
4. Modine HD45AS0111
This is a high output, 45,000 BTU, compact unit with a low-profile design that provides dependable, inexpensive, gas-fired heat. It is an ideal solution for heating residential garages and workshops.
Specifications:
- Material: Aluminumized steel
- Heater power: 45,000 BTU
- Thermostat control: No
- Easy installation: Yes
- High output 45,000 BTU
- 80% thermal efficiency
- Certified for residential, commercial and industrial use
- Quiet operation
- Low-profile design and neutral paint scheme
- Standard power exhaust
- Uses natural gas or propane
Quiet, efficient operation makes it perfect for light commercial or industrial applications. This heater has a low-profile design and neutral color making it easy to blend into any environment.
Compact design takes up very little room, helping to free up vital workspace–you can get rid of space heaters that take up space and present a danger by cluttering up an area.
A very quiet unit that runs without the noise and distraction of similar heaters, which makes it ideal for a warehouse or construction site office.
Convenient and economical, this heater runs on either propane or natural gas.
Simple and quick installation using field wiring connections, the unit provides knockouts for easy access to gas and electricity hookups.
Standard power exhaust with small-diameter vent pipe makes sidewall or roof venting easy.
Low-profile, lightweight design easily installs 1” from the ceiling using included angle brackets.
The entire unit can be easily rotated to allow for right or left side control.
Made in the USA, the casing is constructed using heavy gauge metal, the heat exchanger is manufactured from aluminumized steel.
The unit comes with a full 10-year warranty on the heat exchanger.
The motor is permanently lubricated for worry-free reliability, maintenance-free dependability.
Single or two-stage controls available.
Direct spark ignition for reliable and consistent operation.
100% shut-off with continuous retry to allow for safe ignition in the event the unit doesn’t light on the first try.
Factory installed finger proof fan guards.
Blower models are available.
Pros
- Quiet operation
- Right or left-hand controls available, connections can be changed by simply flipping the unit over
- Uses natural or propane gas
- Full 10-year warranty on heat exchanger
- Standard power exhaust simplifies sidewall or roof venting with small-diameter vent pipe
- Permanently lubricated motor for trouble-free dependability
- Single or two-stage controls
- Direct spark ignition, 100% shut-off with continuous retry
- Low-profile design and neutral color to blend in with any decor
- Available with a blower
- Durable polyester powder paint
- Made in the USA
Cons
- No thermostat
- May require extra materials for installation
A small unit that puts out plenty of heat quickly, efficiently and inexpensively, it is a top pick for a high-quality, low-maintenance garage heater.
5. Dyna-Glo IR12NMDG-1
For the most part, natural gas heaters are designed for garages and other areas that are not considered “indoors” by most practical measurements.
Specifications:
- Material: Plastic and metal
- Heater power: 12,000 BTU
- Thermostat Control: Yes, but limited
- Easy installation: Yes
- Safety issues: Burn hazard
In this case, however, the Dyna-Glo Heater is rated for indoor use, provided that you still can ventilate the room somehow.
This means that you cannot mount them inside your home or other insulated area because they require extra ventilation and installation.
Since it still runs on natural gas, this will always be an issue, but it doesn’t produce as much heat, so it’s not as big of an issue with this model.
Overall, this heater is designed to work well for a camper or a single room as a gear4wheels1-20nt for a standard heating system.
Since it just works with gas or propane (no conversion allowed), you don’t need electricity to operate it.
This also makes installation a breeze as it just uses radiant heat to work. As a result, you can only heat up to 300 feet, but that should be more than enough for a single room.
Unfortunately, this model does not have thermostatic controls, so you have to manage the temperature manually. Also, it just has a high/low setting, so you can’t get an accurate temperature.
Nonetheless, it does come with an oxygen depletion sensor, so it will shut off automatically if there are too many fumes in the area.
Pros
- Durable construction
- Lightweight and easy to install
- Works for indoor use
- Doesn’t require electricity
- Oxygen depletion sensor built in
- 99.9% efficient
- One-year limited warranty
Cons
- Can only be operated manually
- Requires ventilation for interior use
FAQs
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What are the different types of gas garage heaters?
Garage heaters are classified by how their power source. You could have natural gas, electric, or propane.
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Natural Gas
If your location has a gas line, you should opt for a natural gas garage heater because it’s more cost-effective. Extending natural gas connection possible. If you have an existing line of natural gas, all you have to do is establish an extension to the garage. The main drawback is that you must continually watch the gas gauge and refill the tank when the levels go below a certain level.
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Electric
This type of garage heater generates radiant energy via electric current. Usually, it features a number of settings that enables you to control how fast the garage will heat up. Select the appropriate temperature and clean the adjustable louvers on a regular basis to maintain its optimal condition.
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Propane
It produces heat energy from propane fuel, which shields your garage from the outside winter cold. Propane garage heaters are often portable and do not require an electrical outlet. Instead, it requires a connection to a propane tank.
Known for its ease of use and powerful heat output, this type of heater can work in harsh weather conditions.
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What is the average price of garage heaters?
Natural gas garage heaters’ price starts at $450. Heavy-duty units cost significantly more, at least double the aforementioned amount for the unit alone.
Electric and propane garage heaters are slightly less expensive.
Still, you also have to factor in the installation cost, which can be expensive.
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Is size an essential factor when choosing a heater?
Garages often have a size that can fit one vehicle and some free space for working on DIY projects. Still, you have to consider the dimensions of your garage before buying a heater.
If your unit is too small, it will struggle to cover all the areas of the garage. You may experience functionality issues in the long run if your heater is constantly on the highest settings.
On the other hand, if the garage heater is too large, it will consume more power than what is needed. You’ll end up paying for something you didn’t use. That’s why it’s advisable to consider the garage and unit size before buying.
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Are garage heaters safe?
While garage heaters are quite beneficial, the heat source is the most serious safety risk.
For greater efficiency, many heaters are fueled by gas and fire, but this comes with significant hazards.
If they are not placed in a well-ventilated area, heaters can accumulate hazardous chemicals. You also have to be careful of combustible debris falling into the heating unit.
While these are legitimate concerns, proper installation and venting will significantly reduce the risks.
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How Many BTUs do you need for a garage heater?
British Thermal Units (BTU) is the industry standard unit of measurement for defining heat capacity. It is often utilized in defining the effectiveness of a heater. Many websites offer a free calculator to determine how many BTUs and watts you need.
Still, on average, a one-car garage requires approximately 8,000 – 12,000 BTU from its heater.
Final Verdict
If you still have doubts about using a natural gas heater, I suggest you this read, but overall is one of the best possible solutions there is.
If you want high-performance and reliability, then the best option will be to get the Hot Dawg Heater from Modine.
It works well for practically any situation and installation is much easier than you might think. Plus, the lubricated motor requires little to no maintenance, so it will last longer than the competition.
I would confidently call it the best natural gas garage heater available in the market this winter.