A garage heater just to keep the car warmer in winter does not have to be that large, but depending on the climate, it may run longer to keep your garage at a set temperature. Electric baseboard heaters are about the easiest to install, and in some instances may be cheaper to operate and repair or replace as time goes on.

Portable baseboard garage heaters come in a variety of sizes with most requiring only a 110-volt outlet. Just plug them in and turn them on and the heat begins to flow. For larger garages, you may require a larger heater and some will require 220-volt outlets, similar to an electric stove. For this type, unless you already have the appropriate outlet, it may be best to have a licensed electrician install the outlet.

Gas And Oil Are Also Heater Options

Many styles and sizes of garage heaters are also available to work with gas or oil. Most gas-fired heaters can be fitted for either natural gas or propane and basically work the same. You may want a professional to hook up the gas line for this type garage heater to reduce the risk of fire or explosion. Proper ventilation will also be required to prevent the build-up of carbon monoxide in your garage.

Most of this type garage heater will come equipped with a thermostat so you can set it and forget it, keeping your garage at a near constant temperature. Whether it's a free-standing floor model, a wall mount or a ceiling mount unit, the ventilation requirement will be the same. Again, the size of the BTU output will be determined by the size of your garage.

Oil-fired garage heaters are another option sometimes used by people who already have an oil furnace. The storage tank for oil, as well as that for propane, is normally outside the home with a line running to the home's main heating source. This line can be tapped into to add a line for your garage heater, although it's probably best to have this done by an experienced professional.