Warm Up Your Garage During Cold Months With A Home Depot Find

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If, like many people, you use your garage as a workshop, home office, gym, or for another purpose, you'll want some way to keep it warm during the winter. There are a number of reasons why extending central heating to your garage is not recommended, so you'll want to consider some kind of stand-alone solution. If you have a natural gas supply, the ProCom 10,000 BTU Ventless Blue Flame Heater is an energy-efficient solution, currently available from Home Depot for $129.10, as of this writing.

The ProCom heater uses what's called 'Blue Flame Technology.' It doesn't require a vent, so not only is it easier to install than a vented model, but none of its heat is lost outside. The compact unit, which offers five heat settings, can be floor-standing or wall-mounted, although garage installations must meet specific clearance requirements. For instance, this type of heater should be wall-mounted at least 18 inches above the ground. You also receive thermostatic control and push-button piezo ignition. This heater's piezo ignition means it doesn't require an electrical connection, which is naturally convenient during power outages. 

A ⅜-inch fitting is used for the gas supply. Previous ProCom manuals for this model have stated, "installation and service must be performed by a qualified installer, service agency or the gas supplier." Whether you can install the heater yourself will depend on local building codes and whether a permit or inspection is required. A professional should know exactly what is necessary. 

There are potential safety issues with installing a ventless heater, and California is among several areas that have banned these devices. The naked flame presents a fire hazard if you store anything with flammable vapors in your garage, like gasoline, kerosene, or paint thinners, for example. Unfortunately, keeping the garage closed and snug presents another problem. Ventless gas heaters produce carbon monoxide, which is invisible and odorless but poisonous. Without ventilation, it can make you nauseous and dizzy and cause headaches and vomiting. The ProCom heater is fitted with an oxygen depletion sensor (ODS) that cuts the gas off as a safety precaution, but since it doesn't detect carbon monoxide, its use is limited. It's probably worth adding a separate carbon monoxide detector.

There's also a question of how well the ProCom Ventless Blue Flame Heater will heat the space. 10,000 BTU is enough for a single-car garage if you have chosen the right insulation, but is not sufficient for a 2-car garage. Ventless gas heaters can also result in increased condensation, which could lead to damp walls and even rusty equipment and tools.

The ProCom 10,000 BTU ventless natural gas heater can be an economical way to warm your garage during the cold months. Whether it's the right option will depend on what you store and how you use your garage. While alternatives like a hot air unit or ductless heat pump may be more expensive, they might also be safer.