[YES or NO] Can You Use Patio Heaters in a Garage?

These days it seems that the temperature never stays consistent, which is why many people invest in a patio heater.

People use these heaters to extend their outdoor usage, which might be important if you want to enjoy your garden or patio during the day and then come home at night to a nice warm house.

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Can You Use Patio Heaters in a Garage?

Whether your garage is attached or detached from the house, you can use patio heaters in many of the same conditions.

However, there are a few different factors about your garage that should be considered before purchasing them.

Space

The space required for moving around may be much less than it would in an enclosed room, but if your garage is particularly small or has other features like power tools and tall shelves that could block some of the heat onto the floor (causing potential fire hazards), then you will want to choose a smaller heater instead.

Typically there is not a lot of available oxygen to help with combustion compared to indoors so it’s important you take this into account when deciding what size unit you need for heating purposes.

Type Of Fuel

It’s also important to decide what you’re going to use the heaters for and what kind of fuel they will be using.

For instance, patio heaters that are electric are great for enclosed spaces without too much oxygen available so they don’t have a large chance of combustion.

They are good for garage workshops that require a lot of things being lit on fire or used with gas, including lawnmowers and similar equipment.

However, some people prefer gas-powered heaters since they are more portable and get hotter than their counterparts. It all depends on how your garage is set up and what you need it for mainly when making decisions about heating units.

Can you run a propane heater in a closed garage?

Yes, a propane heater can be used in a closed garage. There are only two requirements: it must have sufficient and combustion air to operate, and it must be kept away from flammable materials.

With a disposable propane tank, some portable propane heaters can be used indoors.

Is it Safe to Have a Patio Propane Heater in The Garage?

It’s not really advisable to burn propane in your garage, because you run the risk of releasing carbon monoxide into the air.

This is especially true if you’re going to use your garage as a living space since the fumes could end up being trapped in the room.

Still, if you want to use the heater in your garage and are concerned about carbon monoxide, it’s a good idea to install a window-mounted or floor-standing carbon monoxide detector.

Note: Carbon monoxide detectors do not need batteries; they include a power cord that can be plugged into an electrical outlet.

Can you use electric patio heater in garage?

If the garage doesn’t have any spillage of flammable liquids or it’s not damp in the garage, you can safely use electric patio heaters in a garage.

Some brands are strictly for outdoor usage only. If you need more information about an electric heater, seek advice from a professional heating contractor before using one indoors!

Are patio heaters safe to use indoors?

Yes, patio heaters are safe to be used indoors. The most important part of using a heater indoors is to make sure you take the time to purchase a vent-less heater so that it doesn’t release any fumes inside of the house.

If you have a regular patio heater without a vented chimney, then it is better not to use it indoors at all.

Do you need ventilation when using a propane heater?

It is fairly common for people to use a propane heater during the winter months. Some people just do not want to turn on their furnaces and other people might have issues with their furnaces.

As long as the home is well ventilated, it should be okay to run the propane heater for extended periods of time.

Can you use a patio heater in a screened in porch?

Yes, you can. Patio heaters can be used under covered and screened-in porches and patios if the recommendations and safety precautions are followed by the manufacturer.

Types of patio heaters

Patio heaters are not all created equal! Some are better than others, especially when it comes to safety within an enclosed space.

There are 4 types of patio heaters, which are listed here in order of safety from the safest to the least safe for use in enclosed spaces.

Natural Gas

A natural gas heater, while inexpensive to operate, requires a natural gas line and needs to be permanently installed in place. These units are typically wall-mounted and are appropriate for covered and screened-in areas.

Unfortunately, installation can be costly, and many homes do not have easily accessible natural gas lines, so this may not be an option for everyone.

Electric

The electric heater is one of the most common types of patio heaters. It is extremely simple to use and can be placed anywhere there is an electrical outlet.

Electric heaters are the most secure to use under covered or screened-in patios. They use infrared heat technology to distribute heat evenly without the use of open flames or sparks.

Propane

The most common type of patio heater is a propane heater. They are simple to use, reasonably priced, heat up quickly and distribute heat evenly.

Most propane heaters are lightweight and portable, though their size can be an issue.

Unfortunately, the main disadvantages of propane heaters are their high overhead clearance requirements and the need for additional ventilation.

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