Stay Cozy: Essential Shop Heater Buying Guide

Shop Heaters — What Actually Works

As someone who’s heated an uninsulated detached garage shop through several New England winters, I learned everything there is to know about keeping a workshop warm without burning the place down. Today, I will share it all with you. Because shop heater options has gotten complicated with all the brands and fuel types flying around, and picking wrong means either freezing or wasting money.

Types of Shop Heaters

Here’s the breakdown from someone who’s tried most of them:

• Electric Heaters: Plug in and go. No fumes, so they work in enclosed spaces without ventilation concerns. I used one for my first two winters. Simple and safe, but my electric bill was painful. They’re best for smaller, well-insulated shops.
• Propane Heaters: These pump out serious heat and work where electricity is unreliable. I use a torpedo heater to take the chill off quickly, then switch to something else. You absolutely need ventilation though — carbon monoxide is no joke. Open a door or window at minimum.
• Natural Gas Heaters: If you’ve got a gas line, these are probably the most cost-effective long-term option. Consistent heat, permanent installation, reasonable operating costs. The upfront installation isn’t cheap, but it pays off over a few years.
• Wood-Burning Heaters: Great if you’re rural and have wood scraps from your projects. There’s something poetic about heating your shop with offcuts. But they need clearance, a proper chimney, and regular maintenance. Plus the fire risk in a shop full of sawdust gives me pause.
• Infrared Heaters: These warm objects and people directly, not the air. Useful for spot-heating your workbench area without wasting energy heating the whole shop. Silent, effective, and my current favorite for targeted warmth.

What to Think About Before Buying

• Shop Size: Measure your space. Sounds obvious but I see people buying heaters rated for half their square footage and wondering why they’re still cold. Larger spaces need more power or multiple units.
• Insulation: Probably should have led with this, honestly. A well-insulated shop retains heat dramatically better. I added insulation to my shop walls and cut my heating costs nearly in half. Do this before buying a bigger heater.
• Ventilation: Mandatory for propane and natural gas. Proper ventilation prevents dangerous gas buildup. Don’t compromise on this.
• Available Fuel: Go with what’s practical in your area. No gas line? Don’t plan around natural gas. Rural with plenty of wood? A stove might make sense.
• Budget: Don’t just consider the purchase price. Factor in installation costs and monthly operating expenses. Cheap upfront sometimes means expensive monthly.
• How Often You’ll Use It: Weekend warrior? A portable electric heater is fine. Full-time shop? Invest in permanent heating.

Safety — Take This Seriously

Woodshops are full of flammable materials. Sawdust, finish, rags, lumber. A heater in that environment needs extra caution.

• Clearance: Keep flammable stuff well away from any heater. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended distances — they’re not suggestions.
• Ventilation: Ensure adequate airflow, especially with fuel-burning heaters. I can’t emphasize this enough.
• Regular Maintenance: Clean and inspect your heater regularly. A heater that’s not functioning correctly is a hazard.
• Proper Installation: Follow the instructions exactly, or better yet, hire a professional for gas installations. This isn’t the place to wing it.
• Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Install them if you’re using any gas heater. Twenty bucks for a detector could save your life. I’ve got two in my shop.

Saving on Energy Costs

That’s what makes shop heating endearing to us frugal woodworkers — finding ways to stay warm without hemorrhaging money.

• Insulate First: The best heater in the world can’t overcome a drafty shop. Insulate walls, seal gaps around doors and windows. This is the biggest bang for your buck.
• Seal Drafts: Weatherstrip your doors. Caulk around windows. Check where electrical outlets penetrate the wall. Cold air finds every crack.
• Use Timers: Set the heater to warm up the shop an hour before you plan to work. No need to heat an empty space all day.
• Zone Heating: Heat where you’re working, not the entire space. An infrared heater pointed at your bench area is more efficient than heating the whole shop evenly.

Installation Notes

• Follow the Manual: Every heater has specific installation requirements. Read them. Seriously.
• Hire a Pro for Gas: Gas line work and permanent installations are worth professional help. Safety and code compliance matter here.
• Stable Placement: Make sure the heater is positioned where shop activities won’t knock it over or block its airflow.
• Plan for Airflow: Account for the heater’s ventilation needs in your shop layout.

Keeping Your Heater Running Well

• Clean Regularly: Dust and debris reduce efficiency. Wipe surfaces and clean filters on schedule.
• Check for Leaks: Inspect gas connections and hoses. A small leak is a big problem waiting to happen.
• Follow a Service Schedule: Stick to the manufacturer’s maintenance intervals.
• Listen for Odd Noises: Unusual sounds mean something’s off. Don’t ignore them. Investigate promptly.

The Bottom Line

Choosing a shop heater comes down to your specific situation — shop size, insulation quality, available fuel, and budget. Get the insulation right first, pick a heater that matches your space and fuel availability, and take safety seriously. A warm shop means you actually want to spend time out there, which means more projects and better work. That’s the real return on investment.