A cold garage can make winter projects a lot less enjoyable. Whether you’re wrenching on a car, using your garage as a workshop, or just trying to keep it comfortable, a good garage heater makes all the difference.

When it comes to garage heating, the two most common types are forced air heaters and radiant (infrared) heaters. Each works differently and has its own advantages depending on your space, ceiling height, and how often you open the garage door.

The Difference Between Forced Air and Radiant Heaters

Forced Air Heaters – Fast, Affordable, and Common in Home Garages

Forced air heaters work like a furnace, using a fan to blow heated air into the space. They are the most common type of heater found in home garages because they heat up quickly and are relatively affordable.

However, since they heat the air rather than objects, the warmth disappears immediately when you open the garage door. This makes them less efficient for garages that see frequent door use.

• Fast heating – warms up a cold garage quickly.
• Works well in smaller spaces – ideal for standard home garages.
• Affordable options available – many budget-friendly models.
• Doesn’t require high ceilings – works well in 8-10’ garages.

Cons of forced air heaters:

• Heat escapes easily – if you open the garage door, the warm air rushes out.
• Blows dust and fumes around – not ideal for woodworking or painting.
• Louder operation – the fan creates some noise.

Best for: home garages where doors aren’t frequently opened for long periods.

Radiant (Infrared) Heaters – Efficient, but Require High Ceilings

Radiant heaters don’t heat the air—they heat objects, floors, and people directly. This makes them more efficient because the warmth doesn’t escape as soon as a door is opened.

However, large radiant tube heaters require a high ceiling to prevent overheating objects below. They are commonly found in mechanic shops, commercial garages, and high-ceiling home garages.

• More efficient heating – retains heat even when doors open.
• No blowing air – great for mechanics, woodworkers, or anyone working with dust.
• Silent operation – no fan noise.
• Feels like the sun – warms up surfaces and tools, keeping the space comfortable.

Cons of radiant heaters:

• Slower warm-up time – takes longer to heat up since it warms objects first.
• Needs proper clearance – requires space above and below to prevent overheating.
• Higher upfront cost – more expensive than forced air models.
• Less effective in low ceilings – a minimum ceiling height of 12’ is recommended for larger radiant heaters.

Best for: large garages, mechanic shops, and high-ceiling spaces where efficiency matters.

Why Mechanic Shops and Big-Box Stores Use Radiant Heaters

If you’ve ever noticed long radiant tube heaters over checkout lanes in big-box stores or in mechanic shops, there’s a reason.

These businesses keep their doors open constantly. If they used forced air heating, all the warm air would escape every time a door opened. Instead, radiant heaters warm up objects and people, meaning the heat stays put even when doors are opened frequently.

For mechanic shops and warehouses, a radiant heater keeps technicians and tools warm without wasting energy.

Using a Thermostat to Control Garage Heat

Regardless of whether you use a forced air or radiant heater, a thermostat can help maintain the right temperature and save energy.

Many people with heated garages keep the temperature just above freezing (around 40°F) when they aren’t using the space. Then, when they need to work on something, they turn up the heat ahead of time using a thermostat.

Wi-Fi Thermostats for Garage Heaters

A Wi-Fi thermostat lets you control your garage heater remotely from your phone. This is a great option for those who don’t want to waste energy heating the garage all the time but still want it warm when they need it.

• Preheat the garage before you go in – no waiting for it to warm up.
• Save energy – keep it at a lower temperature when not in use.
• Convenient temperature control – adjust settings from anywhere.

Both forced air and radiant heaters can be paired with a thermostat, including Wi-Fi-enabled models.

Which Heater is Best for Your Garage or Shop?

Choose a forced air heater if:

• You need fast heating.
• You have a standard home garage (8-10’ ceiling).
• You don’t open the garage door often.
• You want an affordable heating option.

Choose a radiant heater if:

• You have a high-ceiling garage or shop (12’+ ceilings).
• You frequently open the garage door.
• You want silent, dust-free heating.
• You need efficient heat that doesn’t escape.

Many large garages and shops use both types of heating—forced air to quickly warm the space, and radiant heat to maintain efficient warmth.

Final Thoughts

• Most home garages use forced air heaters because they provide fast heat and work with standard ceiling heights.
• Radiant heaters are more efficient, but they require high ceilings and proper clearance.
• Mechanic shops and businesses prefer radiant heat because it stays warm even when doors open frequently.
• A thermostat (including Wi-Fi options) can be used with either type of heater for energy efficiency and convenience.

By choosing the right garage heater, you can stay warm and comfortable while working—no matter how cold it gets outside.

Looking for the perfect garage heater? Check out our selection at CarGuyGarage.com!