The Best Way to Heat a Garage for Mechanics and Car Enthusiasts

Waste oil heaters are an efficient way to keep your garage warm by burning waste oil, a byproduct from vehicles and machinery, and transforming it into valuable heat. These heaters can utilize various types of waste oils, including crankcase oil, automatic transmission fluid (ATF), hydraulic oil, and different grades of fuel oils such as #2, #4, and #5 fuel oil. This versatility makes waste oil heaters particularly advantageous for businesses in the automotive industry, which often have a steady supply of waste oil, leading to significant savings on recycling costs. Homeowners can also benefit; those who work on cars can gather their own used oil or connect with local businesses for a supply. In fact, the Used Oil Management Association (UOMA) states that there is enough waste oil produced each year to heat over 360,000 garages.

Another appealing aspect of waste oil garage heaters is their relatively straightforward installation and maintenance. Working with authorized dealers, such as Interstate Energy, ensures that any service you need is high-quality and handled professionally. This means you can enjoy a warm and comfortable workspace without the burden of a complex setup and upkeep. Overall, waste oil heaters present a practical and eco-friendly solution for anyone looking to efficiently heat their garage.

Now, let's see how waste oil heaters compare to other ways to heat a garage.

Electric Heaters

Electric heaters are popular due to their ease of use and installation. They can be as simple as plugging in an oil-filled radiator or using a larger electric furnace. However, while they may be convenient, they typically struggle to provide the energy-efficient heat that waste oil heaters do. Electric heaters often require substantial energy consumption (a 1,500-watt heater uses about 1.5kWh per hour), leading to higher utility bills, especially if you want to heat a larger space like a garage.

On the contrary, waste oil heaters can provide robust heat with virtually no fuel cost (waste oil heaters use about 41-147kWh since electricity is not the primary fuel source). For businesses that operate in colder climates or have large garage spaces, the efficiency of a waste oil heater is the best way to heat a garage, giving you the upper hand over electric heaters in maintaining a comfortable working environment and cost efficiency.

Propane and Natural Gas Heaters

Propane and natural gas heaters are other popular options, especially for those who want quick and efficient heating. They tend to heat spaces rapidly and can be quite effective. However, they come with their own set of challenges. First, the cost of propane and natural gas can fluctuate significantly, impacting your heating budget. There's also the concern of venting and safety; unvented options may lead to moisture buildup and poor air quality.

Waste oil garage heaters, on the other hand, do not have these concerns. When correctly installed by authorized dealers, they burn waste oil cleanly and efficiently, eliminating the risks associated with gas heaters, such as carbon monoxide buildup. Additionally, they provide a lower, more stable heating cost, as you're often sourcing your fuel for free.

Infrared Heaters

Infrared heaters provide warmth by emitting infrared radiation, which directly heats objects and people in their path rather than the air. While they can be useful for smaller spaces or targeted heating, they may not be ideal for larger garages. Once turned off, the heat dissipates quickly, meaning you could be left in the cold shortly after shutting them down. In comparison, waste oil heaters excel in providing substantial heat to larger areas over extended periods. Even the CB-140, the smallest Clean Burn waste oil furnace that produces 40,000 BTU/hour, can easily heat a 1,000 square-foot garage to 70° on a 30° day. They maintain a more consistent temperature, making them better suited for garages that require long-term heating without the instability seen in infrared models.

Looking for the Best Way to Heat a Garage? Interstate Can Help

At Interstate Energy, we specialize in providing advanced waste oil heating solutions; as an authorized Clean Burn distributor for Colorado and Eastern Wyoming, we are equipped to help you find the ideal system for your garage. Enjoy the benefits of efficient, eco-friendly heating while minimizing fuel costs.

Reach out to us today to learn more about our products and services and let us assist you in creating a comfortable workspace year-round!