Whether you’re looking to convert your garage into a second living space or simply make it more comfortable for work, play, or just hanging out without freezing, a garage door insulation kit can help. Insulation itself won’t make a garage warm and toasty, but it will help retain heat. Adding this layer of insulation helps prevent heat from escaping and blocks cold air from entering the garage.

We carefully evaluated popular garage door insulation kits and tested those that made our shortlist for features like ease of insulation and how significantly they affected the temperature on the inside of the garage door. Our top recommendation is the Reach Barrier 3009 Garage Door Insulation Kit thanks to its very simple installation and impressive noise-dampening capabilities. Keep reading to discover what we learned while performing hands-on testing on our lineup of the best garage door insulation kits.

1. BEST OVERALL: Reach Barrier 3009 Garage Door Insulation Kit
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2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: US Energy Products Double Bubble Reflective Foil 
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3. UPGRADE PICK: US Energy Products Nasatek 2-Car Foam Insulation Kit
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4. BEST REFLECTIVE: US Energy Products Nasatek 1-Car Reflective Insulation Kit
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5. BEST EASY INSTALL: Matador Garage Door Insulation
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Product Comparison

	Type	Size	Installation Kit
Reach Barrier 3009 Garage Door Insulation Kit	Radiant barrier	Eight panels, each 4 feet long by 2 feet wide
US Energy Products Double Bubble Reflective Foil	Radiant barrier	10 feet long by 4 feet wide
US Energy Products Nasatek 2-Car Foam Insulation Kit	Radiant barrier	Four rolls, each 18 feet long by 2 feet wide (ours came in 9-foot-long rolls)
US Energy Products Nasatek 1-Car Reflective Insulation Kit	Foam	Eight panels, each roughly 9 feet long by 2 feet wide
Matador Garage Door Insulation	Rigid foam	Eight panels, each 54 inches long by 20.25 inches wide (ours was closer to 21 inches)	(shouldn’t need one)

Our Top Picks

We chose the top-rated products below for their quality, price, and ease of installation to help find the best garage door insulation kit for any garage door. And, to ensure we’re only suggesting the best garage door insulation kits, we performed hands-on testing with the following products. 

Note: Each of these products effectively retained heat on the garage side of the door. Our test garage was 2-bay, and we left one door uninsulated to serve as a “control door.” An hour after insulation, we took readings with an infrared thermometer, and each showed a difference of 8 to 10 degrees warmer on the insulated side.

Best Overall

Reach Barrier 3009 Garage Door Insulation Kit

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Our Ratings: Ease of Installation 5/5; Performance 5/5; Sound Mitigation 5/5; Value 5/5

Product Specs 

• Type: Radiant barrier
• Size: Eight panels, each 4 feet long by 2 feet wide
• Installation kit: Yes

What We Like

• Immediately reduced on noise
• Simple installation
• Made the garage noticeably comfier

What We Don’t Like

• 4-foot strips were not long enough

The Reach Barrier 3009 is ideal for helping to keep a garage warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It uses reflective aluminum on the front and back, with a laminated bubble layer sandwiched between the layers to create an effective boundary between the garage and the fluctuating temperature outdoors. The kit comes with eight precut panels that measure 4 feet long by 2 feet wide—a size suitable for most standard single-car garage doors.

We noticed an immediate decline in the sound transfer through the door, and the temperature measurements on the insulated side were higher than on the uninsulated side. Our only complaint was that the 4-foot strips were not long enough for our 9-foot test door, which would mean we’d either have to live with bare spots or patch them with scrap cutoffs. 

What our tester says: Some garage door insulation kits can be a hassle to install, but this one makes installation easy. “All that’s required is to clean the door, attach the adhesive squares, and stick the panels in place. During testing, I found that the Reach Barrier was as easy to install as claimed: I simply placed a few of the adhesive squares along the perimeter of each section and pressed the insulation into place.” —Tom Scalisi, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Reach Barrier garage door insulation kit at Amazon or The Home Depot.

Best Bang for the Buck

US Energy Products Double Bubble Reflective Foil

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Our Ratings: Ease of Installation 3/5; Performance 4/5; Sound Mitigation 5/5; Value 5/5

Product Specs 

• Type: Radiant barrier
• Size: 10 feet long by 4 feet wide
• Installation kit: No

What We Like

• Thicker than other radiant barriers
• Blocks sound well
• Minimal weight offers plenty of installation options

What We Don’t Like

• Not specifically designed for garages
• Doesn’t come with installation kit

Reduce your heating bill and save money with this affordable Double Bubble Reflective Foil insulation. It has an R-value of 4, and according to the manufacturer, it reflects 97 percent of radiant heat. The insulation comes in a 10-foot-long by 4-foot-wide roll that cuts easily to the proper size with a utility knife or scissors. 

This insulation kit for garage doors features two layers of polyethylene air bubbles to help reduce the transmission of heat through the air layer. This is sandwiched between a reflective film of aluminum polyester designed to reflect radiant heat away from the garage door and back into the open garage space. The insulation is lightweight yet durable enough to be installed with tacks, staples, or nails if necessary.

Testing the product was rather tricky. First, this isn’t a garage-door–specific kit, so we needed to cut the sheet into strips. Even then, we didn’t have enough to cover an entire door. We needed to use our own double-sided tape to hang it as well; because it’s so lightweight, though, that really wasn’t an issue. However, we did find that this reflective foil insulation did a good job of keeping out unwanted noise, and it measured warmer than the uninsulated door (at least in the areas where we were able to install it). The doubled layers were thicker than the other radiant barriers as well.

Get the US Energy Products double bubble garage door insulation at Amazon.

Upgrade Pick

US Energy Products Nasatek 2-Car Foam Insulation Kit

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Our Ratings: Ease of Installation 5/5; Performance 4/5; Sound Mitigation 4.5/5; Value 5/5

Product Specs 

• Type: Radiant barrier
• Size: Four rolls, each 18 feet long by 2 feet wide (ours came in 9-foot-long rolls)
• Installation kit: Yes

What We Like

• Best installation kit and instructions in the test
• Nice workable lengths 
• Blocked sound and temperature transfer

What We Don’t Like

• Strips weren’t cut squarely from the factory

For garages with two doors, a standard garage door insulation kit won’t provide the necessary amount of insulation. This Nasatek 2-car garage door insulation kit comes with four rolls of 18-foot-long by 2-foot-wide foam core insulation. This kit also includes a utility knife to cut the insulation to the right size, a squeegee to help prepare the garage door for installation, and heavy-duty double-sided tape used to attach the insulation.

The premium-priced reflective white foam core has an R-value of 8, which can reduce the temperature inside the garage by 30 degrees in hot summer weather. Installing the insulation is simple using the double-sided tape, though the kit also comes with an instruction booklet.

Like the other barriers, it did a good job of blocking sound, and the insulated door measured warmer than the uninsulated door. If we had a complaint, it would be that the ends of the strips weren’t cut squarely, which made the installation look a little sloppy.

What our tester says: “In regard to installation gear and instructions, this kit was by far the most complete and best quality. It came with plenty of tape, a few razor knives, and squeegees for ensuring the tape and the insulation were attached correctly. Also, the rolls came in 9-foot lengths as opposed to the 18-foot lengths described, so they were very easy to work with.” —Tom Scalisi, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the US Energy Products 2-car garage door insulation kit at Amazon.

Best Reflective

US Energy Products Nasatek 1-Car Reflective Insulation Kit

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Our Ratings: Ease of Installation 5/5; Performance 4/5; Sound Mitigation 5/5; Value 4/5

Product Specs 

• Type: Foam
• Size: Eight panels, each roughly 9 feet long by 2 feet wide
• Installation kit: Yes

What We Like

• Effectively retains warmth while keeping noise out
• Installation kit includes high-quality tape
• Choice of surfaces when installing

What We Don’t Like

• The white surface was a bit too much

Garage owners who’d prefer to use lightweight, reflective insulation for garage doors should check out this kit from US Energy products. This radiant barrier kit features a layer of foam sandwiched between a white layer and a reflective layer, offering a clean look with the benefit of a radiant surface. 

The kit comes as a set of eight precut panels for 9-foot doors. It also comes with the double-sided tape required for hanging it (which is quite easy). 

During the test, this kit also proved to be effective at keeping noise, as well as the cold air, at bay while working in the garage. The kit was very easy to install, and the double-sided tape was effective enough to hold this lightweight foam up through multiple up-and-down cycles with the garage door. We liked that there were two options for the surface (the directions even state that there is no “right side”) since we weren’t really into the white.

Get the US Energy Products 1-car garage door insulation kit at Amazon.

Best Easy Install

Matador Garage Door Insulation

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Our Ratings: Ease of Installation 5/5; Performance 4/5; Sound Mitigation 5/5; Value 4/5

Product Specs 

• Type: Rigid foam
• Size: Eight panels, each 54 inches long by 20.25 inches wide (ours was closer to 21 inches)
• Installation kit: No (shouldn’t require one)

What We Like

• Minimal weight gave us hanging options
• Effective sound and temperature transfer control
• Thick, dense foam, but it’s easy to cut

What We Don’t Like

• Only really works for garage doors with rails

Anyone who wants to insulate a garage door but is uncomfortable using adhesives or fasteners should check out this easy -to-install garage door insulation kit from Matador. The kit comes with eight polystyrene laminate panels that can be cut to the perfect size for any garage door panels. Each piece of polystyrene laminate measures 54 inches long by 20.25 inches wide by 1.25 inches thick and has an R-value of 4.8. 

With this insulation kit, tape, glue, pins, or any other adhesives or fasteners aren’t necessary. After cutting everything to size, carefully slot them in between the horizontal and vertical rails on the garage door. The insulation also has a bright white and easily washable surface to keep the garage looking great.

In full disclosure, these panels didn’t work with our garage door since we didn’t have the rails to slide them between. However, since they’re lightweight, we were able to tape them in place with the extra adhesive and tape from the other kits. Once we did, we were very impressed with the noise reduction and temperature difference between doors. The foam is thick and dense, but it’s easy enough to cut for custom-fitted panels (though doing so does make a mess). 

Get the Matador garage door insulation at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or The Home Depot.

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How We Tested the Best Garage Door Insulation Kits

While installing garage door insulation is generally simple, testing these products is difficult. First, we needed to understand that garage door insulation will not keep a space toasty warm; it’s not that type of insulation. As our test garage contained two bays, though, we left one door uninsulated while we installed the kits on the other. This gave us a reasonable “control” subject to test the doors against.

First, we installed each kit according to the instructions (some didn’t come with any). We used double-sided tape and adhesive squares to hold each strip in place. Then, we trimmed all the sheets to size with a razor knife. We then opened and closed the door several times to ensure the product had adhered properly. 

Finally, we took note of the apparent noise transfer and temperature transfer through the garage door. It’s difficult to say which product was more effective since the temperatures and sun’s position change throughout the day. However, each product appeared to be effective at reducing heat loss. We checked the insulated door against the uninsulated door and recorded the temperature readings.

What to Consider When Choosing a Garage Door Insulation Kit

Finding the best garage door insulation kit for a home isn’t difficult once you decide which type of insulation you’d prefer. Even so, there are still a few things to consider. Here are some important points to keep in mind while shopping for a garage door insulation kit. 

Types of Garage Door Insulation Kits

Garage door insulation kits can come in many types, including radiant barrier, fiberglass, foam, and cellulose. And, because the garage is one of the places that could most benefit from better insulation, it’s worth getting familiar with the various types.

Radiant Barrier

Radiant barriers are usually inexpensive and are made of highly reflective materials such as aluminum. This type of garage door insulation kit is used to block the radiant heat energy instead of absorbing it like fiberglass insulation. It typically features one or two layers of reflective material to create a heat barrier in addition to an “air space” layer that can be made of bubble wrap. This air space layer creates a pocket that reduces both conductive and convective heat flow (spreading and containing heat) to help keep the garage warm.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass is commonly used to insulate homes, so it only makes sense that it can have the same effect on a garage door. This thick, fibrous material has a high R-value, meaning it’s a great material to insulate a garage, attic, ceilings, walls, and floors. (R-value is determined by the thickness and the density of a material. The higher the R-value, the better the material will insulate.) The only downside of fiberglass is that it’s messy to work with. 

Foam

Foam garage door insulation can be split into two categories: spray foam and rigid foam, which is also known as foam core.

• Spray foam is exactly what it sounds like: a foamy substance that sprays onto a garage door. It’s cheap and easy, but it’s not the best option for garage doors. 
• Rigid foam, or foam core, is made from Styrofoam. It’s lightweight, user-friendly, and affordable. There are three types of rigid foam used for garage door insulation, including expanded polystyrene (EPS), extruded polystyrene (XPS), and polyisocyanurate (polyiso). 

Cellulose

Cellulose is a low-thermal product that’s made entirely from organic material like plant fibers, cotton, or wood. This type of insulation can also use recycled materials such as old newspapers, cardboard, office paper, and other paper products. Cellulose also contains a fire-resistant borate treatment to help protect the home from fire.

Cellulose must be sprayed onto the garage door panels in the same way as spray foam insulation, and it provides a highly effective method of retaining the garage heat. Unfortunately, cellulose is also the most expensive garage door insulation kit type, so it may not be an option for DIYers on a budget.

Compatibility

When selecting a garage door insulation kit, ensure that it’s compatible with the garage door. For instance, some insulation kits require metal channels along the garage door support frame to securely install the insulation. 

Before purchasing a garage door insulation kit, look into its installation instructions and requirements to avoid accidentally buying a kit that’s for a different size or type of garage door. 

Size

The size of the garage door itself, along with the size of each individual panel, is also an important consideration. While many insulation kits come with panels that can be customized to fit any garage door, it’s better to find a product that comes close to the size required to save money and reduce waste. 

For those who go with spray foam or cellulose, measure the space beforehand to ensure there’s enough spray insulation to properly insulate the entire door. Some insulation kits are designed to move with the door, while others only insulate the individual panels, allowing movement at the garage door seams.

Effectiveness

The effectiveness of a garage door insulation kit can be estimated using two measurements: U-factor and R-value.

• U-factor and U-value are interchangeable terms used to describe the measurement of the thermal efficiency of a garage door and the rate of heat transfer, with ratings ranging from 0 to 1. These measurements are given in decimal form only and operate on a reverse scale from R-value. What this means is that the lower the U-factor, the more efficient the insulation. For example, a U-factor of 0.05 is more efficient than a U-factor of 0.10.
• R-value measures the rate of heat loss and thermal efficiency of the garage door insulation material, but it doesn’t measure the thermal efficiency of the door itself. This rating is frequently used by manufacturers and is measured on a scale that begins at 0 and typically ranges up to 16.

Weight

When thinking about adding insulation to a door, remember that doing so will also add weight. If the weight of the insulation is too great, then it can affect the operation of both automatic and manual garage doors. The best way to avoid this issue is to use lightweight insulation that will not overburden or hinder the garage door.

Fiberglass and rigid foam are easy to install and don’t often cause weight issues, though radiant barriers are much lighter. Spray foam and cellulose can quickly become heavy if the layers of insulation are too thick. Always use these insulation sprays carefully to avoid over-spraying the garage door.

Adhesive

Garage door insulation kits can be attached to a door in a variety of ways; some use clips and tape, while others just require tucking the insulation into the framework of the panels. Adhesives, however, can make the installation process easier and can be used with any type of garage door.

Adhesives may connect pins to the door, providing a secure base to attach the insulation panels, or they may be used to secure the insulation directly to the door without the need for additional fasteners. This type of installation method is one of the easiest, but adhesives are also difficult to remove. Even so, they’re still not as difficult to remove as spray foam.

Ease of Installation

The installation process is relatively easy regardless of the type of insulation chosen; however, spray insulation should be used only for those who are confident in their ability to moderately spray expanding foam on a vertical surface. Some insulation works well with metal doors because it can be slotted into the frame on the door without needing to be attached, glued, or fastened to anything. 

From this basic install, the difficulty increases to include adhesives that can either fasten directly to the garage door or affix with retaining pins to the garage door. The retaining pins pierce the insulation and secure it with a retaining cap. It’s also possible to use spray foam or spray cellulose, which is very easy to apply but can be difficult to create an even layering across an entire door without blocking the flexible garage door seams.

The Advantages of Insulating a Garage Door

Having a garage attached to a home or as a detached building on a property offers a secure location to store vehicles, tools, sports gear, and yard equipment. But keeping it warm can be difficult. Whether heating the garage via the home’s heating system or pulling out the old electric heater from time to time, there’s no doubt that insulating garage doors can help save money. This simple upgrade helps keep heat in and cold out, reducing the amount of electricity or gas it takes to warm a garage.

Adding insulation to a garage door also increases the weight and support of the garage door panels so that they become more durable. This update to the garage door also makes it quieter, reducing the transmission of sound through the door and the vibration of the door panels. Garage door insulation installation helps protect vehicles, tools, and other items from freezing temperatures and frigid winds so that the car will start in the morning.

• Adding garage door insulation can reduce electric bills (saving money).
• Insulation makes garage doors quieter and more durable to operate.
• With insulated garage doors, vehicles (and pipes) will be better protected against frigid temperatures.

FAQs 

Meet the Tester

Tom Scalisi is a freelance writer specializing in the home design, construction, tools, and automotive industries. He has been involved in the trades for over 15 years as both a contractor and a commercial building mechanic. His work has been featured on This Old House, Family Handyman, and Forbes. He also owns and operates a pest control blog RiddaBugs.com. As a lover of all things tools, construction, and DIY, he’s always looking for new tools and techniques while also sharing his knowledge with the DIY world. 

Additional research provided by Timothy Dale. 

The post This Simple DIY Upgrade Keeps Your Garage Comfortable and Warm appeared first on Bob Vila.

Best Overall

Mr. Heater MH9BX Portable Buddy Heater

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Best Bang for the Buck

Mr. Heater MH4B Little Buddy Propane Heater

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Best Tank Top

Camplux Outdoor Tank Top Propane Heater

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Propane heaters are an incredibly effective way to quickly heat a medium to large living space using liquid propane (LP) as fuel, making them suitable for a range of heating needs.

We researched more than 30 propane heaters and then selected several top-rated models for hands-on testing by the Bob Vila test team. We also consulted Alex Rushwin, technical service manager for Enerco Group, manufacturer of the ever-popular Mr. Heater line of propane heaters.

Today’s propane heaters burn cleaner and are safer than early models. “Mr. Heater patented the first indoor propane heater back in 2000,” Rushwin says, “and that was a huge step forward for portable propane heat.” Since then, Mr. Heater has improved on the technology, and their indoor heaters are safer than ever.

Finding the best propane heater for your purposes depends on how you will use it, where it will be used, the heat output you need, and the important safety features included. Our favorite of the bunch was Mr. Heater’s MH9BX model for its portable design and quick heating capabilities. While intended use varies, each of the following models excelled in our hands-on tests and earned its spot in this lineup of the best propane heaters.

1. BEST OVERALL: Mr. Heater MH9BX Portable Buddy Heater 
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Mr. Heater MH4B Little Buddy Propane Heater
3. BEST TANK TOP: Camplux Outdoor Tank Top Propane Heater 
4. BEST HEAVY-DUTY: Dyna-Glo Delux 300,000 BTU LP Forced-Air Heater 
5. BEST PATIO: East Oak Pyrol Outdoor Patio Propane Gas Heater
6. BEST INDOOR: Dyna-Glo 30K BTU LP Blue Flame Vent-Free Heater
7. BEST FOR GARAGE: Mr. Heater MH18CH 18,000 BTU Cabinet Heater

Product Comparison

Our Top Picks

The following are some of the best propane heaters on the market in their respective categories. They were selected for quality and price, with a focus on the shopping considerations mentioned above.

Best Overall

Mr. Heater MH9BX Portable Buddy Heater

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This Bob Vila Approved product carries our brand’s highest level of recommendation.

Bob Vila Approved recognizes the household and DIY products that impressed us most in our real-world testing and that exemplify core values of the Bob Vila brand, including craftsmanship, innovation, and value for the dollar. Winners of this designation come recommended by our professional review team and are personally approved by Bob Vila.

Product Specs

• Type: Radiant
• Heating power: 4,000 or 9,000 BTUs
• Weight: 10.6 pounds
• Safety features: Tip-over shutoff, ODS

What We Like

• Propane bottle is easy to connect
• Portable and compact design
• Comes with an oxygen-depletion sensor and tip-over shutoff

What We Don’t Like

• Lower BTU range not sufficient for spaces over 250 square feet

Rushwin says that Mr. Heater’s Buddy series is one of its most popular sellers, and it’s been one of our favorites for years, as it was our standby heater for mountain camping adventures. The MH9BX was new to us though, and we were impressed right off the bat by the new swivel-connector feature that allowed us to twist the 1-pound propane bottle into position with ease. Some of the older models didn’t have the swivel connector, so good going, Mr. Heater! That’s a huge plus.

The Buddy MH9BX has an attractive design with a sturdy fold-down carrying handle that makes it easy to pick up and take wherever it’s needed. The heater has a choice of two heat outputs, either 4,000 or 9,000 BTUs, making it capable of heating up to 225 square feet of space. We tested the MH9BX in a 180-square foot room, and on high, it raised the temperature from 70 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit in just 30 minutes. It’s a radiant heater, so it warms objects, not the air, but the heated objects in turn warmed up the room.

This heater is able to burn propane at near-100 percent efficiency, which makes it an option for indoor applications. Its oxygen-depletion sensor (ODS) ensures that the oxygen level never drops to a dangerous point. Plus, its tip-over safety mechanism immediately shut the heater off when we tipped it over.

Read our full review: Mr. Heater MH9BX Portable Buddy Heater 

Get the Mr. Heater MH9BX propane heater at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.

Best Bang for the Buck

Mr. Heater MH4B Little Buddy Propane Heater

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Product Specs 

• Type: Radiant
• Heating power: 3,800 BTUs
• Weight: 5.8 pounds
• Safety features: Tip-over shutoff, low-oxygen sensor

What We Like

• Lightweight and portable
• Reliable emergency heat source for indoor use
• Warms nearby objects and people
• Good safety measures

What We Don’t Like

• Radiant heat only

Our second Mr. Heater pick is the Little Buddy MH4B, which provides instant warmth at an attractive price point. Not only is the Little Buddy easy on the wallet, but it’s also simple to carry along when tailgating or just spending a little time bird-watching on a chilly day. It’s an excellent pick for supplemental indoor emergency heat, too. It burns clean and comes with a low-oxygen sensor that shuts it off if the oxygen level in the space drops to an unhealthy level.

The Little Buddy is designed to heat spaces up to 95 square feet, so we tested it in a bathroom, where it raised the room’s temperature by 15 degrees Fahrenheit in 30 minutes. Keep in mind that temperature increases will vary depending on the type of space, starting temperature, and whether the space is insulated or if it is being used as a tent heater without any insulation.

Like its big brother, the Buddy heater, Little Buddy is a radiant propane heater, and it warms nearby objects—and people. We found it excellent for warming our gloved hands outdoors, but it doesn’t blow hot air. The tip-over shutoff turned the heater off immediately when we laid the Little Buddy on its side.

While this little propane heater isn’t powerful enough for warming up large rooms, it’s an excellent small heater that’s safe for indoor use.

Get the Mr. Heater Little Buddy propane heater at Amazon or Walmart.

Best Tank Top

Camplux Outdoor Tank Top Propane Heater

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Product Specs 

• Type: Radiant
• Heating power: 9,000 to 30,000 BTUs
• Weight: 5.07 pounds
• Safety features: Tip-over shutoff

What We Like

• Easily attaches to the propane tank
• Dual burner design; adjustable operation
• Provides significant radiant heat

What We Don’t Like

• Requires ventilation

Tank tops aren’t just sleeveless attire for hot summer days. The Camplux Tank Top propane heater attaches to the top of a 20-pound or larger propane tank, and it quickly warms nearby objects or people—making it a handy heater for outdoor use or in ventilated shops and garages.

This is not an in-home model; the manufacturer suggests having a 0.5-square-foot opening for fresh air for every 15,000 BTUs being used. For example, if using both burners simultaneously on the highest setting (total of 30,000 BTUs), opening a 24-inch wide window just 1 inch would be sufficient. A door does not need to be wide open; just crack a window.

It comes with two radiant burners and attaches securely to the steel collar at the top of a standard propane tank. It was easy to connect to the tank and held firmly throughout our tests. We tested the Camplux dual-burner propane heater in a mobile workshop with an open-end wall.

It was simple to connect to the top of the propane tank and easy to light—but be aware this is a manual-light heater; we had to insert a lit match in a hole in the side of the reflective cover and then slowly turn on the propane. It fired right up. Each side lights and operates independently.

The Camplux Tank Top heater provided a lot of radiant heat—so much that we couldn’t stand any closer than about 4 feet without feeling uncomfortably hot when running it on the high setting. On the low setting, it was more tolerable, but it still puts out a lot of heat. It didn’t appreciably raise the temperature in the mobile shop, but that was due to one end of the shop trailer being completely open, which allowed cool breezes to blow through.

This is a powerful, no-frills propane heater for use in a ventilated workshop or on a jobsite.

Get the Camplux propane heater at Amazon.

Best Heavy-Duty

Dyna-Glo Delux 300,000 BTU LP Forced-Air Heater

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Product Specs 

• Type: Convection (forced air)
• Heating power: 300,000 BTUs
• Weight: 32.6 pounds
• Safety features: Overheat shutoff, delayed ignition shutoff

What We Like

• A high-performance model
• Adjustable thermostat
• Reliable electronic ignition
• Carry handle and cord wrap

What We Don’t Like

• Requires an electrical outlet to operate
• Must be connected to a 100-pound or larger propane tank

Here come the big boys in the propane heating world! The Dyna-Glo Delux isn’t a heater that most will want to keep in a living room unless the living room happens to be around 7,000 square feet in size, but it is an excellent option as a space heater in a large garage, barn, warehouse, or worksite because it can produce up to 300,000 BTUs.

We took the Dyna-Glo to our shop and connected it to a propane tank—but nothing happened. It didn’t fire up. We saw the pilot light flicker inside and smelled propane, which led us to shut down the unit promptly, but there were no flames or heat. We suspected the reason might be a too-small propane tank, and we were right—the instruction manual specifies connecting the Dyna-Glo to a tank no smaller than 100 pounds. So, that’s what we did; we hauled in a larger tank and tried again, and the heater fired right up.

And, boy did it put out the heat! Within 30 minutes, our shop went from a chilly 56 degrees Fahrenheit to 72 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a forced-air (convection) heater—a strong fan blows heat out of the front end of the combustion chamber at a forceful rate.

Ventilation is a must: The manufacturer recommends 11.25 square feet of open-air space when running the heater at maximum force. It features a safety shutoff if it overheats and another shutoff that keeps the heater from igniting if propane has been circulating through. The latter is to prevent the type of fireball that can result if propane gas is in the combustion chamber before it ignites.

The Dyna-Glo must also be plugged into an electrical outlet to power its heavy-duty fan. While it weighs 32 pounds, it has a carrying handle and a built-in cord wrap, making transportation easier. Overall, this powerful heater will keep large areas toasty warm, but don’t use it in the house.

Get the Dyna-Glo Delux propane heater at Amazon or The Home Depot.

Best Patio

East Oak Pyrol Outdoor Patio Propane Gas Heater

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Product Specs 

• Type: Radiant
• Heating power: 48,000 BTUs
• Weight: 57.3 pounds
• Safety features: Anti-tilt, flame-out protection, low-oxygen sensor

What We Like

• Embossed design in stainless steel
• Heats up in just 5 minutes
• Efficiently heats nearby objects and people
• Propane tank is concealed right inside the base
• Adds a measure of ambience

What We Don’t Like

• Assembly is complex and time-consuming

The East Oak patio heater offers ambience and is a stunning focal point for a chilly outdoor winter gathering, but plan on spending at least an hour or more assembling all the parts. As we were setting it up, more than once we wondered whether the heater would be worth the hassle of trying to peel off the stubborn protective blue film—with some pieces coming off in tiny bits rather than sheets—and then putting together literally everything on the unit.

Once we got the East Oak pyramid heater together and fired up, we changed our minds—it was worth it. The glass cylinder in the pyramid’s center showcases beautiful dancing flames that rise to the upper vent, where the heat is reflected downward and outward toward anyone standing nearby. The outdoor temperature and breezes will affect its heating range, but we could feel warmth when standing about 10 feet away.

This is strictly an outdoor propane heater, so don’t take it in the house—it needs ample ventilation. It comes with tip-over shut-off protection and also shuts down propane flow if the flame goes out to keep propane gas from leaking into the air. We tested both, and they worked well. It connects to a 20-pound propane tank that fits right inside its base.

The East Oak pyramid heater also provides a good amount of light, so it can be used as supplemental lighting for outdoor entertaining. We really liked this tower heater, but we would have been happier with our experience if it had come at least partially assembled. It’s a lot to put together for even those familiar with assembling tools and appliances.

Get the East Oak propane heater at Amazon or Walmart.

Best Indoor

Dyna-Glo 30K BTU LP Blue Flame Vent-Free Heater

See It

Product Specs

• Type: Convection
• Heating power: Up to 30,000 BTUs
• Weight: 24.6 pounds
• Safety features: Overheating shutoff, low-oxygen sensor

What We Like

• Designed for indoor use
• Slim profile fits neatly on interior walls
• Equipped with low-oxygen sensor
• 5 heat settings and thermostat

What We Don’t Like

• Cannot install the heater too close to side walls or ceiling
• Propane tank should be located outdoors

Those looking for a designated source of propane heat for indoor use, such as to warm a chilly basement, may need to look no further than the Dyna-Glo wall-mount propane heater. It features a slender profile that fits nicely on an interior wall, and it uses a gentle fan to help circulate heat.

No assembly was necessary with this wall-mount heater, but we had to install brackets on the wall and then hang the heater on the brackets. Just make sure the brackets are level and the heater is not positioned too near something flammable. The manufacturer recommends locating the heater a minimum of 8 inches away from perpendicular walls on either side of the heater and a minimum of 36 inches below the ceiling. In addition, keep all furniture, draperies, and other items a minimum of 36 inches away from the front of the heater.

We ran a long propane hose from an outdoor tank (don’t use propane tanks inside a house) and then fired the heater up using its simple push-button ignitor. It produces up to 30,000 BTUs of heat on the high setting but can be turned down when less heat is desired. A control knob features five heat settings and serves as a thermostat to turn the heater on and off. We found it increased our 200-square-foot test space 11 degrees Fahrenheit in 30 minutes, but results will vary depending on room size and ambient temperature.

This Dyna-Glo comes with an automatic overheating shutoff as well as a low-oxygen sensor. It’s a nice little heater that would serve well as a source of emergency heat during a power outage or for supplemental heat.

Get the Dyna-Glo vent-free propane heater at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.

Best for Garage

Mr. Heater MH18CH 18,000 BTU Cabinet Heater

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Product Specs

• Type: Radiant
• Heating power: 6,000; 12,000; and 18,000 BTUs
• Weight: 23 pounds
• Safety features: Tip-over shutoff, low-oxygen sensor

What We Like

• Efficient radiant heating
• Offers 3 heat settings
• Rugged steel casing with 4 heavy-duty swivel wheels

What We Don’t Like

• Limited coverage for spaces more than 450 square feet

For many DIYers, the garage is the only covered space available for working on projects. Losing that space to cold weather is avoidable when using a propane heater like this one from Mr. Heater, which can heat a space of up to 450 square feet. The heater has three radiant-heat output settings, including a low setting of 6,000 BTUs; a medium setting of 12,000 BTUs; and a high setting that reaches 18,000 BTUs.

We put the MH18CH in a corner in a three-stall garage for testing. It was a chilly day, and also cold the day before testing, so the temperature in the garage was 53 degrees Fahrenheit. We turned the MH18CH on the high setting, and within 30 minutes, the temperature in the nearest stall rose to 61 degrees Fahrenheit, but the farthest stall registered just 54 degrees Fahrenheit. This was in an uninsulated garage, and results would vary in different-size garages or an insulated garage.

The propane heater has a space in the back designed to accommodate a 20-pound propane tank so that users can move the entire unit around easily on the four attached swivel wheels. This product also has a tip-over safety mechanism and an ODS sensor to automatically shut down the heater if the oxygen level gets too low.

This is a nice portable little propane heater that can be rolled around a garage or shop, which is a convenient way to heat the space where work is being done.

Get the Mr. Heater MH18CH propane heater at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Tested the Best Propane Heaters 

We examined several factors when choosing the propane heaters we wanted to test. Safety was essential, and beyond that, we looked at heat output (British thermal units, or BTUs), heater type (convection vs. radiant), ease of use, and cost. We considered the brand; after all, Mr. Heater and Dyna-Glo are well-respected names in the propane heater world. Still, we didn’t automatically dismiss smaller niche brands if the heaters were durable, safe, and highly rated.

The actual testing of the heaters was pretty simple; after all, they serve one primary purpose: to warm up a space or warm up nearby objects and people. We noted how easy (or challenging) the heaters were to assemble, and then we connected them to propane tanks or bottles, as called for by the manufacturer.

We tested the heaters’ ignition features and noted how much heat they produced and how quickly. Each propane heater was scored using a rubric. The better the heater performed on a test, the more points we awarded. After testing, we averaged the points to determine our top pick and to establish the best uses for each model.

What to Consider When Choosing a Propane Heater

Before choosing the best propane heater for a patio, garage, or home, take a look below to learn about some of the most important shopping considerations that can help you select a heater that suits your needs.

Ignition

Propane heaters must have the pilot light ignited before the unit will produce any heat. Keep in mind that igniting the pilot light requires the gas to be turned on. These units typically have one of three different ignition methods: manual ignition, push-button ignition, and continuous ignition.

• Manual ignitions require users to light the pilot light with a long match or a barbecue lighter. Liquid propane heaters with this ignition type are usually more affordable.
• Push-button ignitions are the most common ignition option for indoor propane heaters. After turning the gas on, push a button for the indicated amount of time so that an integrated sparking mechanism will light the pilot light. (Before using, make sure to follow all of the safety considerations listed in the safety section below and in the manufacturer’s directions for indoor propane heaters.)
• Continuous ignitions are more common on large, commercial propane heaters. This style of ignition will automatically begin sparking when the gas is on. This feature prevents the hazardous build-up of propane gas that can occur if the delay is too long between sparks. After the pilot light is lit, the continuous ignition stops creating sparks.

Location

One of the main benefits of having a propane heater is that they are usually portable and can be connected to a small or large propane tank. It’s relatively easy to take a portable propane heater to another room, to the garage, or to the outdoors. However, if the heater will be used in one or two main locations, the product needs to be suited to those main areas.

In general, only heaters that accommodate 1-pound propane bottles are suitable for use indoors. Those that connect to 20-pound or larger propane tanks should be connected to a hose that’s long enough to locate the tank outdoors. The exception is models designed to hold 20-pound tanks that can be used in ventilated garages or workshops. Read the manufacturer’s safety precautions carefully.

The best outdoor propane heaters have enough heating power to deal with the rapid dissipation of heat that will naturally occur in a wide-open space. For those who want a great camping heater, a large outdoor option might be best. An alternative is a handheld propane heater that will keep people warm instead of heating the entire area. Some users may prefer to have a wall-mounted propane heater to save floor space and to keep the heater out of reach from kids and pets.

Portability

Portability is one of the features that sets propane heaters apart from electric or natural gas heaters, but not all propane heaters can really make the claim that they are portable. Some propane heaters that have built-in fans or other electronic components will typically need to be plugged into a power source, despite their main fuel being propane.

If portability is a key personal factor, then a propane heater that doesn’t need an electrical power source is often a better choice. A smaller size and a carrying handle will make it easier to pick up and move around. However, if a larger heater is needed for commercial or industrial applications, there are powerful propane heaters that sit on a set of wheels. The wheels make it easier to move the heater around a space.

Safety

Whenever using any type of heating device, it’s critical to be certain that all the necessary precautions are being followed to ensure that no one is at risk. This includes the proper storage of propane tanks and adequate ventilation when the heater is in use. There are other safety features to consider like overheating protection, a tip-over mechanism, and an oxygen-depletion sensor.

• The overheating protection feature senses the rising temperature and shuts down the heater to prevent damage to the room or any flammable objects and to stop internal damage to the heater.
• Tip-over mechanisms protect users from the risk of fire if the heater falls over. The impact of the fall is what activates this feature, turning off the heater so that it cannot start a fire by igniting any nearby items, like carpeting or curtains.
• An oxygen-depletion sensor is designed to measure the available oxygen within the local vicinity. If the oxygen level drops below a specified point, the heater will automatically turn off to allow the oxygen to increase and prevent the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

BTU Capacity

The heat output of a propane heater is normally measured in BTUs, with each BTU equal to the heat it would take to increase the temperature of 1 pound of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit. The BTU rating of a propane heater can range widely from as low as 3,000 BTUs to higher than 300,000 BTUs. The best BTU output for a heater will depend on how and where it will be used. For example, outdoor heaters naturally require a higher heat output.

Before deciding on a product, measure the room that needs to be heated. To help figure out which heater is best suited to a particular need, most manufacturers list the BTU output and include the approximate square footage that is appropriate for the heater. For example, a heater with a maximum of 10,000 BTUs may heat a space of approximately 250 square feet, while a unit that has a maximum of 18,000 BTUs will have no problem with 450 square feet.

Size

Size is a factor that can impact where the heater will be used, how it is set up, and whether it’s a portable heater or a stationary unit. A small heater can often be picked up and carried around without a problem. Always check with the manufacturer, but smaller units usually can be used both indoors and outdoors without producing harmful fumes, as these smaller heaters tend to burn fuel at a slower pace.

Large propane heaters can take up a lot of space, which can become a safety hazard if they are too close to flammable objects in the room. Their size also may affect the placement in the room, or it may limit the product to outdoor use. However, a larger propane heater is able to hold an equally large propane tank so it won’t need to be replaced as frequently as the fuel in a small heater.

The Advantages of Owning a Propane Heater

There are many advantages to owning a propane heater. One of the defining features is that these heaters are typically fueled by a portable container of propane, giving users the freedom to carry them from room to room or even take them out into the middle of the woods when camping. Unless the heater has a built-in fan unit, users won’t have to be tethered to a power outlet with this heater.

There is also the benefit of cost savings with a propane heater. This is because the average cost of electricity is higher than the average cost of propane. With a propane heater, there is a wide range of heat-output options that can increase well beyond the capabilities of an electric or natural gas heater, allowing users to rapidly heat up large outdoor spaces.

• Unless the heater has a built-in fan unit, propane heaters don’t normally need to be plugged into a wall, allowing users to move the heater wherever it’s needed.
• Propane is more cost-effective than electricity for heating an area, so users save money with this style of heater.
• The same high heat outputs aren’t available from electric heaters or natural gas heaters as from a propane heater.

FAQs

Whether you want to supplement heat for a greenhouse or have access to a source of emergency heat when the power goes out, propane could be the answer. If you still have questions about propane heaters, read below to find the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.

Meet the Tester

Glenda Taylor is a product tester and writer specializing in the construction, remodeling, and real estate industries. She and her husband own a general contracting company, and Taylor is experienced in both residential and commercial building applications. She tests a wide range of power tools as well as other home improvement, household, and lawn-and-garden products.

Additional research provided by Timothy Dale and Bob Beacham.

The post The Best Propane Heater Can Be Used Almost Anywhere—Even Inside appeared first on Bob Vila.

Part-time workshop, storage center for outdoor equipment, shelter for the family cars—the garage is a do-it-all space. Given all of the foot traffic (not to mention mess) that happens here, that space deserves as much attention as any other room in the home. Fortunately, one easy update can both refresh and preserve your multipurpose zone: painting the floor.

Good for more than just coloring your concrete, epoxy paint can make the surface easier to clean and act as a shield against grease and oil stains, both of which are common garage spills. The key to an expert application? Hold out for mild weather—like the crisp and dry temperatures that arrive in the fall—before getting to work on this weekend project. Then, follow these steps for how to paint a garage floor carefully and you’ll be rolling over and walking on glassy floors in no time.

How to Paint a Garage Floor

Step 1: Ensure that the garage is well ventilated.

Make sure your garage is well ventilated since you will be working with epoxy paint and bleach, both of which have strong fumes. Open a window or your garage door to ensure that air is circulating through the space. Next, pull on the proper protective gear: rubber gloves, dust mask, safety goggles, as well as a set of clothes you don’t mind splattering paint on.

Step 2: Clear the floor of dust and dirt.

Sweep the floor, and wash away all stains using a mixture of bleach and water so that it’s completely clean and clear of dust and dirt before you start painting. (Follow the product instructions to get the ratio of bleach to water exactly right.) If you encounter any stains that are especially stubborn, switch from a standard scrub brush to one with metal bristles to work them out.

When you’re done, rinse the entire area with clean water. Pro tip: Using a pressure washer may make this part of the job easier.

Step 3: Fill in any imperfections in the concrete floor.

If you notice any cracks in the floor, you’ll want to fill them in before painting over the full surface, otherwise they would leave noticeable dents in your renewed floor. Use a concrete filler to take care of smaller cracks and a concrete patch for larger ones. Be sure the cracks are completely clean and dry before applying the compound.

Step 4: Apply concrete etcher to the floor.

After everything has dried, both the bleach solution and any filler you may have used, check to see if you’ll need to etch the floor’s surface. (Etching is a process that will help the paint absorb better.) To test the floor, sprinkle a few drops of water onto the floor. If it absorbs quickly, you can move onto the next step; if the droplets don’t absorb quickly, your best bet is to apply a concrete etcher to the surface.

Concrete etchers can be purchased from hardware and home improvement stores. Following the package’s instructions, dilute the concrete etcher with water and mix it in a plastic bucket. Apply it to the entire floor using a stiff-bristled broom to move it around. Let it stand as long as the product requires, scrub with the broom, then rinse and mop up the extra water. In the end, your floor will have a texture similar to that of a medium-grit sandpaper. allow the floor to dry overnight before you begin painting.

Tried-and-True Advice

“When I painted my garage floor, I found that putting painter’s tape along the edges of the floor where it meets the walls helped me achieve a crisp, professional finish.

I also used a small foam brush to carefully paint along the edges before rolling the epoxy paint onto the larger areas. This helped prevent the roller from accidentally splattering paint all over the walls and saved me from doing touch-ups later. I kept a damp rag nearby to quickly clean up any accidental smudges while the paint was still wet.”

—Paul Rankin, Contributing Writer

Step 5: Prime the floor.

Next, just as you would on walls or furniture, apply a primer coat of paint to your dry garage floor. To take the back-breaking bending out of the application process, though, swap a standard paintbrush or roller for a long-handled paint roller instead.

Let it dry for six to eight hours before moving on to the topcoat.

Step 6: Apply two coats of epoxy.

Mix the epoxy paint well, and apply the first layer using a nylon brush and a water-resistant roller cover. Give that first coat 24 hours to dry before applying the second one.

Then, wait at least five days before walking (or driving) on the floor’s surface. A week later, when you’re rolling your car over the new garage floor, you’re sure to agree that this is one refresh well worth the wait.

The post How to Paint a Garage Floor appeared first on Bob Vila.

Snow, sleet, ice, and freezing temperatures make winter driving treacherous and unpredictable. Be prepared for even the worst weather by stocking your car with supplies that will keep you comfortable, and keep your car moving safely, all season long.

RELATED: The 50 Best Products for Surviving Winter

1. Pet-Friendly De-Icer

While municipalities usually plow and ice city roads, sidewalks, parking lots, and concrete steps on private property don’t fall within their purview. If you’re faced with a treacherous and unavoidable dismount—for instance, a slippery sidewalk where ice has melted and refrozen—a bit of de-icer can make the trip from your car to your destination a little less dangerous. Just keep in mind before you pour that not everyone may appreciate your taking matters into your own hands.

Read our full review: Natural Rapport Ice Melt.

What Our Tester Says: “We really loved this ice melt’s shaker container for easy spreading. The larger granules also minimized our need to reapply.”—Zach Lazzari, Product Reviews tester and writer 

Get Natural Rapport Pet-Friendly Ice Melt at Amazon for $21.95.

2. Kitty Litter

When you’re stuck in the snow, the best thing to do is put your car into low gear and accelerate slowly to give the wheels the best chance at gaining traction. If the wheels spin too fast, your car could just end up further entrenched in the snow. To get that extra bit of traction, you can sprinkle some kitty litter in the path of your tires to give the treads something to grip so they can pull you out of your rut.

Get a 25-pound bag of Premium Choice Carefree Kitty Unscented All-Natural Clumping Cat Litter at Chewy for $20.99

RELATED: 11 Tricks Every Driver Needs to Know This Winter

Windshield De-Icer

A good spray de-icer can solve myriad problems. Spray it on the windshield to break up ice and frost—especially useful if your car’s defroster is not in working order—or apply it to headlights and taillights to keep them from freezing over and losing brightness. It’s also a good idea to keep a small container of de-icer in your purse, backpack, or briefcase for those times when your car’s locks freeze over and you can’t get in.

Get CRC Ice-Off Windshield Spray De-Icer at Amazon for $8.82.

RELATED: 8 Easy Ways to Winter-Proof Your Car

4. Snow Brush

A snow brush is a winter-weather must-have. Ideally, opt for a combination snow brush and ice scraper like the Snow Moover, a top performer in our researched guide to the best ice scrapers. This one has thick bristles that help brush away snow from the windshield, hood, headlights, and roof of the car so you can get going as quickly as possible and stay safe on the road.

Get the Birdrock Home Snow Moover Small Car Brush and Ice Scraper at Amazon for $14.99.

RELATED: Best Car Accessories: 19 Gadgets Your Ride Really Needs

5. Mitten Windshield Scraper

It can be tough to scrape ice from your car windows when it’s really cold outside. If you’re wearing bulky gloves, you end up awkwardly fumbling and doing a so-so job with even the best ice scraper. Then, when you take off the gloves to gain better control of the scraper, your fingers go numb from the cold. Enter the Traderplus ice scraper mitt, a mitten with an integrated scraper. It will get the job done and keep your paws toasty warm.

Get the Traderplus Ice Scraper Mitten at Amazon for $15.99.

6. Windshield Cover

If snow flurries threaten to cover your freshly scraped car while you run into the grocery store, or if freezing rain is coming down while you’re inside working, you might want to throw a cover over your windshield. Not only will it keep your windshield free of snow and ice, but it will also protect the wipers from freezing to the glass, allowing you to get on your way quickly and easily.

Get the EcoNour Windshield Snow Cover at Amazon for $29.99.

RELATED: 23 Brilliant Hacks to Help You Weather Winter

7. Traction Mat

When you need extra traction to get out of a slippery situation, these 36-inch polypropylene traction mats can handle it, whether you’re stuck in snowy, muddy, or sandy conditions. Lightweight (just 2.5 pounds each) and easy to carry, there’s no installation—or shoveling—required to get you on your way again.

Get a Jojomark Tire Traction Mat at Amazon for $69.99.

RELATED: 10 Surprising Tips and Tricks for Dealing With Ice and Snow

8. HotHands

In extreme winter weather, you could become stranded on the road at any time. If you’re stuck in your car, the last thing you want is to be uncomfortable and shivering. To keep your hands warm while you’re waiting for help, stash a few packages of HotHands in the car. This popular air-activated hand warmer is a favorite of campers, hunters and fishermen, tailgaters, and anyone else who needs to keep warm in far-from-balmy conditions.

Get a 10-pack of HotHands Hand Warmers at Amazon for $7.48.

9. Nonslip Boots

Winter weather is unpredictable. You never know when you’ll have to get out of the car and shovel snow out from under your tires or change a tire while icy rain is pouring down. To make these unexpected challenges safer and more manageable, be sure you have a pair of sturdy, slip-free boots, such as Moab 2 waterproof boots from Merrell, stowed in your vehicle. A pair of these will provide the traction you need in an emergency, and they’re even handy when all you need is a warm, dry change of shoes.

Get the Merrell Moab 2 Waterproof Hiking Boots at Amazon, priced from $94.95. 

RELATED: 7 Snow Shoveling Lessons No One Ever Taught You

10. Heated Blanket

Hand warmers aren’t the only way to keep warm when you’re stuck on the road. Several top-rated heated electric blankets on the market can be plugged into a 12-volt power outlet (in other words, the socket for the cigarette lighter). Look for a blanket that’s large enough to keep two people warm and that has a cord long enough to reach the back seat.

Get the Stalwart Electric Blanket at Amazon, priced from $24.95.

RELATED: 10 Genius Gadgets to Bring on Your Next Road Trip

11. Emergency Flashlight

Flag down help, even in the worst weather, with a pair of trusty emergency flashlights. These lights by HeroBeam, sold as a twin pack, can also be used as work lights. The lights are water- and shock-resistant, and each one is outfitted with a strong magnet that allows for mounting on steel car panels or the hood or fender and has a clothing clip to hook onto a coat or belt.

Get Cob LED Work Flashlight with Magnetic Base and Clip Multi-Function Pocket Pen Light Inspection Work Light at Amazon for $14.99.

12. Protein Bars

Horrific storms in recent years have led to road closures and delays that have left drivers stranded in bumper-to-bumper conditions for up to 12 hours. Prepare for trouble now by stashing high-protein snacks in the glove box. You’ll need water, too, but it’s not a good idea to keep water bottles in your car indefinitely, since they can freeze and crack. Instead, always carry a bottle or two in your backpack or purse so you’ll be prepared for whatever winter dishes out.

Get 12 RXBARS at Amazon for $20.43

RELATED: 14 Things You Never Thought to Keep in Your Car

13. Portable Car Battery Starter

While having jumper cables in the car is good practice year ‘round, you definitely don’t want to be caught without them when winter winds blow. There may be no other drivers out when your battery decides to quit, so consider carrying a portable car jump starter, which dispenses with the need for another car to jump yours. Charge it up once a year via USB, then carry it in your car to jump-start your battery whenever needed. It also functions as a power bank and a flashlight.

Get the NOCO Boost Sport Jump Starter Box at Amazon for $79.95. 

RELATED: How to Jump-Start a Car Without Another Car

14. Snow Shovel

Not all emergency supplies have to be high-tech. A humble snow shovel might be all that’s needed to get you out of a jam when the white stuff piles up unexpectedly while you’re out to dinner with friends. Look for one that folds down or disassembles into a compact package for easy storage.

Get the Overmont 32-inch Folding Emergency Snow Shovel at Amazon for $32.99.

15. Portable Phone Charger

Portable phone chargers are handy to have when you have no other power source to charge your potentially life-saving method of communication. If your phone battery is dead from too much snow-covered-mountain picture-taking, and your car battery is dead because of course it is, a portable charger might just save you. Consider purchasing a dedicated “car emergency” charger and committing yourself to leaving it in the car.

Get the Anker PowerCore Slim 10k Portable Charger at Amazon for $12.19

RELATED: Buyer’s Guide: The Best Solar Phone Chargers

16. Road Flares

In whiteout conditions, a bright red flare might save your life. Keep a pack of these emergency beacons in your car to alert others that you need help or to let passersby know that your car is parked on the shoulder. Flares that come in a bag will remain safely contained in your trunk. And don’t forget to also carry a lighter, stored in a separate place, to light the flares.

Get the 6-pack Orlon Safety Highway Flare Kit at Amazon for $30.75

The post 16 Winter Emergency Supplies You Should Always Keep in Your Car appeared first on Bob Vila.

Most garages aren’t designed to stay warm inside when outdoor temperatures are frigid. Garages usually lack insulation, and their concrete floors remain chilly all year around. Even with a small space heater running, the temperature inside the garage probably won’t rise more than a few degrees.

When the air inside your garage is bitterly cold, it’s not just the DIYer who doesn’t function well: Tools are icy, paints and glues won’t bond properly, and automotive repairs and woodworking tasks can be difficult to complete. To be able to tinker in your garage in all seasons, not just the warm ones, combine some of these tips for heating the garage to a comfortable temperature. You’ll have a productive work space, whatever the weather.

1. Choose a portable space heater (or two) that’s properly sized for the garage’s square footage.

Visit your local home improvement store in late fall, and you’ll find aisles of portable energy-efficient space heaters, both large and small. Most of these options, however, aren’t powerful enough to heat an entire garage. If you’re looking for a serious heat source, consider installing a ceiling-mounted forced-air heating unit such as the hardwired Dr. Infrared 7,500-Watt Garage Heater, or Comfort Zone Garage Heater, confirming, of course, that the heater model you choose is adequately sized for the square footage of your garage. This type of heater is best situated in a corner of the garage, pointed downward at a 45-degree angle to provide the best distribution of warmth. Most of today’s ceiling-mounted garage heaters come with a remote control and a thermostat so you can set the temperature you prefer and rely on the shop heater to do the rest. For other terrific heater options, refer to our tested guide to the best garage heaters.

The only real downside to a ceiling-mounted heater is that the inches nearest the floor may remain cold. If your feet are still chilly, try supplementing with a baseboard heater placed where you’re most apt to be working—one likely spot is the area beneath your workbench. Hydronic baseboard heaters like the Slant/Fin Fine/Line 30 Series Hot Water Baseboard Heater are hooked up to a home’s boiler. As hot water runs through the pipes in the heater, warm air radiates out into the space, keeping things toasty at floor level and beyond.

2. Insulate the walls with fiberglass batt and paneling.

No matter how much power your garage heater packs, you’ll find it difficult to maintain comfortable warmth in your garage if the walls aren’t finished. Many garage walls consist of just the studs, covered on the outside with sheathing and siding. Without garage insulation, cold air outside will quickly transfer to the inside of the garage and detract from your heating efforts.

Insulating a garage is a project that’s easy enough for most homeowners to take on themselves. To create an insulated barrier, install fiberglass batt insulation (such as Johns Manville R-19 fiberglass batt insulation) in each stud space and then finish the interior walls by installing drywall panels, plywood sheets, or oriented strand board (OSB). Insulated and finished walls will help retain heat in the garage, and you’ll save money on heating bills.

3. Insulate the garage door.

Often manufactured from thin metal, garage doors are notoriously cold in winter. In fact, if you live in a northern climate, it’s not unusual to find frost clinging to the inside of a metal garage door. Insulating the garage door will help keep the cold outside air from transferring indoors and cooling the workshop. An insulated garage door can make the space an average of 10 to 12 degrees warmer in winter, even before you crank up any heaters. And the process isn’t so intimidating for do-it-yourselfers, thanks to kits like Reach Barrier’s Garage Door Insulation Kit, which contain all of the necessary supplies. When selecting a garage door insulation kit, be sure to measure your doors carefully. While the Reach Barrier kit will insulate one standard garage door, garages with oversize doors (or two or more doors) will require additional kits.

4. Seal gaps and drafts.

Investing in insulation and heaters will help you keep your garage comfortable in the winter, but you should also seal any gaps that let cold drafts blow through. To get started, take a walk around your garage, focusing on these three most likely sources of drafts.

• The garage door frame: Garage doors don’t fit tightly in their frames—small gaps run all the way around the door. Fortunately, you can quickly address these spots with an integrated weather-strip seal like M-D Building Products’ Vinyl Garage Door Top and Sides Seal. The self-adhesive strips will help close the gaps so cold drafts can’t enter.
• The bottom of the door: If your garage door is more than a couple of years old, it’s also a good idea to replace the seal, or garage door threshold, where the door meets the floor. This seal is designed to block drafts but can become brittle and cracked over time, and start to let the cold air in. Gaskets are available in various sizes to fit different size doors. Measure the width of your door carefully before you choose a replacement such as DGSL’s Bottom Rubber Weather Stripping Kit.
• Windows: To seal drafty windows, apply shrink-type film to the inside of the windows. To install the 3M Window Insulator Kit or other top picks from our tested guide to the best window insulating kits, tape the shrink wrap to the window frame and then use a hair dryer to heat the film until it fits snugly to the frame, sealing out drafts.

5. Install a radiant floor heating system.

If you enjoy working on your car in your garage, you probably dread having to lie on a frigid concrete floor while changing oil or making repairs. One effective way to remedy this problem is to install a radiant floor heating system. Unfortunately, this is a viable solution only for those who are building a new garage or are planning to tear out and replace an existing garage floor. Radiant floor heating is installed before the concrete floor is poured. The installation process is roughly as follows:

• First, a reflective liner is installed over fill sand in the bottom of the excavated area, 
• Flexible piping is positioned in loops over the liner
• The concrete is poured
• The radiant heating system is connected to the boiler, which circulates hot water through the pipes, radiating heat to the floor and the objects above.

If you spend a lot of time in your garage and are thinking of renovating it, this solution may be right for you. It’s not a DIY project. You’ll need to hire a plumber who specializes in installing radiant floor heating systems. The cost to install radiant floor heating is usually about $5 to $9 per square foot for installation, plus the cost of the boiler. The resulting system is ideal for heating a garage workshop: It warms the space without blowing wood chips and dust around as forced-air heating would, keeping your workspace clear of particles that might interfere with detail work.

6. Run a portable propane heater.

Many houses are connected to natural gas lines, but garages often aren’t, and that leaves homeowners with fewer options for heating their garages.

Electric heating is almost always a possibility, but in many regions electricity is pricey. Electric garage heaters also pull a lot of juice, which can cause circuits to overload and breakers to trip, particularly if you’re running a few tools at the same time. Also, relying on electric heat may require additional electrical circuits. For all of these reasons, using a propane heater for the garage may be a reasonably priced alternative. (For our recommended manufacturers and models, read our tested guide to the best propane heaters.)

A standard, 20-pound propane tank can power a small propane heater. If that’s not enough heat, you can opt for a larger 500-gallon tank and have a plumber run a gas line to the garage to fuel a larger propane gas garage heater. Where venting isn’t possible, look for a vent-free propane heater that’s designed to burn cleanly and safely.

7. Warm up with a wood-burning stove.

For those who plan on spending a lot of time in a garage workshop during the colder months, it’s tough to beat the soothing warmth of a wood-burning stove. Not only will a wood burning stove provide heat, but it also adds a cozy ambience to the space. If you have a ready source of wood, this can be among the best options for cheap heat. (Our researched guide to the best wood stoves highlights high-quality stoves at a variety of price points.)

Safety considerations should be top of mind if you decide to install a wood-burning stove in a garage. The stove must be positioned on a nonflammable surface—a concrete garage floor is ideal—and located a safe distance from walls, cabinets, and any flammable or combustible items. Models vary, however, and some of the newer wood-burning stoves feature insulated exterior shells that don’t get dangerously hot.

It’s important to note that a wood stove must be appropriately vented to keep smoke from backing up in the garage. Local building codes come into play here and usually require that a triple-wall stovepipe be installed vertically through the ceiling. Check with your local building authority for additional restrictions.

8. Concentrate heat with a kerosene space heater.

Electric space heaters are great for supplemental heating during cold weather, but if a space heater will be the only source of heat in a garage, it should be a powerful one. A kerosene-powered heater fits the bill.

This type of space heater, often called a “torpedo” or “salamander,” generates a lot of heat and concentrates it in a specific direction, so a craftsperson or mechanic at work in the garage can stay nice and warm. Because these heaters often have fans that run on electricity, you’ll still need an electric outlet to run it, but the heat itself is generated by kerosene.

Kerosene space heaters, such as the Dyna-Glo 50,000 BTU Forced Air Heater, a top performer in our tested guide to the top non-electric heaters, can generate up to 215,000 BTUs. That’s a heck of a lot of heat! When selecting a kerosene heater for a garage, buy one that’s designed for indoor use to ensure that it won’t emit toxic fumes. Kerosene torpedo heaters designed for outdoor use may not burn as cleanly, and they are not intended for use in closed spaces. Make sure the model you choose is properly sized for the space in which it’ll be used.

9. Radiate heat.

Some types of heaters blow out hot air that warms up a space, but radiant heat works a bit differently, and it’s among the best options for heating a garage on a chilly day.

Radiant heaters use infrared energy that’s generated in a number of ways, via a heating element, an infrared lamp, or even actual flames. The way they work, however, is fundamentally different from forced-air heat. Imagine standing outdoors on a cold day. When the sun comes out, you immediately feel its warmth—that’s radiant heat—even though the air temperature may not have risen perceptibly.

In a garage or workshop, radiant heaters can be installed overhead or on walls. The Comfort Zone CZQTV5M Ceiling Mounted Radiant Quartz Heater uses two quartz bulbs and a reflective base to radiate heat outward, where it will make you, and everything around you, warm. You’ll be able to work comfortably no matter how cold it gets outside and, thanks to the heater’s built-in halogen light bulb, you’ll be able to see whatever’s on your workbench.

10. Extend your mini-split system setup into the garage.

For homeowners who already have a ductless mini-split air conditioning system for heating and cooling, it should be fairly easy to add an indoor air-handling unit to your system if the compressor you have is large enough to handle heating and cooling an additional “room.” If you don’t already have a mini-split system, purchasing a mini-split compressor and indoor unit for your garage is still a terrific option, but doing so will cost you more than a few space heaters will.

11. Reduce thermal transfer with a floor covering.

While heaters and insulation will certainly help keep the air in your garage warmer during the winter, there’s one zone that will still feel frigid: the garage floor. Concrete floors can be bitterly cold, particularly so for anyone who has to scoot under a car or kneel on the floor to work on a project.

Covering the floor is the simplest solution to cold concrete: Consider putting down an indoor/outdoor rug that can be vacuumed or blown clean with a leaf blower. To make a hard concrete floor more comfortable, you might instead install interlocking rubber mats—the kind that’s used for the best gym flooring. These mats both insulate the floor and pad it, making it easier to be on your feet for long periods of time.

The post How to Heat a Garage: 11 Ways to Keep Your Workshop Warm in Winter appeared first on Bob Vila.