What Features Should I Look For In a Heater for My Workshop or Garage? 

When the cold creeps in, having a reliable heater for your workshop or garage makes all the difference. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the best one for your space? Warmth is only part of the equation — you also need safety, efficiency, durability, and comfort. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve highlighted the top features to look for in a workshop or garage heater. Plus, we’ll show you how SunFire Heaters stand out from the competition. 

1. Heating Power (BTUs) 

Heating power is one of the most important factors to consider. BTUs (British Thermal Units) measure the amount of heat a heater can produce. The larger the space, the higher the BTU rating you’ll need. 

What to Look For: 

• Know Your Space: Measure your workshop or garage’s square footage. For smaller areas, around 1,900 sq. ft., a heater with 80,000 BTUs may be ideal, while larger spaces up to 3,500 sq. ft. will require a heater with around 150,000 BTUs. 

• Right Size for the Job: Too little power and your space will stay cold. Too much, and you may waste fuel and energy. Find the right balance for the size of your space. 

SunFire Heater Pro Tip: SunFire offers heaters for every size of space: 

• SF80 – 80,000 BTUs, perfect for garages and small workshops (up to 1,900 sq. ft.) 

• SF120 – 120,000 BTUs, ideal for medium-sized areas (up to 2,800 sq. ft.) 

• SF150 – 150,000 BTUs for large workshops and job sites (up to 3,500 sq. ft.) 

2. Fuel Type and Efficiency 

Different heaters run on different fuel sources. Most portable workshop heaters run on diesel, kerosene, or propane. Each has its pros and cons, but some heaters offer fuel flexibility, which can help reduce costs and ensure you have options when fuel prices fluctuate. 

What to Look For: 

• Fuel Flexibility: The ability to run on multiple fuel types (like diesel or kerosene) means you have options when fuel availability or costs change. 

• Clean-Burning Technology: Some heaters emit fumes, smoke, and unpleasant odors. Look for heaters that burn fuel cleanly to avoid headaches, eye irritation, and unpleasant smells. 

• Fuel Efficiency: Look for a heater that maximizes fuel consumption for longer run times. A more efficient heater will keep you warm without eating through your fuel supply. 

SunFire Heater Pro Tip: SunFire heaters run on diesel or kerosene, giving you flexibility in fuel choices. With Xtreme Clean Technology, fuel burns cleaner and more efficiently, ensuring zero fumes, no odor, and lower operating costs. 

3. Safety Features 

Safety should be a top priority, especially when working indoors. Many heaters produce carbon monoxide or emit harmful fumes, so selecting a heater designed with safety in mind is essential. 

What to Look For: 

• Low Emissions: Choose a heater that burns fuel cleanly with no harmful fumes or odors. 

• Indoor Safe Use: Make sure the heater is certified for safe indoor use in ventilated spaces like garages, pole barns, and workshops. 

• Overheat Protection: Check for safety features that prevent the unit from overheating. 

SunFire Heater Pro Tip: SunFire heaters are built to be safer than traditional forced air models. They emit zero carbon monoxide emissions and operate without fumes or odors, creating a cleaner, healthier work environment. Plus, their clean-burning technology ensures superior air quality compared to many forced air heaters. 

4. Portability and Size 

If you frequently move your heater around your shop or garage, portability is key. Some heaters are lightweight and compact, while others are large, heavy, and difficult to transport. 

What to Look For: 

• Slim Profile: Choose a heater that can fit through standard doorways for easy relocation. 

• Portability Features: Look for heaters with built-in handles, multi-lift brackets, or tube frames for easy movement. 

• Weight: If you plan to move it often, lightweight heaters are a smart choice. 

SunFire Heater Pro Tip: Every SunFire heater model fits through a standard 36-inch doorway, making them ideal for easy relocation. The SF150 includes a multi-lift bracket that allows for lifting via crane, forklift, or straps. Each model is engineered for easy transport, whether you’re relocating it across a shop or setting it up at a job site. 

5. Noise Level 

If you’ve ever used a forced air heater, you know how loud they can be. For workshops and garages, noise can be a significant factor, especially if you’re working for long periods. 

What to Look For: 

• Quiet Operation: Avoid heaters with noisy fans or blowers. 

• No Forced Air Fans: Radiant heaters, unlike forced air heaters, heat directly without air movement, making them significantly quieter. 

SunFire Heater Pro Tip: All SunFire heaters operate quietly, unlike forced air models. No loud fans, no blowing dust, and no noise to disrupt your focus. This makes them a great option for residential garages, workshops, and shared workspaces where a quiet environment matters. 

6. Build Quality and Durability 

If you’re buying a heater for a garage or workshop, it’s going to take some hits. Whether you’re rolling it across uneven floors or using it on job sites, durability is essential. 

What to Look For: 

• Heavy-Duty Steel Construction: Choose a heater built to withstand impacts and rough handling. 

• Built to Last: Check if the heater is built with high-quality materials, not cheap plastic or lightweight metal. 

SunFire Heater Pro Tip: SunFire heaters are made in the USA using heavy-duty steel for rugged durability. They’re designed to withstand the toughest environments, and every heater is rigorously tested before leaving the factory. From the welds to the paint, every detail is built to last. 

7. Ease of Maintenance 

No one wants to spend their time fixing their heater. Choose a heater that’s low-maintenance and easy to keep in peak condition. 

What to Look For: 

• Simple Cleaning: Opt for heaters that don’t require frequent filter cleaning or part replacements. 

• Easy-to-Find Replacement Parts: Check if parts, like nozzles or filters, are easy to order and replace. 

SunFire Heater Pro Tip: SunFire heaters require minimal maintenance thanks to their clean-burning fuel system. Plus, replacement parts are readily available, and technical support is free for the life of your heater. 

8. Warranty and Customer Support 

A good warranty is a sign of a brand’s confidence in its product. If you’re investing in a heater, you want to make sure you’re covered in case something goes wrong. 

What to Look For: 

• Warranty Length: Look for at least a 1-2 year warranty for peace of mind. 

• Customer Support: Check if the manufacturer offers support to help troubleshoot issues. 

SunFire Heater Pro Tip: Every SunFire heater comes with a 24-month warranty and access to free technical support for the life of the heater. If you have questions or need help, SunFire’s USA-based customer service team is just a call away. 

Choose the Right Heater for Your Space 

When selecting a heater for your workshop or garage, it’s clear that not all heaters are equal. You need a model that’s powerful, quiet, efficient, and durable enough to handle tough environments. That’s where SunFire stands out. 

With zero carbon monoxide emissions, Xtreme Clean Technology, and models ranging from 80,000 BTUs to 150,000 BTUs, SunFire heaters offer everything you need in a garage or workshop heater. Built in the USA, crafted from heavy-duty steel, and backed by a 24-month warranty, SunFire is the heater that works as hard as you do. 

Ready to choose the right heater for your workshop? Explore the full lineup of SunFire heaters and see why contractors, farmers, and mechanics alike trust SunFire to keep them warm and working.