Yes, you can use an electric heater in a garage or workshop, provided the heater is placed on a stable surface, the area is free from dust, flammable liquids and fumes, and the space is not damp or wet. A heater will only warm your immediate surroundings; it will not be able to heat a completely cold, uninsulated garage.
When is a garage suitable for an electric heater?
The space determines whether an electric heater is a good idea. Garages and workshops often contain items that should not be near a hot heating element: paint, thinner, petrol, sawdust and paper. Fumes from solvents and fine dust can be flammable. Therefore, never use an electric heater while working with such substances, and keep the area clean. Another point is moisture. A garage is often cold and damp, and most household heaters are designed for dry indoor spaces. If there is condensation or water on the floor, do not use the heater.
What power do you need in a cold garage?
In practice, a heater warms the area around it. A single garage or workshop with little insulation loses a lot of heat through the door, walls and roof, so an 1800-watt heater will rarely make the entire space fully comfortable. It is, however, suitable for heating a workspace or hobby area. If you want to know how to match the power of a heater to the space, read our article on how many m² an electric heater heats.
| Check | What to do |
|---|---|
| Flammable items | Keep paint, thinner, petrol and dust away |
| Surface | Flat, stable and dry; never place on an unstable stack |
| Connection | Directly into a suitable socket; no extension cord unless permitted by the manufacturer |
| Moisture | No condensation, puddles or wet floor around the heater |
| Supervision | Do not leave running unattended; use a timer |
| Safety | Tip-over and overheating protection present |
How much does it cost to heat a garage with an electric heater?
An 1800-watt heater consumes a maximum of 1.8 kWh per hour. Assuming €0.30 per kWh, this costs €0.54 per hour, and running for four hours at full power would then come to approximately €2.16. In a poorly insulated garage, the heater will more often run at full power, so allow for the higher end of that estimate. Radar calculates that at the rates used, electric heating costs almost twice as much as heating with gas; see the Radar article. For temporary use in one area, this is usually acceptable; not for heating an entire garage for days at a time. The rate of €0.30 corresponds to the example calculations from ID.nl; check your own contract.
How to retain heat for longer
Close the garage door and any open doors, lay a mat on the cold floor, and position the heater so that the warm air reaches your workspace. A smaller enclosed area will retain heat faster than an open garage. More smart ways to heat a space specifically are explained in how to heat a home office without heating the entire house, an approach that also works in a hobby room.
Direct answer: an electric heater in a garage or workshop is possible, provided the space is dry and free from flammable substances and fumes. It mainly heats your immediate workspace, not the entire space, and at 1800 watts costs approximately €0.54 per hour (assuming €0.30 per kWh).
Dynter Aerva HT18C: compact ceramic heater for a workspace
The Dynter Aerva HT18C is a compact ceramic heater for indoor use. Whether your garage is suitable for it depends on the conditions mentioned above; always check the manual.
Power: maximum 1800 W, heat settings of 900 W and 1800 W.
Temperature: six settings from 10 to 30 °C.
Timer: adjustable up to 9 hours, after which the heater automatically switches off.
Safety: overheating protection and tip-over protection.
Size: approx. 23 × 18 × 13 cm, 1.5 kg, 1.5-metre cable.
View the Dynter Aerva HT18C or compare it with the Heater HW2002. You can find the complete range in the heater collection. Also read is an electric heater safe in a child's room for general safety tips.
Frequently asked questions
Can an electric heater be used in a damp garage?
We advise against it. If there is condensation or water on the floor, turn off the heater. Check the manual to see if the device is suitable for your environment.
Can I connect an electric heater to an extension cord?
It is preferable to connect a powerful heater directly to a socket. Only use an extension cord if the manufacturer expressly permits it.
How long does it take to heat a garage?
This depends on the size and insulation. In a cold, uninsulated garage, you will mainly heat your immediate workspace, not the entire space.
Which is more energy-efficient: a heater at 900 or 1800 watts?
At 900 watts, it consumes half as much per hour. At 1800 watts, it heats up faster, after which you can switch back down once the area is comfortable.