Choosing the right garage heater in Alberta

For many Albertans, the garage is more than a place to park, it’s a workshop, a gym, a storage space, or even the launchpad for weekend projects. With the recent cold temperatures, you may find yourself thinking about installing a garage heater to make next winter a little more comfortable.

In this guide, we’ll break down what homeowners should consider when shopping for a garage heater in Alberta, the differences between natural gas and electric options, and how to stay compliant with local energy efficiency regulations.

Assessing your garage’s heating needs

Before choosing a heater, determine your garage’s structure and size, as well as how warm you want the space to be. Gas heaters are sized by BTUs, while electric heaters are sized by wattage. According to Alberta heating experts, a typical two car garage requires a natural gas heater in the 30,000–40,000 BTU range, while a three car garage may need upwards of 45,000 BTUs. Electric heaters, by contrast, follow a general guideline of roughly 10 watts per square foot of space.¹

These estimates offer a helpful benchmark, but professional assessment ensures the most efficient, cost effective sizing, especially for garages with unique layouts or usage patterns.

Woman sitting in front of a fan blowing air

Natural Gas vs. Electric heaters

Choosing between gas and electric heaters is often a balance of performance, cost, and convenience. Check out our appliances blog for helpful comparisons and guidance on calculating costs.

Natural Gas garage heaters

Natural gas heaters deliver fast, powerful heat, an important factor during Alberta cold snaps. Natural gas also tends to cost less per unit of energy than electricity in Alberta, which can make gas heaters more economical for large heating loads like garages.

Electric garage heaters

Electric heaters offer nearly 100% energy conversion efficiency and can be easier to install, especially in detached garages without gas hookups. However, electricity often costs more per kilowatt hour than the equivalent energy in natural gas, making electric heat potentially more expensive to operate for high demand spaces.

For homeowners undecided between the two, Encor’s flexible fixed and floating energy plans allow you to review your electricity and natural gas rates side by side, helping you determine which fuel type offers the best long term value for your space and usage habits.

Consider insulation

Even the best garage heater can’t overcome poor insulation. Alberta heating professionals warn that many garages, particularly detached ones, lack proper insulation, causing significant heat loss and higher operating costs.¹

Look for certified, energy efficient products

Many heating products in Canada must meet efficiency requirements under the federal Energy Efficiency Act², managed by Natural Resources Canada. Their searchable product list provides comparisons for regulated appliances such as gas fired unit heaters, electric heaters, and other HVAC equipment³.

Choosing certified products helps ensure you’re investing in safe, efficient technology that supports lower energy bills over time.

Summary

Regardless of how you decide to heat your garage, Encor offers flexible electricity and natural gas plans designed for Alberta households seeking long term price stability or market responsive floating rates. A warm, well heated garage is one of winter’s greatest comforts, whether you're tuning up your vehicle, diving into DIY, or simply gearing up for a 6 a.m. icy commute. By selecting the right heater, improving your insulation, and understanding Alberta’s energy standards, you can make your garage more efficient and inviting extension of your home.

Sources:
¹ Most Efficient Ways to Heat a Garage During Alberta Winters

²Canada’s Energy Efficiency Act (Act) and Energy Efficiency Regulations (the Regulations)

³Energy Efficient Regulations

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Customers are free to purchase natural gas services or electricity services from a retailer of their choice. For a list of retailers, visit ucahelps.alberta.ca or call 310-4822 (toll free in Alberta).