Are Propane Heaters Safe In Garages? (Find Out Now!)

If you’ve turned a section of your garage into a woodworking shop, your own personal mechanic workshop, a man cave, or some other sort of hobby center, you likely want to keep it warm and cozy during the winter months. After all, those drafty garage doors, concrete flooring, and little to no insulation are why garages are often among the coldest spaces in a home.

Of course, you can insulate your entire garage and install piping that connects to your home’s central heating system, but this is a major expense. In this case, a space heater makes the most sense for enjoying your garage when it’s cold outside. With that said, you may be wondering, “Are propane heaters safe in garages?”

In short, yes. Not only are propane heaters safe, they are also a very economical way to heat your garage without breaking the bank. When compared to electric heaters, propane heaters are more affordable to operate. They are also easy to install and incredibly efficient, as they burn cleaner, with fewer emissions than both electric and fuel oil heaters alike.

Though, it’s important to keep in mind that propane is flammable, meaning you should still exercise caution when operating a propane heater in your garage.

In general, there are two main types of propane heaters available on the market: indoor and outdoor models. Indoor varieties are designed, and safe, for use indoors. If you choose a model that is intended for indoor use, then you’ll enjoy a safe and warm experience. However, choosing an outdoor-only propane heater means that the unit should only be used outdoors or in a space that has appropriate ventilation and a carbon monoxide detector.

When you’re searching for the right propane heater for your home, make sure you determine which model it is. Indoor and outdoor propane heaters manage the smoke they generate differently. If you were to use an outdoor propane heater under the wrong conditions, this could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

Burning fuel, whatever type it may be, produces many different byproducts. Propane is no exception and one of the most dangerous gases that it generates is carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide (CO) can present major health concerns. It is a clear, odorless, and tasteless gas that can take a while to accumulate.

When you burn propane, carbon monoxide is always created. However, it can be easily dispersed when you have proper ventilation. But, how does this work with indoor propane heaters? Since these heaters are engineered to be used in enclosed spaces, the carbon monoxide doesn’t have anywhere to go.

To combat this issue, indoor propane heaters are outfitted with automatic shutoff switches that shuts off the heater if it detects insufficient levels of oxygen in the room. Some heaters even come with carbon monoxide detectors, which should be placed several feet from the heater to deliver the most accurate readings.

Note: Fortunately, most propane manufacturers add a distinct smell to the gas. That way, you can easily detect when there is a problem.

Like indoors, propane heaters are perfectly safe in garages. In fact, you can use both indoor and outdoor propane heaters in a garage. However, outdoor propane heaters should only be operated in a garage when the door is wide open. This allows the carbon monoxide to escape outdoors, while still keeping the heat inside.

An indoor propane heater, however, can be used safely in a garage whether the door is open or closed. When using a propane heater in your garage, make sure you keep an eye out for items surrounding the heat that could present a fire hazard – particularly flammable objects. Keep the heater away from gasoline, chemicals, lawn clippings, other propane tanks, and other flammable materials.