Garage Heaters

Garage Heaters in Anchorage, Alaska

Moore Heating installs and services garage, shop, and hangar heaters throughout Anchorage and the Mat-Su Valley. A properly sized heater keeps vehicles starting, keeps stored water lines from freezing, and turns a cold garage into usable workspace all winter. Call (907) 561-1500 to schedule.

Quick Facts

Why Heat a Garage or Shop in Alaska?

In Southcentral and Interior Alaska, an unheated garage regularly sits below zero for weeks at a time. Keeping the space between 45 and 55 degrees protects stored paint, batteries, and plumbing, prevents ice buildup from melting snow on vehicles, and makes the garage a place you can actually work. For detached shops and hangars, a dedicated heater is usually the only practical option since the home furnace cannot carry that load.

What Types of Garage Heaters Does Moore Heating Install?

  • Gas-fired unit heaters, ceiling-mounted natural gas or propane heaters, the most common choice for Alaskan garages.
  • Radiant tube heaters, warm objects and floors directly, excellent for high-ceiling shops and bays with frequent door openings.
  • Hydronic unit heaters, tie into an existing boiler for efficient, quiet heat with no combustion in the garage.
  • In-floor radiant heat, best-in-class comfort for new construction or slab replacement projects.
  • Electric unit heaters, simple installs for smaller spaces where gas is not available.

How Do You Size a Garage Heater?

Sizing depends on square footage, ceiling height, insulation and door quality, how often the overhead door opens, and your design temperature, which is far colder in Fairbanks than in Anchorage. A two-car garage in Anchorage typically needs roughly 45,000 to 60,000 BTU; a poorly insulated shop in the Interior can need double that. We measure the space and calculate the load rather than guess. Request a free estimate.

What Are Common Garage Heater Problems in Alaska?

We regularly find blocked or frost-plugged combustion air intakes, cracked or disconnected vent pipe, failed thermocouples and igniters, propane regulators iced over, dirty flame sensors causing short cycling, and heaters that were undersized from the start and simply run nonstop in cold snaps. Rodent damage to wiring in detached shops is also common.

What Does a Garage Heater Inspection Include?

  1. Verify heater sizing against measured space and insulation levels
  2. Inspect burner assembly and clean as needed
  3. Test igniter or pilot and flame sensor operation
  4. Check gas pressure at the manifold
  5. Inspect gas piping and test for leaks
  6. Inspect vent pipe, terminations, and clearances
  7. Verify combustion air intake is clear of snow and frost
  8. Perform combustion analysis and check CO levels
  9. Inspect and lubricate the fan motor
  10. Check fan limit switch operation
  11. Inspect the heat exchanger for cracks or corrosion
  12. Test thermostat calibration and wiring
  13. Verify safety lockout and rollout switch function
  14. Inspect mounting hardware, hangers, and clearances to storage
  15. Check electrical connections and amp draw
  16. Inspect the condensate drain on condensing models
  17. Test propane regulator and tank pressure where applicable
  18. Verify hydronic coil flow and air-bleed on hydronic units
  19. Confirm CO detector presence and operation in the space
  20. Clean the heater cabinet and surrounding area
  21. Document findings and review recommendations with you

Frequently Asked Questions

What temperature should I keep my garage at in winter?
Most Alaskan homeowners hold 45 to 55 degrees. That protects plumbing, batteries, and stored liquids while keeping fuel use reasonable. If you use the garage as a workshop, set it up to 60 to 65 only while you are working in it.
Usually not. Home furnaces are sized for the living space, and extending ductwork to a garage often violates code because it can carry vehicle exhaust and fumes into the home. A dedicated garage heater is the correct approach.
For high ceilings, large bays, or doors that open frequently, radiant tube heaters recover faster because they heat surfaces rather than air. For a typical residential two- or three-car garage, a gas unit heater is simpler and less expensive.
Yes. Any space with a fuel-burning appliance, especially one where vehicles run, should have a working carbon monoxide detector. We verify detector presence during every service visit.
Yes. Propane unit heaters, electric unit heaters, and in some cases a hydronic loop from the house boiler are all options. We will review what is practical for your property during the estimate.